by FIDACapacity Enhancement Training For Legal Officers Of The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abuja
On the 27th of September FIDA Abuja graced the opening ceremony of the Training Program for Legal Officers of the National Youth Service Corps with the theme “THE ROLE OF LEGAL OFFICERS IN DELIVERING QUALITY LEGAL SERVICE IN NIGERIA”.
The training organized by the National Youth Service Corps was put together to ensure legal officers of the NYSC have appropriate education and training on the ideals and ethical duties of lawyers with focus on the provisions of the National Youth Service Corps Act 2004 and its accompanying Bye-Laws of 1993.
The branch was duly represented by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M. Nwosu and the Publicity Secretary, Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe. Also present at the opening ceremony were the Representative of the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs C.I Ubah; the Director Legal NYSC, Barr. Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim, Representative of the Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mrs Josphine Ekperobe among many others.
As the guest speaker, the Chairperson in a goodwill message urged legal officers to arm themselves with the profession’s right knowledge, skill and ethics. She further noted the timely invitation as FIDA anticipates a synergy with the National Youth Service Corps by training and integrating corps members as paralegals of the Association and in the administration of justice.
by FIDAFIDA Imo Commemorates the International Day of Peace
On the 21st day of September 2022, FIDA Imo, in collaboration with Imo Women for Peace and Good Governance Initiative, marked the UN International Day of Peace.
A peace walk was embarked on around the city’s metropolis with massive advocacy spearheaded by FIDA IMO. The high point was releasing a bird, the symbol of Peace.
by FIDAFIDA Abuja Outreach To Jahi 1 Community
FIDA Abuja branch led by the Chairperson, Miss Chibuzo M. Nwosu, on the 8th of September 2022, carried out an outreach to the community of Jahi.
Present at the Jahi Chief’s Palace were HRH Alhaji Adamu Dogo, members of his cabinet and paralegals.
While the Chairperson enlightened the teaming community members on relevant provisions of the VAPP Act 2015, relevant questions centered around these provisions were asked and answered assiduously.
At the end of the session, the Palace Chief (Alhaji Adamu Dogo) once again appreciated FIDA for its continuous works and prayed the girls of the Community grow to become lawyers and women of virtue.
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson commended particularly members of the Jahi Community for their willingness to uphold the tenets of the law and ultimately the fight against gender-based violence. The branch donated some bags of grains to the community.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Epe Branch, Lagos State
Following the successful Inauguration of FIDA Nigeria Ikeja Branch Lagos State, as the 44th Branch of the Association, FIDA Nigeria resolute on further extending her reach to communities and people at the grassroots, inaugurated FIDA Nigeria Epe Branch Lagos State as her 45th Branch.
The inauguration took place at the KFA Event Center, Km 15, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lekki, with the theme ”Economic and Intellectual Empowerment for the Women at the Grassroot”
The jurisdiction of the new Branch covers Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe Local Government Areas of Lagos State, which all fall under the Epe Judicial Division of Lagos state.
The National Executive Committee of FIDA Nigeria was represented by the Country Vice President, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje and its National Secretary, Mrs. Eliana Martins. In attendance also was, the Chairperson, Board of Trustees (BOT) of FIDA Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Tessa Ikimi; Mrs. Biola Dosunmu; Olori Adetoun Balogun, the IyaOloja of Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Central Business District Ibeju-Lekki.
The inauguration was conducted by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, while Her Honor Mrs. Funmi Dosunmu presided over the swearing-in of executive officers of the new Branch. The emergence of the 45th Branch of FIDA Nigeria is a clear testament to FIDA’s commitment to increasing its reach and presence towards effectively promoting, protecting and preserving the rights of women and children through the use of legal framework.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Ikeja Branch, Lagos State
FIDA Nigeria as part of its commitment towards effectively reaching the grassroots while scaling up on its core objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children, inaugurated her 44th Branch, FIDA (Nigeria) Ikeja Branch Lagos State on Wednesday, 14th of September 2022.
The Inauguration ceremony took place at the NBA Ikeja Branch Secretariat Hall, Old Secretariat building, Ikeja Lagos State.
The Theme of the inauguration was “Challenges faced by Women and Children in Nigeria: The Nigerian Experience!”
In attendance at the occasion were several distinguished personalities including the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje; Chief Magistrate A.B Olagbegi Adelabu (Keynote speaker); Chairman Magistrate’s Association of Nigeria Lagos State Branch, Alex Muoka (Guest speaker); FIDA Nigeria National Secretary, Eliana Martins; amongst several other FIDA members and invited guests.
The inauguration was carried out by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, after which the new Branch officials were sworn in. The inauguration was a huge success and underscores FIDA’s commitment to ensuring that the scope of provision of legal services (pro-bono) is broadened and extends far to the grassroots where it is mostly needed.
by FIDAFIDA, NBA Train Young Legal Practitioners On Ethics, Discipline In Kano
The Kano State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has trained 100 young lawyers on professional ethics and discipline.
According to the FIDA state chairperson, Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman, the training, which was held at the NBA state secretariat, was aimed at developing the capacity of the young legal practitioners in areas they are having problems.
She said the upcoming lawyers would not only need to practice but to mingle and learn from experienced and senior members in the profession so they can improve in handling legal proceedings.
Speaking, Chief Magistrate Umma Sani Kurawa, who deliver a keynote presentation on filing processes for civil and criminal proceedings, advised FIDA to be revisiting cases at correctional facilities for review of convicted cases tried outside the jurisdiction.
“I was opportune to visit the prison when I was a Senior Magistrate and my jurisdiction was to impose a fine of N15,000. To my surprise, I met a woman who was convicted and a fine of N50,000 was imposed on her by a magistrate of grade II.
by FIDAFirst Bank of Nigeria, Ikot Ekpene Branch Visits FIDA Uyo Shelter
On Saturday 27th August, 2022, First Bank Nigeria, Ikot Ekpene Branch as part of her Corporate Social Responsibility visited Ruby’s Place, a shelter managed by FIDA Nigeria, Uyo Branch.
Food Items and other household items were donated to the Shelter and on hand to receive the Bank and the items were the Immediate Past Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Uyo Branch, Emem Ette Esq., Dame Helen Egube,JP and Maria Otuko Esq.
FIDA Ikot Ekpene appreciated the team from First Bank for the kind gesture extended towards the shelter.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Bi-Annual Coordination Meeting
On the 16th of August 2022, Palladium in collaboration with FIDA Nigeria as one of its resource partners held its 2nd Bi-Annual Coordination meeting with some key stakeholders in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Nigeria as part of activities under the SCALE project.
The meeting was to track progress, experience sharing by some key stakeholders, and further advance collaboration between frontline practitioners, SCALE resource partners, and relevant government entities across the SGBV and CEFM sectors in Nigeria.
by FIDAFIDA Oyo Advocacy visit to Jesus Kids Home for the disabled
FIDA Oyo Branch, ably led by the Chairperson ( Mrs. Olusola Sulayman) paid an Advocacy visit to Jesus Kids Home for the disabled (A registered Non-Governmental Organization) which was established to help children who have been abandoned on account of physical challenges, as well as some who have been subjected to rape and abuse.
The visit was in line with FIDA Nigeria’s mandate/strategic plan which is to engender the improved participation of women, youth, and persons living with disabilities in all spheres of human endeavor.
FIDA Oyo was able to create an awareness in the minds of the people at the home, using the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Oyo State, as a point of reference.
The Chairperson appreciated the management of Jesus Kids Home, Pastor Mrs. Ololade Adamolekun for the warm reception accorded FIDA Oyo State. The visit was rounded off with dancing and prayers with and for those domiciled in Jesus Kids Home
by FIDACoordination Meeting For Community Paralegals and Service Providers
FIDA Nigeria as part of activities under the Action Aid WVL Project (Year 4) held a coordination meeting for community paralegals and service providers on 10th August 2022.
The meeting was aimed at establishing an efficient and effective referral pathway structure for responding to GBV in selected communities across three Area councils of the FCT.
At the end of the meeting, community paralegals and service providers had a clearer understanding of their roles, the available referral mechanisms as well as the various service providers cataloged under the referral pathway system for improved and effective responses to GBV cases.
