by FIDAWorld Day Against Child Labor
FIDA Nigeria lends her voice to mark the World Day Against Child Labor, it’s sad to note that child labor is still on the rise, Africa ranks highest among regions both in the percentage of children in child labor — one-fifth — and the absolute number of children in child labor — 72 million.
Estimates determine that the current number of child workers in Nigeria is 15 million according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). At a staggering 43% of the total population of minors, it is the highest recorded rate of child labor in Western Africa.
Although there are labor laws in place, Nigeria does not actively enforce safety regulations or preventative measures in the workplace. This type of neglect leads to an extremely dangerous environment that often results in bodily harm, severe trauma and even death. Children who work on the streets often make easy targets for violence and kidnapping. If a child suffers harm on the job, help or compensation does not extend to the family, leaving them to face the repercussions alone.
Children who are especially vulnerable, such as orphans, are more at risk for human trafficking and forced labor than adults, with their rate being estimated at 58%. Enticed by fictitious stories of better jobs located in more economically rich areas, they agree to leave their homes in hopes of making money. However, the traffickers never deliver the promise and the victims find themselves in even worse situations and unable to go home.
This year’s World Day Against Child Labor focuses on action taken for the 2021 International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor. It is the first World Day since the universal ratification of the ILO’s Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor and takes place at a time when the COVID-19 crisis threatens to reverse years of progress in tackling the problem.
The International Year was adopted in the 2019 UN General Assembly. The main aim of the year is to urge governments to do what is necessary to achieve SDG Target 8.7. which is to “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms”
Some factors influencing child labor in Nigeria despite signing the UN convention on the rights of the child 1999, the African Charter on the Rights Welfare of the Child 2001, and the Child Right Act 2003, the rights of most Nigeria children are not respected due to poverty, illiteracy, Ignorance, polygamy and high demand for cheap and submissive labor which has several and severe effects on the child leading to deprivation of education, low intellectual development, health amongst others.
There is no gainsaying that children are the building blocks of the nation and hence, the future of the nation depends on how well they are protected and brought up, therefore, we call on the government, CSOs, NGOs to raise more social awareness to mitigate and combat the menace of child labor in Nigeria.
FIDA serves to bring to an end to the violation, abuses, exploitation and violation of children which has become rampant in our society.
FIDA Nigeria stands against child labor and calls on all to do same
#NoToChildLabour
For FIDA Nigeria:
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria.
by FIDADay 3 NEC Meeting
On Day 3 of the National Executive Meeting (May 27th), the NEC started off with a business meeting. This was followed by the commissioning of FIDA Anambra Family Law Centre. The day ended with a formal dinner at Vertex View Hotel & Suites
by FIDADay 2: NEC Meeting
Day 2 of the FIDA NEC Meeting which held in Anambra State on the 27th of May 2021, started with an intriguing and educative Leadership training session on “Organizational Effectiveness” presented by the National Secretary, FIDA Nigeria – Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea.
Furthermore, in commemoration of the 2021 Children’s Day Celebration, members thereafter visited the Faith Community Children’s Home to add some cheer and excitement in celebrating the children there.
The major highlight of the evening was the beautiful cultural display and presentations by the different Fida branches; it truly proved very colorful and entertaining
by FIDADAY 1: FIDA Nigeria NEC Meeting
FIDA Nigeria, at the first quarter meeting of the National Executive Committee, in Anambra State on the 26th of May, 2021; held a review and appraisal session of its 5-year strategic plan. The session was chaired by the National Secretary, FIDA Nigeria- Mrs. Evelyn Asimiea. Representatives of states’ branches were present at the session. Thereafter, it was followed by a cocktail party.
by FIDAFIDA NIGERIA REFUTES SMEAR CAMPAIGN ALLEGATIONS IN DELTA STATE
The attention of FIDA Nigeria has been drawn to a statement issued by Ken Orusi, Media Assistant to Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, published in NDM News Xclusive on 14th April 2021 alleging sponsorship of FIDA Delta to carry out protests, hold rallies and mislead the public through smear campaigns targeted against the Gubernatorial Aspirant in Delta State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi.
We state categorically that FIDA is an honourable non-political NGO with set standards, values, systems and processes and cannot engage in any dishonourable conduct nor be drawn into the political antics playing out in Delta State
We have not been sponsored to engage in any smear campaign against anyone, nor paid to carry out any dishonourable act. As professionals, we abhor such conduct and refute all these allegations asking for the strictest proof.
The correct facts are that FIDA Delta is engaged in ensuring that justice is secured for the harassed, violated staff of the said Olorogun and the legal matter being in court is subjudice.
We urge all key persons handling the different aspects of this matter not to be distracted by the allegations and innuendos but to carry out their professional duties to the best of their abilities
We demand a retraction of this statement and a published apology to FIDA as there is no merit to this.
We believe that the maker of the statement is aware of the consequences of his action.
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 JUSTICE FOR LATE ADAEZE IKPEAMA, A PREGNANT FEMALE LAWYER
FIDA is distraught by the news of the death of ADAEZE IKPEAMA, a pregnant Lawyer who was allegedly killed by her husband Mr. Anthony Ikpeama
Social media is filled with the news of how our deceased colleague has suffered domestic abuse almost immediately after her marriage and this has finally resulted in her death. We are more heartbroken to hear that two little children are going to suffer this pain of the loss of a mother as well as her family.
FIDA has continued to cry out to all women and children to seek help in such situations to avoid such a tragic end.
FIDA says Enough is Enough! This needless gender-based violence and killings must stop and all perpetrators brought to book.
What a travesty that a wife cannot feel safe in her home because of domestic abuse; that she cannot protect and carry her unborn child to full term; that the unborn child cannot be guaranteed life, birthed and celebrated as part of our future generation; that her spouse who should protect mother and child is the aggressor whom they fear most and it is indeed at his hand that they allegedly die.
There is simply no justification for such behavior. Society should not find this behavior acceptable; it is intolerable! This is certainly not a ‘family matter’ that can be settled or swept under the carpet under the guise of ‘Devil’s Folly’
We thank the Nigeria Police who has assisted in arresting the suspect – her husband and FIDA appeals for a thorough investigation to ensure effective prosecution. We are confident that justice will be served by the court with the maximum sentence, which will serve as a deterrent to others. All relevant key stakeholders’ must ensure speedy access to justice for Adaeze and her unborn child.
FIDA once more appeal to all to always engage in peaceful ways of communication and conflict resolution despite the frustrations and challenges of life, violence is never the solution.
Everyone going through any form of abuse or violation should please speak out, FIDA and several other organizations have their doors open to assist you, do not die in silence, there is no shame in seeking help.
FIDA Nigeria commiserates with her family at this time of such a colossal loss; as we pay tribute to a fallen colleague and mother of two beautiful children.
There must be Justice for Adaeze and her unborn child.
#justiceforAdaeze
Signed for FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National publicity secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDANews Rebuttal
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) wishes to rebut a statement accredited to it in a recent press release by the Nation Newspaper titled ‘RIVERS LAWYERS KICK OVER WIKE’S ALLEGED PLAN TO IMPOSE CJ’ dated March 23, 2021.
One Chinyere Okoroafor asserted that a group under the aegis of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) asked Governor Wike not to approve the recommendation and appointment of Justice Simeon Amadi as Chief Judge.
We categorically state that the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) did not at any time release such a statement neither did we authorize any of our Officers both at the National and Branch levels to issue such a statement. We, therefore, disassociate ourselves with this press release. FIDA undertakes due diligence in airing her view and always prefer the option of dialogue before the release of a press statement.
We, therefore, appeal to the public and all persons mentioned in the press release to note this rebuttal.
Signed
For FIDA Nigeria
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden.
National President.
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
by FIDAINTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021
As women all over the world gather today to celebrate international women’s Day, we focus on the United Nations theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 world”
The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and indeed, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on humanity generally. Apart from health, there was a myriad of social and economic downturn with a disproportionate impact on women. The pandemic exacerbated poverty and gender inequality; increased the vulnerability of women as many in the informal sector were out of jobs during the lockdown. The pandemic most unfortunately also increased women’s unpaid jobs as caregivers to sick and elderly members of their household.
Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights embraces the right of every person to take part in leadership in his or her country. As such, FIDA has always promoted the equal access of men and women to power, decision-making and leadership at all levels as being a necessary precondition for the proper functioning of any democracy, such as ours.
The above theme is also in consonance with the priority theme for the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women: “Women’s full and effective participation and decision – making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls.”
These all being efforts towards achieving gender equality and women’s full participation in the public sphere. Women, as usual, rose to the occasion and carried disproportionate burdens during the pandemic as health workers at the frontline, caregivers to sick family members and breadwinners; we remember them and applaud their efforts.
We note and also appreciate that the pandemic elicited the skills and perspectives that women bring on board, for which leadership traits are worth celebrating as a way to encourage more women in leadership, to shape a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the pandemic and its challenges, women defied all odds and still championed and accomplished great things, rising to the pinnacles of their careers, in sports, beauty and fashion, media, entertainment, healthcare, education, as entrepreneurs, in government appointments and even the Judiciary. We appreciate you and join in blowing the trumpet for you all as great Nigerian women breaking boundaries.
FIDA NIGERIA sadly notes that Violence Against Women is still rising astronomically with cases of sexual violence of women and girls, and domestic violence topping the list. FIDA states that effective participation of women in decision– making; elimination of violence against women and girls; and the empowerment of women must be priorities for all if gender equality will be achieved.
Accordingly, FIDA Nigeria calls on government at all levels, agencies, policymakers, legislators and corporate organizations, to incorporate the diversity of women and girls in policy formulation, implementation of laws, and all response and recovery programmes of COVID-19 and post-pandemic.
FIDA Nigeria celebrates all women in leadership positions at the local, national and international levels and encourages them to be steadfast and resilient in dealing with the challenges they face. The campaign theme for this year is #Ichoosetochallenge, We, therefore, enjoin all women and men of goodwill to raise their hands high to show and choose to challenge inequality.
FIDA Nigeria continues to work to support credible, hardworking, meritorious women to break the glass ceiling in their respective spheres of operation.
Watch our media space for the celebration of some women who have exhibited dynamic leadership in Nigeria,
Happy IWD 2021.
#IWD2021
#Ichoosetochallenge.
Signed
Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Condemns the Worrisome Trend of Abduction of Children from schools in Nigeria
Federacion Internacional de Abagados (FIDA) joins the Country Vice President and all members of FIDA Nigeria to unequivocally condemn the worrisome trend of abduction of children from their schools in Nigeria, and strongly urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to be alive to its primary constitutional mandate to ensure the welfare and security of the people.
FIDA notes with dismay that the abductions constitute an unacceptable and intolerable criminal violation of the Rights of the Child as recognised by the Federal Government and the various international and regional instruments that Nigeria has rightly endorsed.
FIDA decries the trauma impact of the abduction and its effects on the mental well being of the children and calls on the abductors to quickly release them. FIDA further urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to deploy all available resources to not only ensure the timely release of the school children but to also put an end to this deplorable trend.
FIDA requests the International community to provide support to this process and further require that the Nigerian Government lives up to its duty to ensure the safety of her children.
Carolina Rios Villota
President FIDA International
Florence Adokiye Amiesimaka
Secretary FIDA International
by FIDAFIDA NIGERIA PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE DG OF NAPTIP
On Tuesday, 23rd February 2021, the National Executive Committee, led by the Country Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NAPTIP.
The Country Vice President, Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, revealed details of disturbing trends of sexual and gender-based violence and proposed ways of strengthening the relationship between FIDA Nigeria and the agency with the aim of combating this menace
