by FIDAFIDA NIGERIA URGES A PROMPT INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF THE ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIM IN THE SENATE
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is deeply concerned by the recent allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President: Godswill Akpabio.
While this remains an allegation, it is a serious and weighty claim which warrants immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation. If proven, it would represent a disturbing abuse of power and a direct assault on the dignity and rights of women in leadership, governance, and decision-making positions.
Sexual Harassment within the corridors of power is more than a personal violation—it is an attack on gender equality, a sexual gender-based violence, a betrayal of public trust and confidence and indeed a stain on the integrity of governance. It fosters a toxic culture, where women in leadership are subjected to intimidation, coercion, harassment, abuse, and discrimination—barriers that have long hindered female participation in politics, governance, and decision-making.
FIDA Nigeria unequivocally condemns any form of intimidation and harassment; and calls for swift and expeditious action to ensure that such
injustice where found, does not go unpunished by way of prosecution to serve as a stern warning and deterrence against such threats and acts.
This issue transcends politics. It is about law, justice, and fundamental human rights. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to dignity (Section 34) and freedom from any form of discrimination (Section 42). The combination of the provisions of The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Criminal Code Act, Penal Code Act, and The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015, explicitly criminalizes sexual harassment, intimidation and abuse of authority. Nigeria is also bound by its obligations under international
law: including but not limited to The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which mandates proactive measures to combat sexual harassment in all sectors.
The gravity of this allegation requires more than a public outcry. It demands decisive and accelerated action. What is more worrisome is that the allegation is coming from the Legislative Arm of the Government: a body principally charged with the responsibility of making laws for the entire country. It is very disturbing that the allegation is against the head of the third arm of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the time and age that the global community avoids such acts like
the plague.
FIDA Nigeria calls for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation of Senator Akpoti’s allegation to establish the truth and ensure accountability. Silence or inaction will only embolden perpetrators and deter victims from speaking out. We must be able to restore confidence and respect for our government in the minds of the citizens. This will be lacking if the allegation is not objectively investigated and the report is made public. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Power should never be a shield for misconduct, nor should any woman be subjected to any form of harassment – whether in politics or the workplace or indeed in any sphere of the
society.
We also emphasize the need for protection against retaliation, ensuring that any woman who speaks out does not face intimidation, political persecution, or career setbacks. Women must be afforded the leeway and platforms to speak out their truth without fear of backlash or persecution.
This moment must serve as a turning point in addressing the systemic barriers that discourage women from holding leadership positions.
We, therefore, once again, call for the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women in governance to move beyond rhetorics to
reality. We must create a political and institutional environment where no woman is forced to choose between her dignity and her ambition. Women must be given room to render bold and courageous service to the country.
FIDA Nigeria stands firm in its zero-tolerance against all forms of abuse and gender-based violence. We urge all relevant authorities, civil society organizations, the legal community, and the public to stand together in demanding justice, accountability, and a safer Nigeria for women. Every woman, irrespective of her status, deserves to be protected and free from all forms of oppression, harassment, intimidation, abuse, and violence.
Justice must prevail. The time for action is now!
#AccelerateActionsNow.
SIGNED
for: FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Holds Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Status Of Gender-Sensitive Legislations in Lagos State
With support from the Ford Foundation, FIDA Nigeria is convening a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue to assess the implementation of gender-sensitive legislations preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
In her welcome address, the Country Vice President/National President emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of laws such as the VAPP Act 2015, Child Rights Act 2003, Anti-Torture Act 2017, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
This dialogue brings together religious, traditional, and government leaders to discuss barriers to implementation, strengthen accountability, and enhance protection for women and girls.
We appreciate our partners and stakeholders for their commitment to ending GBV and building a safer society for all.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria at the House of Representatives Public Hearing!
FIDA Nigeria joined key stakeholders and policymakers at the House of Representatives for a one-day public hearing on two critical bills:
✅Amendment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 – seeking to increase penalties for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and related offences.
✅ Provision for Widowhood Leave – advocating for dedicated leave to support widows and widowers in mourning and making immediate arrangements for life after loss.
These bills are crucial steps towards strengthening legal protections for women, ensuring gender equality, and promoting social justice. FIDA Nigeria remains committed to legal reforms that uphold the rights, dignity, and well-being of women and children in Nigeria.
Representing FIDA Nigeria at the hearing were the National Secretary, Mrs. Rekia Rachael Adejo-Andrew; Assistant Manager, Legal Services & Shelter Administration, Mariam O. Omeiza; and Legal Services, Shelter Administration & Human Resources Officer, Rahila Dauda.
fidanigeria
by FIDAStrengthening Leadership, Strategy, and Well-Being for Greater Impact
FIDA Nigeria Retreat was an impactful journey of learning, reflection, and strategic planning. From leadership insights to mental health awareness, each session strengthened our collective mission for justice and empowerment. Day 2 offered a remarkable platform for meaningful discussions and collaborative growth.
Key Highlights
- Envisioning Strategic Leadership for Impact & Sustainability – Ene Obi, former Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, set the tone with an inspiring session on visionary leadership and sustainability in the non-profit sector.
- Attracting, Mobilizing, Managing & Diversifying Resources – Nkechi Ilochi Kanny, Director of Resource Mobilization & Innovation at ActionAid Nigeria, shared actionable strategies to enhance funding, partnerships, and organizational growth.
- Mental Health Awareness & Psychological Safety in the Workplace – Dr. Motunrayo Oyelohunnu, Consultant Psychiatrist & Lifestyle Medicine Physician, emphasized the importance of mental well-being in fostering a productive and healthy work environment.
- Shelter Operations & Administration – A crucial discussion on best practices for managing safe spaces for women and children in need.
- Charting Pathways for Success in 2025 – A deep dive into FIDA Nigeria’s strategic roadmap, focusing on new organizational structures, collaboration, and long-term impact.
The day ended on a high note with a Dinner, Games & Appreciation Night, bringing moments of laughter, bonding, and celebration.
As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, equity, and women’s empowerment.
FIDANigeriaRetreat #Leadership #WomenEmpowerment #AccessToJustice #FIDAAtWork
by FIDAStrengthening Partnerships, Exploring New Horizons
FIDA Nigeria’s visit to Action Aid Nigeria marked a significant step in growth, continuity, and shared purpose. A key highlight of the meeting was the formal introduction of our newly elected Country Vice President, Mrs. Eliana Martins, a leader dedicated to advancing women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice.
This visit also served as a platform to explore possible areas of further collaboration to amplify our collective impact. The discussions were rich and promising, focusing on:
- Scaling up advocacy against gender-based violence.
- Prioritizing child protection and safeguarding vulnerable children.
- Expanding access to justice for marginalized women.
- Strengthening legal empowerment through capacity-building programs.
- Developing initiatives to foster women’s leadership and socio-economic independence.
This renewed engagement not only reaffirms our partnership with Action Aid Nigeria but also reinforces our shared commitment to addressing critical issues like inequality, human rights violations, and socio-economic barriers that hinder progress.
We remain steadfast in driving meaningful change and creating a future where every woman and child can thrive.
FIDAForChange #StrongerTogether #PartnershipInAction #WomenEmpowerment #ChildProtection #SocialJustice
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Strongly Condemns the Alarming Surge in Violence Against Women
FIDA Nigeria is deeply alarmed and saddened by the harrowing surge in violence against women in recent times, as illustrated by the series of tragic and inhumane incidents that have sent shockwaves across the nation. These vile acts are not only a stain on our collective conscience but also a brutal violation of the fundamental rights and dignity of women.
In Anambra State, we were confronted with the heart-wrenching story of a man pouring fuel on his wife and setting her ablaze, leading to her agonizing and untimely death. In Edo State, a 12-year-old girl was subjected to a heinous gang rape by five men, who had the audacity to film and circulate the despicable act, compounding her trauma. Most recently, in Abuja, the tragic and unjust murder of Salome Adaidu has further highlighted the growing list of women whose lives have been violently and prematurely taken.
These barbaric acts are unthinkable and represent the height of cruelty, savagery, and disregard for human life. The family unit, which should be a haven of love and security, is becoming a battlefield for unimaginable atrocities. FIDA Nigeria vehemently condemns these heinous crimes and the growing culture of impunity surrounding them.
We cannot, as a society, remain silent while women are brutalized, violated, and murdered with seeming regularity. Silence only emboldens perpetrators, while justice delayed or denied continues to send the wrong message to society. This must stop.
FIDA Nigeria calls on the relevant authorities, particularly law enforcement agencies, to investigate these cases thoroughly, ensure the perpetrators are arrested, and prosecute them to the full extent of the law. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore faith in our justice system and send a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated.
We also call on the government at all levels, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, and religious leaders to strengthen their efforts in combating violence against women. Community-based systems for early intervention must be reinforced, and public awareness campaigns should be intensified to educate society on the dangers, illegality, and consequences of violence.
Women and girls must be encouraged and supported to speak out against abuse without fear of stigma, shame, or retaliation. At the same time, survivors of violence must receive the medical, psychological, and legal assistance they need to rebuild their lives.
FIDA Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights of women and children. We pledge our unwavering support to the families of the victims as they seek justice and healing in the wake of these tragedies.
As a nation, we must come together to end the scourge of gender-based violence. It is only through collective effort, compassion, and the enforcement of justice that we can hope to build a society where every woman and girl can live free from fear, harm, and violence.
Let us not forget these women whose lives have been taken from them in the most horrific ways. Let their stories ignite a sense of urgency in our hearts and a commitment to act. Together, we can and must put an end to this reign of terror against women.
Signed
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Retreat: A Journey to Reflect, Repackage, Reposition and Reignite
Every great mission requires a moment to pause, reflect, and refocus—and Day One of the FIDA Nigeria Retreat marked the perfect start to that journey. With a shared purpose of championing the rights of women and children, the team came together to connect, strategize, and build on past successes.
Highlights of Day One:
- Warm introductions, fostering connections and collaboration.
- A Welcome Address from the CVP that inspired clarity of vision for the days ahead.
- Thoughtful reflections on 2024, examining systems, processes, challenges & achievements; while articulating lessons learned.
- Bold strategies and plans outlined to shape and reposition for a successful 2025.
- Bonding activities that strengthened synergy and teamwork.
This was more than just the beginning of the retreat—it was the start of a renewed commitment to achieving greater impact and driving meaningful innovation & change for the organization to scale up in providing effective, efficient and impactful service!
FIDANigeriaRetreat2025 #EmpoweringWomen #StrategicPlanning #UnityForChange
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Visits NBA President: Uniting for Justice and Equality
FIDA Nigeria continues to lead the charge for gender justice and child protection; advocating strongly for social justice across board.
Led by the Country Vice President (CVP), Mrs. Eliana Martins, a high-profile delegation paid an
Advocacy visit to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN.
The FIDA team included the Immediate Past CVP, Amina Suzanah Agbaje, the National Secretary, Rekia Rachael Adejo-Andrew, the National Publicity Secretary, Chineze Obianyo, the Chairperson FIDA Abuja Branch Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko and other key FIDA officials.
During the meeting, FIDA Nigeria reiterated its dedication to its mission with a resolve poised to handle critical issues such as protecting and supporting survivors of gender-based violence, advocating for gender parity and women inclusion especially in leadership roles, child welfare and protection across the nation.
FIDA highlighted ongoing initiatives and called for stronger collaboration with the NBA to amplify these efforts.
Responding, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN expressed renewed solidarity with FIDA Nigeria’s mission; assuring them of NBA’s full support in addressing these key challenges, whilst emphasizing NBA’s commitment to combating gender-based violence, child abuse, and discrimination.
He reaffirmed that his administration would work closely with FIDA Nigeria to ensure that legal professionals contribute meaningfully to supporting survivors and advancing justice for all.
This partnership promises impactful change, breaking barriers and paving the way for a safer more equitable Nigeria.
The NBA President was ably supported on his team by Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN the Chairman of the NBA 2025 Annual General Conference Planning Committee, Third Vice President NBA: Zainab Aminu Garba, National PRO NBA: Bridget Edokwe, amongst others.
FIDA Nigeria appreciates and looks forward to building a strong and impactful collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association to advance justice, promote equality, and protect the rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups nationwide.
FIDAForJustice #StrongerTogether #GenderEquality #ChildProtection #FIDAxNBA #JusticeForAll
#GenderEquality #ChildProtection #FIDAxNBA #JusticeForAll
by FIDAThe Story of Amina: A FIDA Nigeria Case
Amina was just 18 when her dreams of a better life turned into a nightmare. Promised a job in the city, she was instead sold into trafficking—forced into labor by day and unimaginable abuse by night.
For years, her cries for help went unheard. Trapped and broken, she thought her life was over. Until one day, she escaped and found hope in FIDA Nigeria.
We gave Amina a voice, legal support, and a safe space to heal. Today, she is free, but countless others remain trapped, waiting for a lifeline.
You can help save a life. Donate today and support FIDA Nigeria’s work in rescuing and empowering survivors of trafficking.
4011089332
Fidelity Bank
FIDA Nigeria/Project 2
Every donation brings us closer to saving another life.
EndHumanTrafficking #SupportSurvivors #FIDAForJustice
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Congratulates Mrs. Ednah D. Azura on Her Election as NCWS President
FIDA Nigeria extends warm congratulations to Mrs. Ednah D. Azura, the newly elected President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
A woman of strength, vision, and dedication, Mrs. Azura embodies true leadership and a commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of women across Nigeria. We are confident that her tenure will usher in remarkable progress for women, families, and communities.
We wish her abundant grace, wisdom, and good health as she takes on this esteemed role. We look forward to greater collaboration and shared strides toward empowering women and upholding justice.
Congratulations once again, Madam President!