by FIDAInternational Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Theme: “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises”
To commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, FIDA Nigeria raises a huge RED FLAG and calls for prompt action by all key actors and stakeholders.
It is pertinent to note that the UN now classifies the menace of Drug abuse and illicit trafficking as a ‘disturbing obstruction to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals’, particularly Goals 3 on health and Goal 16 on peaceful societies.
As such drug abuse and illicit trafficking are no longer seen as minuscule factors affecting development in society, but a huge menace to the attainment of a peaceful and developed society with a healthy populace.
The key purpose of the commemoration on the 26th of June annually, of this day, (also known as World Drug Day), is to raise awareness of the major dilemma that illicit drugs represent to society, and to increase action and collaboration in the pursuit of a world free of drug abuse.
In Nigeria with the insecurities across the nation fueled by multiple social, economic, political challenges of all dimensions, not to mention tribal and religious conflicts which also abound with a lot of out-of-school children, and youths in our communities. Our porous borders and inability to control armed men attacking communities and inflicting untold hardship on them further aggravates the situation.
These attacks and the resultant insecurities have displaced millions of people, devastated agricultural production and other livelihoods, cut off essential services, and caused a crisis of protection. The frustrations are indeed immense, cutting across all genders and communities in the country with no early end to the conflict foreseeable. Reliance on available drugs to escape one’s frustrations seems therefore an easy route to take
In Nigeria, over 2.1 million people or 300,000 households, are now internally displaced in northern Nigeria, according to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). The resultant effect is a humanitarian crises situation which must be addressed Now!
Populations affected by humanitarian emergencies are particularly vulnerable to substance (alcohol and other drug) use and its disorders, yet treatment and prevention services are very scarce. The different types of substances usually abused are readily available and easily purchasable. This is wrong and aggressive intervention is necessary with the collaborative effort of all key players.
Drug
misuse is a traumatic experience for both the addict and his or her family and
friends, who may feel helpless in the face of the sickness. Addiction to any substance, whether legal or illegal, can in some cases lead to serious health conditions. Certain
medications could alter the structure and functioning of
the brain. It impacts an individual’s self-control and interferes with the capacity to resist the impulse to consume the substance after repeated use.
We find that under the influence of drugs, most members of the society exhibit irrational behaviour, cause conflicts, overreact on issues, as they lack capacity and the control to do things right. Consequently, in a society where all age groups are susceptible to drug abuse, the above poses a serious dilemma.
We also acknowledge that massive humanitarian problems persist in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other parts of the world, while the COVID-19 pandemic remains a huge worldwide health disaster. People all over the globe are in desperate need; from war zones to the refugee camps, to communities shattered by violence.
FIDA therefore raises this red flag to advocate alongside the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, on the urgent need to preserve the right to health for the most vulnerable in our communities, including children and youth, drug users, persons with drug use disorders, and persons who require access to regulated medicines.
We must intervene now to make our world safe, peaceful with continuous progressive development. We must all work together as collaborators, share genuine information about the drug issue, from health dangers to solutions to the global drug epidemic, as well as evidence-based prevention, treatment, and care services in times of crisis.
FIDA Nigeria calls on ALL, to recognize and properly address the growing menace of illegal drug availability, its abuse and illicit trafficking challenges. More must be done regarding the prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of drug abusers into society.
Let us we work collectively to keep our children, youths and communities safe from exposure to drug use, drug abuse, and drug trade/trafficking activities, as we strive to prevent further humanitarian crises within our country, particularly as we mark another International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
FIDA Nigeria emphatically says NO to Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking!!!
#CareInCrises #Notodrugabuse
#Fidanigeria
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Cultural Night at the 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting, Bauchi
The event was hosted by the First Lady of Bauchi State, Dr. Aishatu Bala Mohammed at the Banquet Hall, Government House on Wednesday 22nd of June 2022.
It was indeed a colorful night as delegates flooded the venue in their beautiful traditional outfits representing the different regions of Nigeria.
The audience were enlightened on the rich cultural heritage of the Bauchi people, tribes, languages, foods etc. While to the cultural troupe entertained in their different regalia showcasing different tribal dance steps. It proved very colourful and entertaining.
Featured that night were also dance performances from FIDANs in three segments representing the North, west and southern region
Guests were also treated to lovely delicacies from the state
by FIDAContinuing Legal Education Session FIDA Nigeria NEC Meeting
Day 2: Following the opening ceremony, the business session commenced with Continuing Legal Education for FIDANs where in presentations were made by different FIDA Executive at the State and National levels. The sessions was anchored by the National Publicity Secretary FIDA Nigeria Mrs. Christy Oyanvutu.
To build the capacity of participants a range of Topical issues were discussed including:
- Overview of the leadership training by Beatrice Awah, Assistant National Secretary
- Mediation, Counselling and Advocacy by Hon. Ruqayya Ibrahim Kewa, FIDA Bauchi PRO
- Operational Plan & SWOT (Personal and Branch) by Safiya Musa Salihu, FIDA Bauchi Treasurer
- Effective Mechanisms for conflict resolution between members & branches by Elizabeth Okotie, FIDA Gombe
- The specifics of effective communication skills by Nachamada Shaltha, Assistant National Publicity Secretary
- Overview of SOP on Case Management; case database and uploading cases by Evelyn Asimiea, DCVP
- Overview of SOP on Multiple Branches within a State by Eliana Martins, National Secretary
- Overview of SOP on Finance by Chineze Obianyo Fin Sec
- Overview of on-going Projects and implementation by Fikih Obaro, Programme Manager
- Navigating Branch Portals & Use of social media platforms by Truman Tyoden, Communications/IT Officer 2
The sessions were interactive
To round off activities for the Day was a surprise presentation of a birthday cake and gift for the Program Manager FIDA Nigeria Mr. Fikih Obaro, as the house sang him a birthday song.
The CVP Emeritus, Rhoda Prevail on behalf of FIDA Nigeria did a presentation to the Celebrant. It was a fun-filled afternoon.
by FIDAFormal Opening Ceremony 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting
The formal Opening Ceremony of the FIDA Nigeria Second Quarter National Executive Council Meeting was held on the 22nd of June, 2022, at Command Guest House, Bauchi State. The Chairperson of FIDA Bauchi, Fatima Abubakar as Hostess, warmly welcomed all to Bauchi State.
In her Address, the Country Vice President (CVP) FIDA Nigeria Amina Suzanah Agbaje appreciated the state government for the support FIDA Bauchi has enjoyed since its inauguration. She acknowledged and most especially appreciated H.E the Wife of the Governor of Bauchi State Hajia Aisha Bala Muhammad for the key role she played towards the establishment of the state branch and continuous support. She similarly acknowledged all key stakeholders for their efforts.
The CVP appealed for more support for the young branch to get it working optimally in achieving set objectives
In attendance were special guests including: the Secretary to the State Government Alh Hashimu Ibrahim SSA Political, representative of the Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly Hon Musa Wakili Nakwada, the Representative of the Chief Judge of Bauchi State Hon. Justice Fatima Jibrin
The Representative of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Bauchi State Shawanatu Yusuf, the Representative of the Emir Alh Usaini Jibo Dan Saran Bauchi, UNFPA Coordinator Bauchi State Mrs Ladi Alabi, Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command Umar Sanda Mamman, the Chairman NBA Bauchi Branch Jibrin Sa’id Jibrin also, the Representative of the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps Bauchi state Nurudeen Abdulahi.
The Event was declared opened by the Representative of the Chief Judge Hon. Justice Fatima Jibrin. Afterwards, a Keynote Address was delivered on ‘’Bauchi State Child Protection Bill: The Need to Pass the Law’’ presented by Dr. Umar Alkali a UNICEF consultant and Assoc. Prof. Faculty of Law, University of Maiduguri.
Goodwill Messages were received from well-wishers and partners amongst which were the NBA, Royal Father and the SSG Representative Alh. Hashimu Yakubu who assured FIDA of support from the state executive. The opening ceremony concluded with exchange of pleasantries amongst members and above all a great expectation on the events to follow.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria NEC Cocktail Party
FIDA Nigeria NEC Meeting Delegates were warmly welcomed to Bauchi and hosted to a beautiful Cocktail by the host branch FIDA Bauchi. The NBA Bauchi Chairman Jibrin Sa’id Jibrin and members of the Executive were also on hand to support the occasion as they welcomed delegates from over twenty-eight states of Nigeria to Bauchi.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Outreach to Bauchi State Correctional Centre
FIDA Nigeria as part of her 2nd Quarter National Executive Council Meeting Activities was hosted by her Bauchi State Branch, ably led by the Chairperson Fatima Abubakar.
The line-up of activities commenced on Tuesday, the 21st of June 2022 with an outreach to the Bauchi State Correctional Centre where FIDA working in collaboration with her partners namely, Al-Muhibbah Foundation, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Self-discovery Empowerment Foundation, Medical Women Association of Nigeria Bauchi and Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation visited the Bauchi Custodial Centre.
Legal Clinics were held where cases of inmates were taken, psychosocial support and medical aid was also given particularly for the female inmates.
The First Lady of Bauchi State (Dr) Aisha Bala Mohammed, Founder of Al-Muhibbah Foundation, who is most passionate about support to the less privileged in our society was present with a large entourage which included the Deputy Governor’s wife Hajiya Aishatu Alhaji Baba Tela and wife of the SSG Hajiya Habiba Ibrahim Kasim. Words of encouragement and prayers were offered while necessary items such as toiletries and other materials were donated.
Furthermore, we ensured the release of some inmates by the payment of fines, fulfilment of bail conditions and so forth
At the end of the outreach, inmates expressed immense gratitude for the interventions while airing out on some of the challenges they faced with the legal processes/ system, the available infrastructure and inadequate facilities of the prison service.
They however commended the personnel ably led by the Controller DCC Aminu Yusuf whom they said were doing a great job nevertheless.
The FIDA Nigeria CVP, Amina Agbaje sincerely appreciated all support and interventions
by FIDACapacity Building Workshop for Judges, Judicial and Legal Officers on Countering Trafficking-in-Persons, Bauchi State
FIDA Nigeria conducted a four-day capacity-building workshop in Bauchi, Bauchi State for judges, judicial and legal officers drawn from the judiciary, and the ministry of justice across Bauchi and Katsina States respectively in the Northern region. The workshop which held between 20th -23rd June 2022 at Chartwell Hotel & Suites Bauchi, Bauchi State was centered on Countering Trafficking-in-Person.
The workshop was organized with the intention of strengthening the capacities of judges, judicial and legal officers in the North to diligently prosecute and adjudicate in cases bordering on issues of trafficking-in-persons in their various capacities towards ensuring improved justice delivery in Nigeria. The workshop which spanned a 4-day period included different activities such as training sessions manned by facilitators, group presentations, focus group discussions, questions, feedback, networking, training pre and post-evaluation, and ice-breaker sessions. FIDA Nigeria employed a peer-learning and highly interactive approach to effectively actualize the objective of the workshop.
At the end of the workshop the capacity of the judges, judicial and legal officers to diligently prosecute, prevent & respond to cases of trafficking-in-persons in their various states was enhanced. Certificates of recognition was also issued to the participants at the end of the activities.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Strategic Roundtable Dialogue for CSOs On Gender Responsive Bills and The 2023 General Elections
On the 14th of June 2022, FIDA Nigeria conducted a Strategic Roundtable Dialogue for Civil Society Organizations On Gender Responsive Bills and The 2023 General Elections, An activity under the ActionAid We-You Project.
Discussions were centred around women and youth participation in politics with a panel session on gender-responsive bills, the outcome of the Federal High Court judgement on 35% affirmative action for women and their implications for women’s participation in politics. Also, strategies on the way forward since the passage of the gender-responsive bills were discussed. The panellists included Madam Ene Ede, Lois Auta and Madam Benjamin Dayo.
Some points highlighted during the panel session include:
– The need for Civil society organizations to engage with the media for broader reach by demystifying the concept of Gender through step-down trainings, simplification of the laws, statistics representation via info graphs, and regular publication on issues as they affect the right of women.
– Leaving no one behind by engaging women at all levels of the society in advocacy.
– The need to start the groundwork for women interested in vying for elective offices in the 2027 general elections.
Upon conclusion of the panel session, strategies on ensuring the inclusion of women in governance processes post-2023 general elections was also discussed.
by FIDAWorld Day Against Child Labour 2022
Theme “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour”.
To commemorate this year’s International Day Against Child Labour FIDA Nigeria joins the call for increased investment in creating systematic social protection policies and programs which protect the child against all forms of labour.
With the efforts and strategies put in place by UNICEF to fight against Child Labour, in its 2021 report on Children Protection, “the number of children in child labour has risen to 160 million worldwide – an increase of 8.4 million children in the last four years – with 9 million additional children at risk due to the impact of COVID-19.
It is estimated that without mitigation strategies, the number of children in child labour could rise by 8.9 million in the world by the end of 2022, due to higher poverty and increased vulnerability.
The resultant effects of heightened poverty in our communities on already vulnerable children and their families is inextricably linked with rising levels of homelessness, inadequate nutrition and food insecurity, inadequate childcare, lack of access to health care, unsafe neighbourhoods, and under-resourced schools which forms a basis of child labour.
Although the Nigerian Government has in the past made moderate advancements in efforts to eliminate child labour, it has not been effective enough, even with the hiring by Government of over 400 new labour inspectors and with the enactment of the National Social Behavioural Change Communication Strategy for Elimination of Child Labour in Nigeria (2020–2023).
Children in Nigeria are therefore subjected to the worst forms of child labour which we must collectively aggressively work to stop.
STOP
• Children hawking on the streets rather than being in school
• Children forced to work as farm hands, housemaids, quarrying granite, artisanal mining, commercial sexual exploitation, slavery or similar practices
• Child trafficking in all ramifications whether for drug production and sale or other illegal acts, including debt bondage
• Forced recruitment into armed conflict
• Hazardous work that can cause injury or moral corruption.
FIDA calls for suitable and adequate Social Protection measures to therefore be put in place to end Child Labour or indeed strategically reduce child labour in our communities such as:
• Increased access and support to ensure children can attend and stay in well-equipped schools
• Well laid out and properly implemented plans to improve economic growth in communities, particularly at the grassroots levels
• Improved and impactful social support measures to aid the vulnerable, accessible directly by them without too many technicalities
• Low-cost housing accommodation built for the vulnerable in communities to provide shelter at minimal rates
• Government-owned safe spaces/homes for vulnerable children should be increased and made very conducive for the children
• Working diligently to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
• All key Stakeholders must take their legal and social responsibilities seriously; government must effectively guard the system and promptly punish defaulters to serve as a deterrent
If the above is effectively implemented, it will ensure a protective and conducive environment for the best development of the child
Furthermore, the Child’s Right Act has been adopted by only 25 out of Nigeria’s 36 States, leaving the remaining 11 states in northern Nigeria with legal statutes that do not meet international standards for the prohibition of child trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and illicit activities. It is important that all states address issues concerning their laws and legal framework
It is additionally worrisome and pertinent to note that the minimum age for work in the Labour Act does not apply to children who are self-employed or working in the informal economy. This calls for an urgent action to be taken to address some of the real challenges faced and the gaps in the system which enable child labour
With the grave security challenges all around the country, children are forced out of their burnt/ destroyed homes and communities; displaced such that they must take refuge in an IDP camp where as young as 8 years of age, a child ends up as head of his home forced to fend to provide for their surviving families. This trend must STOP!
As we mark the World Day Against Child Labour 2022, we stress that the battle to protect that child concerns everyone because children are the leaders of tomorrow, we must deliberately shield and protect, educate and empower our children to be the best they can be
Signed:
Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria.
by FIDANight out with FIDA International Historian Gladys Mbuya
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) led by her International Director, Ezinwa Okoroafor recently hosted a night out with FIDA International Historian and Country Vice President (CVP) of FIDA Cameroon, Gladys Mbuya in Abuja. Gladys was accompanied by Ramatu Abdu, Coordinator of the Association for the Welfare of Women and Indigenous People of ASOWWIP Cameroon.
The fun-filled evening was graced by past Regional Country Vice Presidents of FIDA, Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN, and Barr. Mrs. Oby Nwosu., the CVP of FIDA Nigeria, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje, CVP Emeritus Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, past FIDA Nigeria Financial Secretary, Ijeoma Agwu, Chair of FIDA Abuja, Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu, past FIDA Abuja Branch Chairs Ngozi Ikenga and Rekia Rachael Adejo-Andrew, past branch Vice-Chair, Ozioma Izuora, Past PRO Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, other members of the branch, Roseline Tasha and Lillian Okenwa, Editor-in-Chief, Law & Society Magazine.
Source: Lillian Okenwa
