by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Law Week/AGM and Pre- Convention Meeting
FIDA Nigeria Law Week/AGM and Pre- Convention Meeting held from 18 – 21 November 2020, with the Theme: “Building Effective Service Delivery to Enhance Justice for The Vulnerable in Society”. The week was filled with lots of educative yet entertaining activities.
Advocacy visit by FIDA Nigeria Executives to the Plateau State Attorney General Hon. Chrysanthus Ahmadu Also, to the Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice Yakubu Dakwak.
Visit to Plateau State Attorney 
Visit to Chief Judge of Plateau State 
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria AGM Opening Ceremony
The formal Opening Ceremony for the FIDA Nigeria Law Week, Annual General Meeting/ Pre-Convention Meeting commenced On the 18 of November 2020, chaired by the First Lady of Plateau State Her Excellency Mrs Regina Lalong who was ably represented by H.E the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Plateau State Mrs. Abigail Tyoden. In attendance were the Attorney General of Plateau State, Hon Chrysanthus Ahmadu and Hon Justice Julie Kyentu (RTD) PCCA amongst other key dignatories who graced the occasion. The Opening Ceremony was followed by a Welcome Cocktail, by the poolside where attendees were entertained with a cultural display
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Visit To JOFIN Orphanage Home
Members of The International Federation of Women Lawyers on the 17th of November, 2020, visited the Jesus Only Friend International Orphanage Home (JOFIN), Rukuba road, Jos Plateau state Nigeria, where they spent time with the children in the home who entertained them with beautiful drama and musical presentations. Donations of necessary materials was made to the home to support.
Issues posed by Human Trafficking were discussed, as well as probable solutions in curbing the effects of trafficking; furthermore, the role of FIDA in the protection of the vulnerable members of the society was also considered.
The 2020 Law Week Cake was cut and shared with the children
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates her 35th branch
FIDA Nigeria, on the 5th of November 2020, inaugurated her 35th branch, FIDA Nigeria Zamfara State Branch. The occasion was attended by government officials, the state judiciary, CSOs, the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, Deputy Country Vice President Amina Agbaje alongside FIDA members. It was a great success.
by FIDAFIDA NIGERIA CONDEMNS THE BRAZEN KILLINGS OF INNOCENT UNARMED PROTESTERS BY THE NIGERIAN MILITARY AT LEKKI, LAGOS
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria expresses her strong dismay at the current situation in the country and condemn in its totality the brazen killings of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Tollgate by uniformed military personnel.
It was a horrific Tuesday evening (20/10/2020) watching recordings of the killing by uniformed Nigerian soldiers of innocent protesters on the news.
The protesting youths were peacefully demanding an end to brutality and dehumanizing treatment by the police, expanding their demands to cover better structure and good governance in Nigeria.
A better Nigeria is what the youths are clamoring for, this is not too much to ask from a government who have sworn an oath to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
FIDA Nigeria says the incessant killings of innocent lives must STOP Now!!! This murder of harmless citizens is undemocratic, barbaric, and unacceptable. Government has a duty and must make Nigeria safe for all her citizens.
Tension has escalated everywhere in several states such as in Taraba, Ekiti, Edo, Abuja, Plateau, Ogun, and Imo where citizens no longer feel safe and curfews have been imposed in some states.
FIDA Nigeria continues to promote the rule of law. The vulnerable in society particularly the youth have continuously suffered from social injustice and Police brutality in Nigeria. We must stop this, let us use the instrumentality of the law to bring all concerned to book.
We lend our support to the demands of the Nigerian Bar Association and emphatically demand that the soldiers responsible be identified and brought to book as we call on Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately direct an end to these wanton killings of innocent youths across our nation.
FIDA Nigeria commiserates with the families of the dead and salutes our courageous young martyrs.
The law must now be allowed to take its cause!
May God save Nigeria #MakeNigeriaSafe
Signed:
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria’s Call for an End to Dehumanizing Treatment and Police Brutality
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria joins in speaking out against the repeated wave of Police brutality, abuse and infringement of Human rights, which has led to the #EndSARS & #EndSWAT Protests going on around the country.
Shockingly, the Police in response have continued to attack protesters, arrest and detain them for protesting, while shooting live rounds at protesters often resulting in grievous bodily harm and even death in some cases
We must all rise up to speak out against and to Stop All forms of Police brutality against the vulnerable members of our society particularly women and the youth. Enough is Enough!
Citizens deserve respect from law enforcement officers who are commissioned to principally defend, protect and support the defenseless in society, not oppress, torture, dehumanize and kill them. We find that police inefficiency, unprofessionalism and brutality has become the new order of the day and this must stop.
FIDA commends the strong determined and courageous youth for their principles and stand against police brutality and for their perseverance and commitment to the cause
Despite the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Inspector of General of Police on Sunday, 5th October 2020, following massive protests and the setup of SWAT in it’s place the protests have continued because the fundamental issues have not been properly addressed concerning the police force. They must be addressed!
FIDA Nigeria standing on her mandate insists that the rights and privileges of citizens cannot be infringed upon by the police
The Nigerian Government must therefore take most seriously, her responsibility to protect the lives and property of her citizens as enshrined under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
FIDA Nigeria accordingly calls for:
- Better training and re-training of the police, ensuring better personal development and professionalism
- Re- evaluation and phycological analysis of members of the force including medical treatment for those needing same, even if it is in anger management and so forth
- Comprehensive overhaul and reform of the police force and all her supporting structures
- Better interaction and collaboration with relevant key stakeholders including community leaders/ influencers, ministries and parastatals to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the police force
- Continuous sensitization and enlightenment for all police officers on matters and skills particularly relevant to their specialized tasks and assignments
- Adequate and necessary equipment and facilities to support efficient work delivery and performance
- Better welfare packages, including housing, regular appraisals, promotions including retirement benefits
- Targeted training for specialized units of the police especially prosecutors, those on gender desks etc.
- Better and Continuous Monitoring and evaluation of all members of the police and their units
- Better Public Relations and Packaging for the force and her officers; upgrading all for better career development.
FIDA Nigeria shouts out…Stop killing the youth and vulnerable people of Nigeria… Their lives matter!!
We commiserate with the families of those who have lost their loved ones and we demand a thorough independent investigation into all the pending cases on police abuse, brutality, and murder. All Officers found guilty must be brought to book, in the spirit of Justice for All.
#EndSARS
#EndSWAT
#EndPoliceBrutality
#EnoughIsEnough
Signed
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Celebrates International Day of The Girl Child 2020
Theme: My Voice, Our Equal Future
We focus this year on paying attention to, listening and being inspired by what the girl child is challenged by, what her needs and desires are and how to best meet those needs in our different communities and the nation as a whole.
Adolescence is a decisive age for girls around the world. What transpires during a girl’s teenage years shapes the direction of her life and that of her family.
The Nigerian Girl Child Cry’s out:
‘I exist…Equally, Look at me;
I am in need of necessaries…Provide for me;
I am disrespected, shamed, abused…Protect me;
I have a vision…a dream…. It’s impressionable, Help me realise it;
I have a voice… I can use it. Listen to me!’
FIDA Nigeria lends her voice to the vulnerable women and children in Nigeria, utilizing the law to obtain equity and justice for all.
In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, 2020
FIDA Nigeria Says:
The Girl Child is not born to be invisible; allow her to carve a niche for herself
Educate the Girl Child and break the circle of poverty.
Our Daughters are special. Pay attention and listen to them, properly equip, support and enable them to be the best that they can be.
Create the right platforms for them to operate.
Save and respect the girl-child as she is the future of your family and society
Daughters are precious gifts. Receive them with Joy.
Girls are resilient and have an enormous untapped potential to contribute to healthy and peaceful communities. Let us passionately work at creating an atmosphere of love, peace, protection and equality for them to survive and thrive in and then let’s sit back and watch them take on the future, shining as Stars.
FIDA Nigeria Celebrates the Girl Child, born to Excel and Shine!
#DayOfTheGirlChild
#GenerationEquality
Signed for FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Calls for The Immediate Release of Her Member Ms. Paulette Bisola Ajayi By Her Abductors
FIDA Nigeria received the shocking and terrible news yesterday of the abduction of her Rivers State Branch Member, Ms Paulette Bisola Ajayi, by four fully armed men in front of her home in Port Harcourt.
We join in calling for the prompt safe release of Ms. Paulette Ajayi by her abductors and appeal to the Security operatives to put all machinery to rescue this young and promising lawyer.
We further appeal to the Governor His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, to put all resources at his disposal in place to assist in the immediate rescue of our colleague.
Our hearts go out to her family especially her mother Mrs. Ngozi Kathryn Ajayi, a past Vice-Chairperson and active member of the same FIDA Rivers State Branch. We also pray for her quick recovery as she was seriously brutalized while trying to save her daughter from the hands of the abductors.
FIDA Nigeria commends the prompt action of the NBA National President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, in this matter; we repose our confidence in the six-member task force he has set up and offer our full support.
We similarly call for assistance from well-meaning Nigerians with key information about the whereabouts of Paulette Ajayi to come forward with the requisite information.
The issue of security of lives and property in the country is of paramount importance and the government must step up in dealing with this menace daily plaguing our communities. All around Nigeria the story is the same. Prompt cohesive action is required by the Government to save Nigerians.
Signed For: FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Condemns the Wanton Killings and Destruction of Lives and Property Across the Country
FIDA Nigeria Condemns the Wanton Killings and Destruction of Lives and Property Across the Country
A nation in turmoil with daily reports of deadly attacks on communities, the insurgency is real with the regular raping, maiming and killing of women and children. The displacement of communities, targeted assaults, kidnapping and abductions, stealing by criminals and bandits even operating on the highways is a real nightmare, the culprits are often labeled and called different names, but simply put, they are CRIMINALS and must be brought to book.
We often hear of ‘Fulani Herdsmen’ who have zero respect for the traditions, culture, lives and properties of the communities they pass through, the murderous activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast and now Al Quaeda infiltrating our communities. Not to mention the religious, political turmoil in communities and tribal interstate border clashes the list is endless as it certainly paints a dismal bleak picture.
Our vulnerable members of society find it most difficult dealing with the resultant effect of the endless destruction of their homes, property and farmlands; disruption of any form of normalcy in their lives. They are often forced into IDP camps and resettled in strange lands to take ‘temporary’ shelter… north, south, east or west, (most recently, in Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba, Benue and Borno States) the nation bleeds, living in fear. Insecurity is stifling and killing everything and everyone.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, speaks out against these atrocities plaguing our nation cutting across most communities and states; we shout out that this is intolerable.
Nigerian lives are worth something and most of all, they matter!
Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) clearly provides that “…the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”
This primary duty and responsibility of government is principally for the common good of society, to secure and protect the lives and property of her people; to maintain law and order; ensure peace, maintain social order, while regulating, enforcing and defending the people. Citizens are entitled to enjoy their right to life and right to own, use and enjoy their property.
We must appreciate that without peace and social order, there can be no stability, growth and development. As such, our people cannot reach their full potentials and this is a great loss and a tremendous disservice to the nation.
Government must therefore take most seriously its mandate and responsibilities including the fundamental need of providing necessary facilities and infrastructures; while putting in place requisite structures, processes and systems to ensure an organized, peaceful and orderly society.
The protection of people’s fundamental human rights is sacrosanct and when infringed, the opportunity to have easy access to justice, to seek redress from an independent judiciary is also paramount.
FIDA Nigeria is greatly saddened by the terrible state of the nation, plagued by massive conflict, crises and great insecurity. Our vulnerable women and children endlessly cry out. FIDA condemns this current state of insecurity across the country causing great grief, distrust, anxiety, pain, fear, panic, discord and distress to citizens.
As a nation we must respect and value human life. In addition, we must compel our law enforcement officers and agencies who are sworn to shield and protect ordinarily citizens to step up and do same. They must carry out proactive, quick intelligence and investigative work, constantly verifying information received while protecting informants and victims.
We must effectively check miscreant and criminal activity in society and stop thuggery and negative militia group influence in our communities; likewise, the influx of illegal foreigners and their criminal activities, as we must efficiently police and secure our borders. Furthermore, administrative, legislative and judicial interventions must be structured to support all this; with constant monitoring and oversight responses to checkmate corruption and excessive behavior tendencies of the agencies is also key.
FIDA calls on the Federal, State and Local governments, to rise up and protect the lives and properties of her citizens; to massively recruit, train, equip and deploy security personnel to all troubled states to curb this menace; to compensate those who have lost property and to diligently prosecute and punish all criminals rather than negotiating with, releasing and or paying off rustlers, blackmailers, abductors and kidnappers, all wrongly packaged under the guise of resolving conflict and maintaining peace and order.
FIDA sincerely commiserates with all who have lost their loved ones; as we look forward to total healing and peace in our beloved country Nigeria.
Signed: For FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDACall For Applications
- Terms of Reference for Programme Officer
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation made up of over 2,000 female lawyers with several years’ experience in utilizing the law to address social problems in Nigeria. The organization’s mandate is the enhancement, promotion, protection and preservation of the rights and welfare of women and children in Nigeria FIDA Nigeria implements key projects and activities aimed at providing access to justice to indigent persons, particularly women and children.
FIDA Nigeria is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job title: Programme Officer
Locations: Federal Capital Territory
Vacancy Type: Full Time
This position will work at the FIDA Nigeria National Secretariat, based in Abuja. The Programme Officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary and other National Executives.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Plan and implement multiple grant activities in close collaboration with other team members and proactively deal with arising challenges, nuances or changes.
- In collaboration with team members, develop and maintain stakeholder and network relationships which are essential to the successful implementation of the grants.
- Develop products and prepare project and activity reports, technical briefings, background papers and update notes for projects.
- Contribute to the adherence to donor/grant requirements, including financial standards.
- Collaborate with the Accounts staff to ensure the proper management of financial records, including the provision of complete documentation for requests and retirements.
- Support the smooth and effective flow of communication with FIDA Nigeria and all state branches.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights and rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels;
Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Teamwork:
Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
Willingness to learn from others;
Support and act in accordance with team and organizational decisions;
- Planning & Organizing:
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning;
Ability to monitor and adjust plans and projects as necessary;
- Communication:
Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
Minimum Required Experience:
3 years’ work experience in Development, especially women and children’s’ rights programming
Experience in project implementation
Bachelor’s degree in Law, Sociology or related fields
Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae and application addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for the Position of Programme Officer”.
All applications must be submitted latest 19 August, 2020.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
2) Terms of Reference for Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Job title: Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Location: Abuja
Vacancy Type: Full Time
Terms of Reference
This position will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating projects implemented by FIDA Nigeria. The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the FIDA Nigeria National President/Country Vice President, National Secretary and other National Executives.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
- Develop and strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning procedures
- Monitor all project activities, expenditure and progress towards achieving project outcome indicators
- Monitor and evaluate overall progress on achievement of results
- Provide feedback to the Programme Manager/Senior Programme Officer on project strategies and activities
- Suggest strategies for project management to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of project implementation by identifying bottlenecks in completing project activities and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks
- Report monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual progress on all projects to the National Executives and Programme Manager/Senior Programme Officer
- Conduct a capacity assessment on the existing monitoring and evaluation system
- Provide inputs, information and statistics for periodic reports to the project management team and development partners
- Participate in annual project reviews and planning workshops and assist the Programme Manager/Senior Programme Officer in preparing relevant reports
Competencies
- Professionalism:
Demonstrates professional competence in women and children’s rights and rule of law as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels;
Demonstrates knowledge of programme management cycle, including monitoring and reporting;
Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues with a display of persistency;
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Teamwork:
Ability to collaborate with colleagues within and outside of FIDA Nigeria to achieve organizational goals;
Ability to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing the ideas and expertise of others;
Willingness to learn from others;
Support and act in accordance with team and organizational decisions;
- Planning & Organizing:
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands;
Foresight for risks and contingencies when planning;
Ability to monitor and adjust plans and projects as necessary;
- Communication:
Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora;
Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations.
Job Requirements
Minimum Required Experience:
3 years’ work experience in Development, especially women and children’s’ rights programming
Experience in project implementation
Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Sociology or related fields
Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae and application addressed to the Country Vice-President/National President to fidanigeria@yahoo.com.
Subject of e-mail should be “Application for the Position of M&E Officer”.
All applications must be submitted latest 19 August, 2020.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.