
FIDA Ondo seeks partnership with OSOPADEC to impact lives in the mandate areas
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Ondo State Branch has solicited for an improved partnership with the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) so as to extend its activities to the Southern parts of Ondo State.
The Association made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Chairman, Elder Sam Erejuwa in his office on Wednesday.
The Chairperson of the Ondo State Branch who led the visitation team, Barrister Catherine Ogunjebi highlighted some of the Association’s activities in different parts of the State. According to her, FIDA Nigeria, and its Ondo State Branch is preoccupied with protecting and defending the rights of the less privileged and championing the course of women and children.
Amongst the specific activities of the Association in various communities across the State include: organising awareness programs on the laws of the land, sensitizing the people on steps to take when their rights are violated, appearing in court to prosecute offenders and to defend victims of human right abuse, and educating opinion and community leaders on how to mediate in minor cases.
Barrister Ogunjebi further intimated the Chairman of the Association’s upcoming National Conference which would be hosted by the Ondo State Branch between 21st and 24th of June, 2023.
While soliciting for the Commission’s support towards the success of the much anticipated event, the Chairperson requested the presence of the Chairman and the Management team at the event saying this would provide an avenue to showcase the Commission and other partners to the world.
While reacting, OSOPADEC Chairman, Elder Sam Erejuwa appreciated the Association for the visit. He lauded the women lawyers for their immense contributions to societal development, promising that the Commission will continue to be its progressive partner.
Erejuwa revealed that the Commission in the coming days would organise a sensitization program in the mandate areas.
He said the program which would be in collaboration with various security agencies is aimed at “changing the mindset” of the people in a bid to drastically reduce the rate of social vices in the region.
Erejuwa looked forward to the active support and participation of the women lawyers in the proposed program as their input would undoubtedly add more value.
In her closing remarks, a member of the team and the Director of the Commission’s Legal Services Department, Barrister Pamela Olowoyo commended the Commission for not limiting its mandate to projects and infrastructures but also focusing on human capital development.
She expressed optimism that the partnership of OSOPADEC and FIDA will assist in addressing the sad stories of the violation of the rights of women and children in the riverine areas of the State.
Also in attendance were Barristers Olubunmi Niyi-Arajuwa (FIDA National Financial Secretary), Bolanle Oladunni (PRO), Yetunde Ademigoke (Treasurer), and Adesola Dapo-Filani.

FIDA Ondo courtesy visit to the state Head of Service
On 17th January 2023, members of FIDA Ondo ably led by the Chairperson, Catherine Ogunjebi paid a courtesy visit to the Head of Service of the State Pastor Kayode Ogundele
The Call became imperative upon the receipt of various complaints by women working in various MDAs of government who were required to produce marriage certificates in some instances, and some others to change their names reflecting the father of their child as a prerequisite to their entitled statutory maternity leave.
FIDA engaged him on this matter noting that women should be permitted to work without hindrance and to enjoy statutory benefits accruing to them without encumbrances
The Head of Service assured FIDA of taking steps to address all issues discussed.

FIDA Ondo held her AGM and Leadership Training for Members
FIDA Ondo on the 6th of December, 2022, held her AGM and Leadership training for all members.
The Leadership training was registered for by 44 members of the branch and facilitated by Hon. Justices Alero Akeredolu and Adesola Ikpat of the Ondo State Judiciary and Catherine Ogunjebi, the Chairperson of the Branch.
After the training, members received Certificates of Participation.
Thereafter, the Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held wherein, the secretariat report and audited financial statement were presented.
Members discussed and took decisions on the workplan of the Branch for 2023.
The AGM was chaired by the Branch Chairperson and attended by 5 new members.

Condolence Visit to The Governor of Ondo State
On June 15th, 2022 FIDA Oyo State, graciously received by FIDA Ondo State, paid a condolence visit to the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, in the wake of the dastardly murder of worshippers at the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo Ondo State. FIDA is vehemently opposed to all manner of violence.
May the souls of the departed find rest.

Day Against Child Labour: FIDA Ondo Alongside Other Stakeholders Advocate Strengthening Of Social Protection System For Children
By OLUFISOYE ADENITAN
As the world celebrates International day against child labour with the theme ‘Universal social protection to end child labour’, Stakeholders have called for concerted efforts to improve social protection system for children.
According to United Nations, over 160 million children are still being used for labour, some as young as 5yrs.
Some stakeholders who spoke with Positive FM in Akure Ondo state were of the view that the figure was still high and worrisome hence the need for government to strengthen the social protection system to fight poverty, vulnerability and prevent child labour.
One of the stakeholders, the chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Ondo State, Mrs Jumoke Ogunjebi opined that eradication of child labour required a systemic approach and effective policies to strengthen the education system and also guarantee a decent workplace for parents and caregivers to address the conditions that drive child labour.
Mrs Ogunjebi explained that laws had been put in place by the Ondo state government to protect children against being used for labour.
Similarly, Mrs Folasade Bamigboye of the Kids &Teens Resource Centre Akure emphasized that child protection against labour should be taken seriously by the government to reduce the increasing criminal activities some children were regularly exposed to even at a tender age.
Mrs Bamigboye submitted that the government needed to ensure the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at fighting child labour in the country.

FIDA Ondo Celebrates Children’s Day 2022
FIDA Ondo on the 26th of May 2022, visited the Ondo State Special School for the Hearing Impaired to celebrate the 2022 Children’s Day.
They were enlightened on the ills of Bullying, as a means of guaranteeing a safer and a better environment for every Nigeria child to thrive
It was a huge experience, especially having to communicate with sign interpretation. The children were very happy and some members of the branch also learnt a few signs.

FIDA, Ondo State Chapter, called on the wife of the Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.
FIDA, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Ondo State Chapter, called on the wife of the Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure. The First Lady assured the organisation, whose mission is to promote, protect and preserve the rights, interests and well-being of women and children through the use of legal framework to ensure that they live free from all forms of discrimination, violence and abuse in the society, that the present administration in the state appreciates the significant role FIDA plays in Ondo state.


Visit to Children home at Oba-ile, Akure.
Fida Ondo State chapter felt there is no way Easter celebration would be concluded without celebrating and showing love to our children in the Children home at Oba-ile, Akure.