by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Press Release on the International Day of the Girl-Child 2024Theme: “Girls’ Vision for the Future”
As we celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child observed annually on the 11th of October, FIDA Nigeria stands resolute and in solidarity with every girl whose dream and aspiration remains a beacon of hope for a brighter tomorrow. Today, we do not only celebrate girls—we amplify their voices, highlight their struggles and call for urgent and proactive action to ensure that their vision for the future become a reality.
Across Nigeria, millions of girls are born into a world filled with challenges that are beyond their making. From the plains of the northeast, where continued conflict and displacement shatter the innocence of childhood, to the rural communities where girls are still denied access to basic education, the story of the Nigerian girl-child is often one of untold hardship and deprivation.
A story of daily struggle from dawn, not to prepare for school, but inundated with household chores and in most cases enduring the endless and cruel reality of child labor and gender inequalities. She dreams of a future where she can learn, grow and thrive, yet that dream is clouded by the weight of systemic barriers and discrimination, early and forced marriages, gender-based violence, harmful traditional and cultural practices that rob her of her childhood and future.
In the face of all these adversities, the Nigerian girl-child tenaciously remains a symbol of resilience and courage, daring to dream despite the odds, constantly envisioning a world where she is empowered, her rights protected, her voice heard and her potentials nurtured. However, this vision cannot be realized alone. The girl-child needs allies—people, institutions, and government that will not only listen but take decisive actions and steps to dismantle the structures that perpetuate gender inequality and gross discrimination.
The theme for the year 2024 resonates deeply within our nation. Insecurity, poverty, climate change, illiteracy, cultural and religious limitations and the degradation of progress made in gender parity, have further exacerbated the plight of girls in Nigeria. Nevertheless we make bold to say that the Nigerian girl-child is not a victim waiting to be saved, she is a leader waiting to be heard, standing tall at the frontline of change, challenging oppressive norms and pushing boundaries, yet she cannot win this fight alone.
FIDA Nigeria recognizing the immense potential of girls to reshape our society is deeply committed to creating spaces where their voices are not only heard but acted upon. We shall continue to work tirelessly to provide support, legal protection, and advocacy for the right to education and the overall wellbeing of the girl-child, ensuring that every Nigerian girl has the tools, resources and opportunities to shape her future.
As we reflect on this year’s theme, we call on Government, Civil Society Organizations, Public and Private sectors and indeed all stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to invest in proven solutions that address the challenges which girls face. We must focus on and prioritize security, education, health care, and wholesome protection from violence and exploitation. When girls lead, they uplift families, transform communities, and strengthen the nation.
Let us not only dream with our girls but invest heavily into these dreams. The future of Nigeria is in their hands and by empowering them today, we are securing a brighter tomorrow for all.
It is time to rise for the girl-child, walk the talk, guarantee her participation in leadership through education, thereby accelerating progress for a brighter tomorrow where her dreams become reality.
Together we certainly can!
Signed
For: FIDA Nigeria
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
internationaldayofthegirlchild2024 #girlsvisionforthefuture #proactiveaction #walkthetalk #togetherwecan #FIDANigeria
by FIDAOndo FIDA Applauds Governor Aiyedatiwa for Championing Women’s Development
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Ondo State has commended the State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering support of women’s career growth through gender-friendly policies and programs. FIDA Ondo praised the Governor for fostering a conducive environment that empowers women to excel, noting that the newly sworn-in female judges bring a wealth of experience that will enhance the administration of justice in Ondo State.
In a statement issued yesterday in Akure, FIDA Ondo Chairperson, Barr. Catherine Ogunjebi, congratulated the newly appointed judges, particularly those who are members of FIDA, for their well-deserved elevation to the Bench. She described the appointment of three female judges in succession as a significant milestone, reflecting the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Barr. Ogunjebi also expressed joy for the women of Ondo State, noting that Governor Aiyedatiwa has introduced numerous life-changing programs specifically designed to uplift women, setting a new precedent in the state’s leadership.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Explores Strategic Partnership with NUPRC for the Empowerment of Women and Children
On September 5th, 2024, FIDA Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, FNSE, the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), in Abuja. The visit aimed to explore collaboration opportunities to empower vulnerable women and children.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in enhancing corporate responsibility within the energy sector and advocating for social justice. FIDA Nigeria seeks to align with stakeholders like NUPRC to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Leading the FIDA delegation was Mrs. Amina Agbaje, the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria. Mrs. Agbaje reiterated FIDA’s commitment to advancing justice, protection, and equitable opportunities for vulnerable groups across Nigeria. In response, Engr. Komolafe reaffirmed the NUPRC’s readiness to partner with FIDA Nigeria on impactful programs that promote inclusivity, empowerment, and social responsibility.
This partnership signals a shared commitment to creating meaningful change and fostering a more just society for women and children.
#FIDANigeria #CollaborativeImpact #NUPRC #JusticeForAll #EmpowermentThroughPartnerships
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Hosts Impactful Side Event at NBA AGC 2024
On Tuesday, 27th August 2024, FIDA Nigeria held a highly enlightening, insightful and interactive and Side Event at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference 2024 which held at the Muson Center in Lagos, with discussions focused on the theme: “Pressing Forward: Achieving Enhanced Institutional Structures for Women and Children’s Rights in Nigeria.”
In her Opening Remarks, the Country Vice/National President of FIDA Nigeria emphasized the significance of this platform for fostering meaningful discussions, sharing experiences and crafting strategies to advance the rights of women and children in Nigeria.
Discussants focused on key areas which included the following:
- Strengthening legal frameworks and policy implementation
- Building institutional capacity
- Engaging communities and raising awareness
- Enhancing data collection and research, and
- Tackling specific challenges in these areas
With a beautiful relaxing ambiance the event flowed seamlessly with Highlights which included:*
- A compelling short documentary about FIDA Nigeria through the ages titled “Voice for Women and Children” projecting her accomplishments through her 60 years of existence in Nigeria
- A powerful plenary session featuring notable panelists like Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Prof. (CHIEF) Mike Ozekhome SAN., and Hon Olivia Dazyam, moderated by a strong heforshe champion Mr. Alex Umoaka Esq.
Notable Attendees:
The event was graced by a distinguished lineup of guests, including:
- Country Vice/National President of FIDA Nigeria and National Executive members Evelyn Membere Asimea, Eliana Martins and Olubunmi, Niyi Arajuwa
- Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, OON, the 31st President of the Nigerian Bar Association gave a wonderful goodwill message appreciating FIDA and her members for their support
- Chief Tessa Ikimi, the Ajumota of Warri Kingdom, 7th President of FIDA Nigeria, and current BOT Chair of FIDA Nigeria presented appreciation Plaques to the distinguished panelists
- Hon. Justice Elsie Thompson, the 10th National President of FIDA Nigeria and a current member of the FIDA Nigeria Board of Trustees
- Chief Mrs Victoria Awomolo SAN, Past FIDA African Regional President (Africa) and current FIDA International United Nations Representative, Hon. Inime Aguma
- Mrs. Oyinkan Badero-Okusanya, Chair of the Nigeria Bar 2024 Annual General Conference Planning Committee
- Distinguished Senator Daisy Danjuma, represented by an equally esteemed personality also supported the event
- Muyiwa Akinboro, SAN
It was a gathering of great minds and passionate advocates, united in the mission to press forward for the rights of women and children in Nigeria.
FIDA #WomenAndChildrenRights #NBAAGC2024 #Empowerment #Justice
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Celebrates Success at ActionAid’s WVL-N Project Close-Out Event
FIDA Nigeria, along with seven other local women’s rights organizations, marked a significant milestone at the close-out event of ActionAid’s Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL-N) project, sponsored by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). This impactful project was implemented over five years across Nigeria.
The WVL-N project made substantial strides in addressing gender-based violence against women and girls, promoting women’s economic justice and empowerment, enhancing women’s political participation and leadership, and supporting various other empowerment programs.
FIDA Nigeria proudly received awards for having the Most Efficient Finance Officer and Most Responsive Project Officer during the project’s lifecycle.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to GAC, ActionAid Nigeria, and our fellow partner grantees for an incredible five years. Here’s to achieving even more together!
#NigerianWomenMatter #GenderEquality #GBV #FIDA #ActionAid #GlobalAffairsCanada #WVLN
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Hosts National Workshop on Learning Dissemination
On July 4th, FIDA Nigeria hosted a transformative “National Learning Dissemination Workshop” aimed at strengthening collaboration among criminal justice actors for the sustainable implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJLs) in Nigeria. This event was supported by the MacArthur Foundation.
The workshop served as a platform to share key learnings and insights from the implementation of the intervention, based on an impact assessment conducted across six focal states: Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, FCT, Kano, and Rivers. The focus was on our capacity-building initiative to enhance relationships and foster collaboration among criminal justice actors, formulate actionable strategies to improve the implementation of the ACJA/ACJLs, and brainstorm practical solutions.
Participants contributed invaluable experiences and insights, significantly advancing the effective implementation of the ACJA/ACJLs in Nigeria.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, the MacArthur Criminal Justice Cohort, and the MacArthur Foundation for their support in advancing justice in Nigeria.
FIDA #MacArthurFoundation #CriminalJusticeReform #ACJA #ACJLs #Collaboration #Nigeria #JusticeForAll
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria’s 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting Kicks Off with a Grand Opening Ceremony
Opening ceremony of the FIDA Nigeria 2nd Quarter National Executive Council Meeting (NEC) held at the Meena Event centre Kano state on the 27th of June 2024, and set the tone for a memorable NEC meeting.
The ceremony was well attended with notable dignitaries which included the noble Chief Judge of Kano State, Hon Justice Dije Aboki, the Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice ably represented by Hussaini Hassan the DCR; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and the Disabled, Hajiya Aisha Lawal Sajiranu; SSA to the Governor on Special Assignment to Women, Hajiya Fateema Amneef; Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service, ably represented by SCS Nana Fatima Mohammed; Chairman NBA Kano State Branch Mr Sagir Gezawa, Chairman NBA Mr Mohammed Jibrin; Chairman NBA Ungogo Branch, State Coordinator ROLAC & International Idea, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello; State Coordinator Neem Foundation, Alhaji Abba Bello; Coordinator for Policy Advocacy in Kano state, Hajiya Maro Bello; Research Fellow National Judicial Institute, Gender and Child Justice Administration & UNICEF Consultant, Comfort Olubo Umaru; Chairperson Planning Committee of the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference, Oyinkan Bajejo Okunsanya; distinguished members of the National Executive Council; delegates and other notable personalities.
Chairperson of the host Branch, FIDA (Nigeria) Kano state, Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman set the tone with a warm welcome speech while the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje gave her opening remarks followed by remarks from the Chief Judge of Kano state, Hon. Justice Dije Aboki, who doubled as the Chair of the opening ceremony and who officially declared the program open.
Thereafter, a paper presentation by UNICEF Consultant and Research Fellow National Judicial Institute, Comfort Ulobo Umaru on ”Justice for Children: The Role of Diversion and Rehabilitation for Children in Conflict with the Law” followed immediately. Her presentation focused on SGBV and conflict-related sexual violence against children in the context of terrorism. The session ended with an engaging Q&A session with delegates making it a truly educative voyage.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) session which is a hallmark of every FIDA Nigeria National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in the afternoon of the 27th of June 2024. It was a platform where delegates were further trained on evolving and emerging areas of law as pertain to global best practices. Papers were presented on ”Effective Communication Skills, Best Practices for the Fidan” by Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the High Court of Kano state and ”Legal clinic and case management, Best Practices for the Fidan” by Hon. Justice Maryam Sabo Mni, ably represented by Chair emerita of FIDA Abuja Branch, Rachael Rekia Adejo Andrew.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating the impactful work that FIDA Nigeria is doing to expand access to justice for indigent women and children.
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by FIDAOpening ceremony of the FIDA Nigeria 2nd Quarter National Executive Council Meeting (NEC) held at the Meena Event centre Kano state on the 27th of June 2024, and set the tone for a memorable NEC meeting.
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The ceremony was well attended with notable dignitaries which included the noble Chief Judge of Kano State, Hon Justice Dije Aboki, the Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice ably represented by Hussaini Hassan the DCR; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and the Disabled, Hajiya Aisha Lawal Sajiranu; SSA to the Governor on Special Assignment to Women, Hajiya Fateema Amneef; Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service, ably represented by SCS Nana Fatima Mohammed; Chairman NBA Kano State Branch Mr Sagir Gezawa, Chairman NBA Mr Mohammed Jibrin; Chairman NBA Ungogo Branch, State Coordinator ROLAC & International Idea, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello; State Coordinator Neem Foundation, Alhaji Abba Bello; Coordinator for Policy Advocacy in Kano state, Hajiya Maro Bello; Research Fellow National Judicial Institute, Gender and Child Justice Administration & UNICEF Consultant, Comfort Olubo Umaru; Chairperson Planning Committee of the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference, Oyinkan Bajejo Okunsanya; distinguished members of the National Executive Council; delegates and other notable personalities.
Chairperson of the host Branch, FIDA (Nigeria) Kano state, Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman set the tone with a warm welcome speech while the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje gave her opening remarks followed by remarks from the Chief Judge of Kano state, Hon. Justice Dije Aboki, who doubled as the Chair of the opening ceremony and who officially declared the program open.
Thereafter, a paper presentation by UNICEF Consultant and Research Fellow National Judicial Institute, Comfort Ulobo Umaru on ”Justice for Children: The Role of Diversion and Rehabilitation for Children in Conflict with the Law” followed immediately. Her presentation focused on SGBV and conflict-related sexual violence against children in the context of terrorism. The session ended with an engaging Q&A session with delegates making it a truly educative voyage.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) session which is a hallmark of every FIDA Nigeria National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in the afternoon of the 27th of June 2024. It was a platform where delegates were further trained on evolving and emerging areas of law as pertain to global best practices. Papers were presented on ”Effective Communication Skills, Best Practices for the Fidan” by Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the High Court of Kano state and ”Legal clinic and case management, Best Practices for the Fidan” by Hon. Justice Maryam Sabo Mni, ably represented by Chair emerita of FIDA Abuja Branch, Rachael Rekia Adejo Andrew.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in celebrating the impactful work that FIDA Nigeria is doing to expand access to justice for indigent women and children.
Kindly click on the link 🔗 for more photos
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kM4b1axfyRjk16RKA
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by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Kicks Off 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting with Welcome Cocktail: An Evening of Bonding and Conviviality
To unwind from the stress of travel and also connect with fellow delegates, the host branch for the NEC meeting, FIDA (Nigeria) Kano State Branch, hosted a welcome cocktail for delegates in the evening of the 26th of June. It was an evening of fun, relaxation, catching up, sharing of experiences and an opportunity to further strengthen bonds under an atmosphere of general conviviality. Laughter and profound conversations set the mood for the evening, and by extension the tone for the 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
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by FIDAFIDA Nigeria’s 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting 2024: Advocating for Justice and Humanitarian Aid in Kano State
The 2nd Quarter FIDA Nigeria National Executive Council (NEC) meeting 2024, held from the 26th of June to the 29th of June 2024 in Kano State, centred around the theme: Ensuring Access to Justice for Indigent Women and Children in Nigeria the 2nd Quarter NEC meeting was hosted by FIDA (Nigeria) Kano State Branch.
Scheduled activities began the morning of Wednesday, 26th of June 2024 with advocacy outreaches by FIDA Nigeria in its well known tradition of impacting the lives of the indigent by a visit to two significant locations:
- Nassarawa Children’s Home (Orphanage), Nasarawa GRA Kano state
This outreach to the children’s home was led by the Country Vice/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje, National Executive Committee Members and a number of distinguished delegates. The delegation was warmly received by the custodians of the home, Aminu Sabiu Bebeji, and Maimuna Hamisu Tahir. The children’s home had a total of 96 children, with about 32 children present during the visit as it was a school day. FIDA made its presentation to the home together with donations of food and other items. - Torrey Home for children with special needs
The FIDA Nigeria delegation to the Torrey home was received by Hajia Farida Idris Usman and her staff. Torrey Home houses a total of 42 children with special needs. During the visit, items such as foodstuff and sanitary wares were presented, emphasising FIDA’s commitment to providing humanitarian and legal aid.
Both outreaches were an integral and consistent part of all FIDA’s NEC meetings, bringing joy and support to the vulnerable and less privileged, while demonstrating FIDA Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it the most.
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