by FIDAFIDA Conducts a One-day Workshop on the ACJA and other Anti- Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria
On Thursday, 7th of April 2022, FIDA Nigeria, Abuja branch carried out a one-day workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other Anti-Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria.
Participants were drawn from ICPC, EFCC, FCT Judiciary, prosecutors from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Police force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Legal Aid Council, Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and FIDA members from prestigious law firms in the FCT.
The Facilitator, an expert on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Anti-Corruption laws gave a very rich presentation that was engaging and took Participants through the four areas of interest and more.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Calls for Better Support in Gender-Based Violence Cases
The latest spate of gender-based violence which increases exponentially day by day, is alarming and quite frankly disturbing. It underscores the critical need to act swiftly to stem the ugly tide, while better supporting victims of abuse to survive.
A cursory glance at the incidences of GBV in Nigeria and around the world, would show that this scourge is a hideous epidemic that needs to be annihilated.
Sadly, despite the provisions of the law, particularly the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) that criminalizes acts of violence which include physical, sexual, verbal, socio-economic, psychological violence and the likes, this scourge encouraged by factors such as underreporting, impunity of perpetrators, cultural/religious beliefs, family/cultural influence, gender inequality, survivor stigmatization/blame, perpetrator threats, denial/secrecy/culture of silence, societal norms, harmful gender norms, etc, continues unabated.
The recent case of the late Mrs. Osinachi Nwachukwu readily comes to mind. When the story broke online and on most social media platforms of her untimely death allegedly at the hands of her husband, FIDA with her core objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children, took active steps as regards this matter, calling for full and proper immediate investigations. We are glad that the relevant arm of law has swung into action with the alleged perpetrator currently in police custody for culpable homicide. We condole with the family over this great loss as we are poised to ensure that no stone remains unturned in the fight for justice for the late Osinachi.
GBV is one of the most prevalent human rights violations that knows no social, economic or national boundaries; particularly that targeted at women which has been recognized all over the world as a public health problem with far reaching consequences for the physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health of women, also hindering women and girls from contributing to national development.
FIDA has continually advocated, provided awareness, and propagated the provision of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act; the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), alongside other pieces of legislation on this issue. We seek to familiarize the populace with the position of the law as regards violence, while encouraging adequate reporting of the same so that perpetrators of these acts can be prosecuted and justice gotten for the survivors of violence.
Every gender-based violence case is a potential murder case, and as such early reporting is vital and critical. The public is encouraged to report any, and all cases of violence; and better support the victims of abuse! Fida remains un-shakingly resolute in handling these cases for free (pro-bono), at zero cost to the complainant, as we abhor all forms of violence in whatever form it manifests itself, and believe that gender-based violence can, and must be eradicated, with adequate prosecution of perpetrators, and stiffer sentences issued.
Ending gender-based violence is a task for all, while reporting perpetrators of violence is the first step towards ensuring that survivors are rescued before they can be maimed or killed. FIDA Nigeria is committed to the cause!
Every state in Nigeria needs to domesticate the VAPP Act which prohibits violent practices and abuses, and is the first legislation that recognizes that men can also be victims of sexual violence as GBV is not gender specific. GBV is preventable and we must shun the culture of “settling” these acts of violence, out of court, as they are criminal acts with prescribed punishments attached to them.
All hands must be on deck to actively condemn and seek to end this scourge
Enough is enough!
endGBVnow
stoptheviolence
fidanigeria
SignedAmina Suzanah Agbaje,
Country Vice President/CVP
by FIDACourt Orders FG to Comply With 35% Affirmative Action for Women
On Thursday 6th 2022, Judgement was delivered in favour of Nigerian Women, granting them 35 per cent affirmative action on appointments
The matter before Hon. Justice D.U. Okorowo at Court 7 of the Federal High Court, Abuja had been on since 2020.
The judgement is considered of utmost National importance to Nigerian women since it is geared towards inclusive governance to reflect true democracy in Nigeria.
The court granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, which included FIDA Nigeria alongside other CSOs who formed part of the litigation team
fidanigeria
nigerianwomenmatter
by FIDAFIDA Bayelsa Held One-day Workshop on the ACJA and other Anti- Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria, Bayelsa State branch with support from Macarthur Foundation on 6th of April 2022, held a one-day workshop on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other Anti-Corruption legislative frameworks in Nigeria.
Participants were drawn up from the different Justice sectors, comprising of Fidans from the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Police Force and the National Agency for The Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP)
Also, Participants were engaged in a pre-evaluation exercise to ascertain their level of preparedness for the training.
The outcome of the workshop/training with regards to the application of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bayelsa State, 2019, is to improve the criminal justice system and to reduce corruption, in the criminal justice system in Bayelsa State.
The workshop/training was indeed impactful, there was an overhaul of the Justice system and the need for the effective application of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and other relevant Anti- Corruption Legislation in Nigeria by the various Justice institutions in curbing corruption in the Justice system in Bayelsa State.
by FIDAFIDA Anambra Conducts a 3-day Workshop on the ACJA and other Anti- Corruption legislative Frameworks in Nigeria
On the 6th of April 2022, FIDA Nigeria, Anambra branch with support from Mac-Arthur Foundation organized a one-day Continuous Legal Education (CLE) Training on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Law and other Anti-Corruption Legislative Frameworks in Nigeria held at FIDA Anambra Family Law Center. In attendance were Magistrates, staff of the Ministry of Justice Awka, Private legal practitioners, Staff of Correctional Service and FIDANS.
The training focused on improving the legal capacity of Female Lawyers in the Criminal Justice System/Anti Corruption.
Honorable Justice Pete Obiora Admin Judge of Idemili Judicial Division of the High Court of Anambra State facilitated the training. He dealt with the issue of corruption in the judiciary, categories, causes, and possible solutions. He emphasized the need to avoid delay in the administration of Justice.
Attendees were given Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
by FIDAFIDA Conducts a 3-day Capacity Building Training on SGBV & CEFM Prevention and Response In Delta
FIDA Nigeria yesterday, commenced a 3-day capacity building workshop for CSOs on SGBV and CEFM Prevention and Response for 15 CSOs representatives across the South under the Palladium SCALE Project.
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by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Leadership Training Northern Zone
FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch successfully hosted the Executive Committee of 19 Branches in the Northern region in a 2-day Intensive Leadership Training held on Friday 25th & Saturday 26th March 2022 at the Abuja Enterprise Agency, Jahi Abuja.
Branches in attendance include Abuja, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Gombe, Gwagwalada, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa and Yobe.
The Intensive Leadership Training organized by FIDA Nigeria was aimed at building the capacity of Branch executive officers to familiarize them with FIDA Nigeria’s preferred leadership disposition to achieving her mandate, the 5-Year Strategic Plan, Policies including the necessary tools/information for effective engagement, and project implementation at branch level.
The training had in attendance prominent resource persons and members of FIDA in the persons of:
Country Vice President/National President, Mrs. Amina Abgbaje, Country Vice President Emeritus, Mrs. Rhoda Tyoden Prevail, FIDA International Director, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, members such as Hon. Justice Olivia Dazyam, Lady Ifueko Ize-Iyamu, Dr. Rosemary Chikwendu, National Assistant Publicity Secretary, Shaltha Nachamada, and Assistant Program Manager FIDA Nigeria, Mrs. Ezinwa Obiajunwa.
At the start of the workshop, delegates were engaged in a pre-training exercise to ascertain the mind and level of preparedness of participants during the training.
Teachings were taken on topics such as Leadership, Team Building, Mediation, Counselling and Advocacy Skills, Functions of each Office and their Synergy, Organizational Effectiveness, Branch Annual Work Plan/Report Writing, and the five mechanisms for achieving the 5-year FIDA strategic plan.
Group exercises and presentations were carried out at the end of each session to identify and discuss the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats peculiar to branches and thereby proffering solutions to these challenges.
In bringing the intensive training to a close, participants responded to a post-assessment questionnaire to ascertain their level of assimilation of all that was taught at the workshop.
by FIDAFIDA Ekiti Celebrates Internation Women’s Day
On Tuesday, the 8th day of March 2022, The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ekiti State Branch celebrated International Women’s Day with the theme: Gender Equality Today for A Sustainable Tomorrow
FIDA Ekiti ably led by the Chairperson; Oyinade Olatunbosun celebrated the day with a Public Sensitization at Erekesan Market (the King’s market)
The delegates were overwhelmingly received by the Market Women and their male counterparts.
The Traders were sensitized on:
- Women’s Rights are Human Rights.
- The need to protect their rights and those of their girl child
- The need for more female participation in politics and voting for more females in the forthcoming State and National elections.
- They were also sensitized on the need to protect the dignity of women by not striping them naked whenever they are alleged to have committed any crime in the Marketplace.
The sensitization was reiterated in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo languages as well as Ekiti dialect.
The Chairperson thereafter gave the market women the office hotlines to call whenever in distress or when needed.
FIDA Ekiti and other NGOs; including the National Council of Women Societies of Nigeria (NCWS), NAWOG, GRIP, and APIN in peaceful Rally marched to the State House of Assembly to protest on the five bills recently rejected and voted against by the National Assembly legislators.
In her speech, FIDA Ekiti Chairperson commended the Ekiti State House of Assembly members on their efforts in providing legal frameworks to protect the rights of women and children in Ekiti State and urged them to reach out to their male counterparts at the National Assembly on the acceptance of the five Bills rejected by the National Assembly. She cited the occurrences of the aftermath of the First World War and Rwanda War, which gave room for women’s participation in political leadership and other spheres in Society, she then emphasized that we should not always wait for wars before women are allowed to take up leadership roles and she also demanded accountability from the National Legislators.
The NAWOJ Chairperson in Ekiti also spoke on the recent development at the National Assembly and asked that the State intervenes.
The Representative of Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion (GRIP) as well as APIN Public Health Initiatives also corroborated what has been said by other agencies.
In his remark, the Honorable Speaker congratulated the different women groups on the celebration of International Women’s Day and appreciated their efforts. However, he also expressed his displeasure and disappointment in the National Law Makers for rejecting the Bills. He stated that the act of the National Assembly has brought the Nation backward.
He then urged the groups not to relent in fighting for their course till the Bills are passed by the National Assembly as he promised that the House will do all they can to reverse the rejection of the Bills.
by FIDAFIDA Warri Conducts a Sensitisation Campaign for Rural Women in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State
As part of activities to mark the International Women’s Day, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Warri, Delta State, branch, carried out a sensitisation campaign for rural women in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
The one-day sensitization campaign had women drawn from 12 wards in Sapele council area of the state. The programme was tailored to create awareness for rural women in the areas of their fundamental rights, skill empowerment programmes and health enlightenment geared towards breaking the bias faced by the womenfolk.
The Chairperson of FIDA, Warri branch, Ogechi Jessica Megbele, who led other executive members to the event, said the sensitization campaign became imperative to ensure women in rural communities were abreast with what was happening globally and the need to be self-reliant.
Speaking on behalf of the council chairman, Ayemidejo assured the group that they would partner with them in future programmes tailored to create more awareness for rural women and the girl-child.
Those present at the campaign included Megbele Ogechi Jessica (chairperson), Oghenero Faith Megbele (assistant secretary), Beauty Ekpuda (PRO), Alero Omebeyinje Sifo (welfare secretary), Vanessa Oyemi Kubeyinje-Ngwu (treasurer), Ataine Aghogho, Zino Aikpokpo-Martins, Clara Omoroh, Dr. Ejiro Kore-Okiti, Timi Brisibe, Augustina Harrison Ojenikoh, Precious Pela, Harmony Agwu, Mrs. Egbo Onosakponome Juliet, Mrs. Irene Tadaferua, Weyimi Omoruwa, Mrs. Erhi and Mrs. G.G. Mure, among others.
by FIDAFIDA Conducts a 3-day Capacity Building Training on SGBV & CEFM Prevention and Response In Bauchi
FIDA Nigeria with funding from the Palladium Group with the support of USAID under the @nigeriascale Project is conducting a 3-day Capacity Building Training on SGBV & CEFM Prevention and Response for selected Northern Based Civil Society Organisations in Bauchi State.
