by FIDABuilding Stronger Leaders for Justice: FIDA Abuja Hosts Strategic Leadership Retreat
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abuja Branch, held a transformative one-day leadership retreat on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, bringing together its Executive Officers, Principal Committee Leads, and Secretariat Staff for a powerful session of learning, reflection, and strategy.
The retreat, designed to fortify internal capacity and sharpen leadership effectiveness, marked a significant milestone in the Branch’s continued commitment to delivering on FIDA’s mission of advancing the rights of women and children.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of FIDA Abuja, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, urged participants to seize the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. “This retreat is a moment to align our energies, strengthen our foundation, and recommit to the values that make FIDA a force for justice and change,” she said.
Participants engaged in insightful sessions covering essential themes such as the FIDA Abuja Branch Work Plan, a SWOT analysis of current operations, committee-led strategies for achieving FIDA’s vision, and international best practices in accountability, transparency, and resource management. Additional sessions delved into effective team building, conflict resolution, and the unique architecture of FIDA’s leadership and organogram.
The retreat was enriched by an array of expert facilitators including Roseline Tasha, Rachael Rekia Adejo-Andrews, Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu, Wendy Kuku, SAN, and Amina Agbaje—renowned FIDA leaders with robust experience at both branch and national levels. Their practical insights and guidance equipped participants with tools for more effective and visionary leadership.
A highlight of the day was the “Experiential Nuggets” session, featuring thought-provoking stories and leadership lessons from Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, President of FIDA International, and Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN, past Regional Vice-President. Their words inspired deep reflection and renewed commitment to service rooted in purpose and impact.
In a show of steadfast support, the retreat was generously sponsored by J.S. Okutepa, SAN, who delivered a rousing charge to participants—urging unity, love in service, and unwavering commitment to the cause of justice for women and girls. In recognition of his consistent support and dedication to FIDA’s ideals, he was conferred with the prestigious honorary title of Patron of FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch.
The retreat concluded on a high note—fostering camaraderie, purpose, and renewed resolve among participants to lead boldly and collaborate effectively. It set a fresh tone for the Branch as it continues to promote, protect, and preserve the rights and dignity of women and children across Nigeria.
FIDA Abuja remains unwavering in its mission—and with strengthened leadership and shared vision, the future of the Branch looks even more impactful.
by FIDAStrengthening Families, Empowering Communities: FIDA Nigeria–Abuja Branch Brings Legal Awareness to Gwarimpa Village
Every strong society is built on the foundation of informed, protected, and empowered families. Recognizing this, FIDA Nigeria Abuja Branch marked the International Day of Families with a deeply impactful community outreach to Gwarimpa Village bringing legal education closer to the people and reaffirming its commitment to promoting family rights at the grassroots level.
Families in Gwarimpa gathered with hope and curiosity as FIDA Chairperson, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, led an engaging session that spotlighted the everyday legal challenges many households face but rarely talk about gender-based violence, child neglect, early and forced marriage, and harmful inheritance practices.
“Your family should be a place of protection, not fear,” she told the crowd, reminding them that while cultural traditions matter, no tradition should override the rights and safety of any individual, especially women and children.
Warmly received by the Dakachin Gwarimpa, Alhaji Bayero Yakubu, the outreach created a space where law met culture, and dialogue gave way to understanding. The community’s openness to learning and collaboration was clear. Many, including the village women’s leader, spoke of the transformative power of knowledge and how the session helped shed light on issues long considered taboo or misunderstood.
“We have learned today that we are not powerless. The law is for us too,” said one participant, visibly moved. “I will take this message to the men in our homes, to the mothers, and to the children growing up in silence.”
Chairperson Onyenucheya-Uko emphasized the importance of utilizing existing laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act to safeguard families and ensure justice. She called for communities to become active stakeholders in building safer, more inclusive homes and societies.
In response, Alhaji Bayero Yakubu expressed heartfelt gratitude to FIDA for choosing Gwarimpa for the outreach. He pledged the community’s willingness to support future engagements and ensure that the lessons shared would not end with the day’s event.
The outreach wasn’t just a one-off event; it was a call to action a reminder that legal empowerment is a powerful tool for social change. FIDA Nigeria–Abuja Branch continues to walk alongside families, especially in underrepresented communities, offering not only legal guidance but also hope for a more just and equitable future.
As the sun set on Gwarimpa that day, the air was filled not only with gratitude but with the quiet strength of a community awakened to its rights and ready to rise.
by FIDAFIDA Abuja Advocates Media Partnership to Strengthen Protection of Women and Children’s Rights
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abuja Branch, has called for strengthened collaboration with the media to enhance the protection of women and children’s rights. The Chairperson of FIDA Abuja, Barr. Chioma Onyenucheya-Ukoh, made this call during a media parley held in Abuja on Saturday, where she engaged journalists from various media houses alongside members of her executive team.
Addressing the gathering, Onyenucheya-Ukoh lamented the rising cases of defilement of minors and other forms of gender-based violence. She reaffirmed FIDA’s unwavering commitment to providing pro bono (free) legal services to women and children facing injustice.
Highlighting the crucial role of the media in raising awareness and bridging the gap between FIDA and survivors of gender-based violence, she emphasized the need for continued partnership. According to her, “A major challenge in our society is the lack of awareness about legal rights, particularly those protecting women and children. Many infractions occur due to ignorance, which unfortunately is not an excuse under the law. This is why we need the media—to educate the public and amplify the legal provisions that safeguard the rights of vulnerable groups.”
The FIDA Abuja Chairperson further noted that while FIDA has been actively working to defend and empower women and children for over three decades, increased media visibility is essential to ensuring that those in need of legal aid know where to turn for help. She stressed that the media must be intentional in shaping narratives that influence policymakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to take meaningful action in protecting women’s and children’s rights.
She also urged journalists to be sensitive and accurate in reporting gender-related stories to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or misrepresenting legal realities. FIDA Abuja, she assured, is always available to provide legal guidance to ensure responsible and informed reporting.
Reaffirming her personal commitment to open communication, Onyenucheya-Ukoh stated: “As Chairperson, I am always available to provide insights on issues within FIDA’s mandate, regardless of the platform. FIDA has a wealth of resources and legal experts who are willing to contribute whenever necessary.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Empowers Paralegals in FCT with Essential Training Supported by ActionAid Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria, in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria through the Women Voice and Leadership initiative, recently conducted a comprehensive two-day training for Paralegals hailing from Kuje, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory. The intensive sessions centered around Local Fundraising/Resource Mobilization and Stakeholder Mapping, equipping participants with crucial skills for sustainable community impact.
Throughout the training, attendees delved into the intricacies of fundraising, resource acquisition strategies, and the art of building strong relationships with stakeholders. The aim? To fortify the operations of paralegal clinics within their respective communities, ensuring greater efficacy and longevity.
FidaNigeria #NigerianWomenMatter #GlobalAffairsCanada #ActionAidNigeria #WomenLeadership #ParalegalTraining
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Wraps Up WVL Project Supported by ActionAid Nigeria, Paving the Way for Lasting Change in VAWG Response
FIDA Nigeria recently concluded its Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) project, made possible by the generous support of ActionAid Nigeria, culminating in a momentous close-out meeting on March 15, 2024.
Gathered alongside our dedicated paralegal representatives from AMAC, Bwari, and Kuje Area Councils, we celebrated the successful culmination of our efforts to fortify mechanisms addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) within our communities.
But this milestone marks not the end but a new beginning! Driven by the commitment of our passionate paralegals, we’ve crafted a forward-thinking Sustainability Plan coupled with a one-year No-cost Action Plan. This strategic move ensures that our impact transcends the project’s conclusion, fostering enduring transformation within our communities.
Stay tuned as we continue to champion women’s rights and spearhead initiatives that reshape our communities for the better.
FIDANigeria #ActionAidNigeria #Sustainability #CommunityImpact #GlobalAffairsCanada #NigeriaWomenMatter
by FIDAFIDA Abuja Empowers Rotary Club of Abuja with Knowledge on Combating Gender-Based Violence
In a proactive move towards raising awareness and fostering understanding on combating gender-based violence (GBV), FIDA Abuja extended its reach to the Rotary Club of Abuja’s weekly fellowship. The event, hosted by the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja, Rtrn. Ijeoma Agwu Joyce, took place on November 29, 2023.
The purpose of the meeting was to engage in discussions and promote actions aimed at preventing and addressing gender-based violence in society. Representing the FIDA Abuja Branch in the absence of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson Francisca Akaniro Opara took the stage and delivered a compelling presentation on the topic “Know your Rights,” focusing on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015.
Vice Chairperson Opara highlighted the comprehensive nature of the VAPP Act, which prohibits all forms of violence against individuals in both private and public spheres. She emphasized that the Act provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims/survivors of sexual and gender-based violence while ensuring the punishment of offenders. Opara urged every citizen to familiarize themselves with this crucial tool.
In showcasing FIDA’s commitment to the fight against gender-based violence, Vice Chairperson Opara elaborated on the organization’s advocacy and sensitization programs in communities. She underscored the importance of creating awareness about the provisions of the VAPP Act of 2015. Additionally, she shared the various solutions FIDA offers to GBV victims, including empowering women and girls, providing cash support, economic empowerment initiatives, educating the girl child, and offering counseling services (pro bono) as well as free legal representation in court.
The interactive session saw a plethora of questions from the engaged members of the Rotary Club, all of which were satisfactorily addressed by Vice Chairperson Opara. In a fitting conclusion to the insightful session, a certificate of appreciation was presented to the Chairperson of the FIDA Abuja Branch, Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu, with Vice Chairperson Opara graciously accepting it on her behalf. The collaboration between FIDA Abuja and the Rotary Club of Abuja serves as a commendable effort to collectively combat gender-based violence and foster a safer, more informed community.
by FIDAEmpowering Change: FIDA Abuja Champions a Safer Society through SGBV Awareness and Advocacy
On November 28, 2023, the FIDA Abuja branch proudly accepted an invitation from the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation to participate in a series of training workshops aimed at eradicating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria. This event marked a crucial step in fostering awareness and empowerment during the 16 Days of Activism.
The workshops, strategically designed for Christian Religious leaders, Community Leaders, and Stakeholders, were geared towards equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to eliminate SGBV in Nigeria.
Taking the stage as a special guest speaker, FIDA Abuja’s Publicity Secretary, Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe, provided valuable insights into the key provisions of the Vapp Act and elucidated on the mechanisms for reporting SGBV cases. In emphasizing FIDA’s pivotal role in the fight against SGBV, she highlighted collaborative efforts with the Police, NAPTIP, and other organizations, underscoring the organization’s commitment to combatting SGBV through sensitization and awareness initiatives in the FCT communities.
To facilitate the prompt reporting of SGBV cases, the Publicity Secretary shared FIDA’s rapid response numbers and those of relevant agencies. She urged participants to consider reporting such cases a social responsibility and suggested the establishment of a Gender Desk in churches to streamline reporting processes. Importantly, she emphasized the need for respecting survivors’ rights to safety, confidentiality, and non-discrimination.
As a notable outcome, it was collectively decided at the close of the event that Clerics and Stakeholders would mobilize teams within their communities to actively combat SGBV. This resolution reflects a shared commitment to creating safer environments and fostering positive change.
by FIDAFIDA Abuja Branch Partners FCT Health Department To Renovate Labor Ward-Gwarimpa General Hospital.
The Executive Committee FIDA Abuja, ably led by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M Nwosu, On the 3rd of August 2023, paid a follow-up advocacy visit to the office of the Secretary of the FCT Health Department. The meeting was in view of the previous meeting held on the 1st of August 2023, by the Health Department to address the challenges hindering the passage into law of the FCT Health Insurance Agency (Establishment) Bill.
The Chairperson, identifying the role of the FCT Health department in meeting the Branch’s 2023 Work plan, proposed a meeting with the office of the Secretary, which the Acting Secretary graciously approved, Mr. Malan Haruna Noël.
The Chairperson informed them of the Branch’s adoption of the Labor Ward of the Gwarimpa General Hospital as a FIDA Ward, detailing the activities of the Branch in this respect which includes the assessments of internal and external structures of the ward. She outlined to the Honorable Acting Secretary and his team, consisting of the Director General Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mohammed B. Kawu, the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Matthew Ashikeni, and the Head, of Medical Services, Dr. Osagie Osawade, the deplorable state of the Ward- the worn out ceilings, leaking roofs, cracked walls, and damaged air-conditioners which the Branch observed at its 2022 Law Week event, necessitating FIDA’s intervention.
The Acting Secretary expressed shock and thanked FIDA Nigeria Abuja Branch immensely for bringing the issues to their attention. He appreciated FIDA for the humanitarian work it undertakes and expressed hope to build a partnership with the Branch in further identifying and reporting to the FCT Health Department other labor wards within the FCT for their immediate action.
In this vein, the Acting Secretary (AS) acceded to the Branch’s request for a partnership in renovating the Labour Ward, which required the repairs of the ceiling, roof, structural damages to the wall, and other ancillary repairs. The Chairperson submitted to the AS and his team, the estimates for repairs and the former accepted the proposals, affirming its intention to complete all renovations within the month of August 2023.
The Chairperson expressed gratitude and promised to visit other hospitals within the FCT administration for future collaborations.
by FIDAPractice Direction Of The Acja 2015: Chief Judge Fct Commends Bold Step
FIDA (Nigeria) Abuja Branch supported by the Mac-Arthur Foundation, held a VALIDATION MEETING on the proposed amendments to the Practice Direction of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The Workshop was organized to harmonize the perspectives and contributions of various stakeholders on the lapses and gaps in the Practice Direction of the Act.
There was a review of focus areas in Case Management of Corruption Cases, Virtual Proceedings and Witness Funding recommended by participants towards incorporating into the Practice Direction of ACJA, 2015.
Present at the workshop was the Deputy Chief Registrar of the FCT High Court, Samuel Idhaliarhi, the NBA President, Y. C. Maikayu, SAN (represented by Huwaila Mohammed, Esq), Magistrates, Heads of Legal Departments from National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Correctional Services, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Security, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Prosecutors from the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Ministry of Justice, Statutory and sub-committee members of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, Representatives from CLEEN foundation, Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI), Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Administration of Criminal Justice Reform and Review Department, PRAWA, PWAN Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (including National, Bwari, Unity and Gwagwalada Branches).
Bringing the meeting to an end, it was however agreed that the recommendations and corrections be incorporated into the Practice Direction and conveyed to the CJ for implementation.
by FIDAFIDA Abuja celebrates Children’s Day 2023
FIDA Abuja as part of activities to mark the children’s day, went on a school outreach to Government Junior Secondary School, Gwarimpa on the 26th of May 2023, in a delegate led by the Branch Chairperson
The Chairperson in introducing FIDA and its mandate informed the students on the purpose of the outreach which was to celebrate in advance, the Children’s Day marked on the 27th of May 2023. She reminded them that they are primarily the voice and hope of the future and also informed them of the Child Rights Act 2007, which protects that voice.
The Branch’s Publicity Secretary further enlightened the students on the rights of a child to free, compulsory, and universal primary education using Section 15 of the Child Rights Act.
Realizing the role FIDA plays in the lives of women and children, the School’s principal, Mrs. Zainab Hassan, appreciated FIDA for the enlightenment and prayed for continuous exercise in the school for the benefit of the children.
In response, the Chairperson while promising a cordial and working relationship, assured the school’s principal of subsequent exercises in the school.
Closing the visit, the Chairperson presented copies of the VAPP Act, FIDA Contact/Flyers, and gift items to the school.
