by FIDAFIDA Lagos Champions Rights and Well-being on International Day of the Girl Child
In a dedicated observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, the dynamic team from FIDA Lagos, spearheaded by Chairperson Mrs. Chinwe Efobi and guided by Committee Head Mrs. Nnenna Nwaokobia, made a meaningful impact at Topgrade Secondary School in Surulere, Lagos.
Mrs. Roma Wayo, a passionate FIDA Lagos member, took the stage to enlighten and sensitize the students about the “Rights of the Girl Child.” Joining forces were Dr. Mrs. Feyisikemi Dauda, representing the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, addressing the critical topic of “Dental Care and the Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle for the Girl Child.” Dr. Mrs. Uyime Ivy-King added her expertise to the discourse, focusing on “Self-Confidence and Development” to inspire and guide the young minds.
The event culminated in a mini-legal clinic intervention session, providing invaluable insights and support to address legal concerns affecting the well-being of the girl child. FIDA Lagos once again demonstrated its commitment to shaping a brighter future for young girls by imparting knowledge, fostering confidence, and addressing crucial aspects of their health and rights.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Leads Workshop Against SGBV and CEFM in Southern Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria organized a dynamic Capacity Building Workshop that united 25 impassioned Community Representatives from Delta, Bayelsa, and Edo States in Southern Nigeria.
This workshop wasn’t just a gathering—it was a catalyst for rapid, effective action against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and the scourge of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM). The focus? Crafting seamless, tried-and-true referral pathways that deliver unwavering support to survivors.
It was a day of empowerment, where Community Paralegals were armed with the tools, skills, and knowledge to confidently tackle issues of SGBV and CEFM, harnessing established referral networks. And it didn’t stop there. This gathering sought to bolster the capabilities of these paralegals, fortifying their ability to construct transparent pathways, ensuring swift and all-encompassing aid for victims and survivors of SGBV and CEFM, who have faced unspeakable violations of their rights.
The driving force behind this monumental event? A collaboration between the indomitable Palladium and FIDA Nigeria, fueled by the unwavering support of the USAID-funded SCALE project.
by FIDAEmpowering Community Leaders to Combat Violence Against Women in Elections: FIDA Nigeria’s Workshop in Bayelsa State
In a significant stride towards fostering gender equality and amplifying women’s voices in the electoral process, FIDA Nigeria, in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), organized a One-Day Capacity Building Workshop for Community Leaders. The event, held in Bayelsa State, was specifically designed to address the pressing issue of Violence against Women in Elections.
The primary aim of this workshop was to equip community leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and combat factors contributing to violence against women during electoral processes. By nurturing a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues, participants were empowered to proactively safeguard the rights and safety of women in the upcoming November 11, 2023 off-cycle Governorship Election.
Central to the workshop’s agenda was the establishment of robust referral channels between communities and prominent security agencies. This strategic move is poised to revolutionize the response mechanism for incidents of violence against women, ensuring swift action and a safer environment for female participants in the political arena.
Moreover, the initiative aspires to fortify a resilient community protection framework, with a special emphasis on indigenous women and other vulnerable populations in Bayelsa State. By prioritizing inclusivity and equal representation, this endeavor seeks to create an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
FIDA Nigeria extends heartfelt gratitude to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for their generous support, which has played a pivotal role in transforming this vision into a tangible reality. The CFLI’s commitment to championing the cause of women’s rights on an international scale exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative efforts can have in dismantling barriers and fostering a more inclusive society.
As the echoes of this workshop reverberate through Bayelsa State, it is anticipated that the knowledge and empowerment gained by community leaders will be instrumental in paving the way for a more equitable and just electoral process. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of collective action in effecting positive change and advancing the cause of gender equality.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Held a One-day Workshop on Plea Bargain as a Tool for Speedy Dispensation of Corruption Cases
”Plea Bargain as a Tool for Speedy Dispensation of Corruption Cases”
This was the crux of the One-Day National Capacity Building organized by FIDA Nigeria with support from the MacArthur Foundation for Actors in the Criminal Justice system, Judicial Officers, Economic and Financial Crimes Officials, Law Enforcement and Security Agencies, private practitioners amongst other critical stakeholders.
The training was targeted at increasing capacity of participants and impacting thorough knowledge on the concept, principle, workings and challenges of plea bargain as a tool for speedy dispensation of corruption cases; Improve synergy and coordination amongst Criminal Justice actors; Provide a platform for shared learnings particularly for Judicial Officers and prosecutors for Economic and Financial Crimes, and other Law Enforcement and Security Agencies to examine the critical issues and challenges faced in the utilisation of Plea bargain.
The provisions of the Proceeds of Crimes ( Recovery and Management Act (POCA) 2022, were also X-rayed and thoroughly discussed by participants.
The workshop and subsequent interactive discourse threw up various recommendations, including the need to have a streamlined and harmonious Guideline on Plea bargain at National level, and functional committees at state levels to oversee the process of plea bargain as is already done in some states. These amongst several other well thought-out recommendations are geared towards enriching the jurisprudence of Plea Bargain as a veritable tool for speedy dispensation of corruption cases.
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by FIDAFIDA Nigeria organized her 2nd SGBV/CEFM Bi-annual Coordination meeting in 2023 for selected stakeholders yesterday in Abuja
The Bi-annual Coordination meeting being the 4th in the series provided a platform for shared learning, mutual coordination, interactions, and networking amongst civil society actors working within the space. The meeting also addressed issues on sustainability of coordinated interventions by civil society organisation while expanding on other areas of best practices for effective preventive and response strategies on Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and Child Early Forced Marriage (CEFM)
Present at the meeting were the Country Vice President and National President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzana Agbaje; Eric Umoru Eric Umoru – Social Protection & Inclusion Advisor Palladium; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; MDAs ,CSOs & Stakeholders from various parts of the country.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Side Event at the 63rd NBA Annual General Conference
The parallel event of FIDA Nigeria which took place during the pendency of the 63rd Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference held on the 30th of August 2023 at Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, with the Theme ”Getting It Right: Women As Agents Of Change In Nation Building-Making A Case For The Nigerian Woman”
In her opening remarks, the Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria Amina Suzanah Agbaje noted that “In the grand tapestry of Nigerian history, women have always been present, silently shaping the destiny of our nation. They have stood as pillars of strength, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, and nurturing the seeds of progress within our communities. However, it is time we give Women the recognition we truly deserve, as agents of change in nation-building.”
The plenary session had a line up of erudite guest speakers including Ene Obi, immediate Past Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria; Johnson J. Usman SAN, Principal Partner, J.J Usman SAN and co.; and Oluwatoyosi Giwa, Project Manager, Access to Justice for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities for the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme. It was moderated by Chisom Ihekwaba, co-founder of Sisters’ Bond Initiative.
In attendance were notable personalities which included member Board of Trustees FIDA Nigeria Prof Jummai Audi; Past Regional Vice Presidents Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo SAN and Hajiya Laraba Shuaibu; Past Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria Rhoda Prevail Tyoden; National Secretary Eliana Martins; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; Members of the National Executive Council of FIDA Nigeria; Chairman, Nigerian Law Reform Commission; FIDA Members and a host of other dignitaries and delegates.
It was a well-attended event that sparked off enlightening, incisive and highly interactive discussions on the various ways women’s numerous contributions and the invaluable role they play as agents of change, shape and transform the trajectory of nation-building.
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by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Suleja Branch
It is Official!!!!
A brand new Branch has been added to the growing number of FIDA Branches spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. This is because on Tuesday, the 15th of August 2022, FIDA Nigeria inaugurated its 46th Branch, ”FIDA (Nigeria) Suleja Branch Niger State”
The inauguration took place at High Court 2, Suleja Niger State, and had in attendance several distinguished personalities including the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje; the National Secretary Eliana Martins; National Asst. Publicity Secretary Shaltha Nachamada; CVP emerita Rhoda Prevail Tyoden; Zonal Coordinator FIDA North Central Zone, Hajiya Laraba Shuaibu; Chairperson emerita FIDA Abuja Branch Rekia Adejo-Andrew; Chairperson FIDA Minna Branch, His Worship Bilikisu Labaran Kago; the Sarauniyyan Zazzau Dr. Rahmatu Hassan (who doubled as a Matron of the Branch); the Area Commander Suleja Police Command ACP S.M Musa; Chairman NBA Suleja; Ibrahim Bako Esq, the Route Commander Federal Road Safety Corps; Bar leader P.U Ekwueme Esq., amongst several Magistrates, distinguished guests and FIDA members.
The induction of FIDA (Nigeria) Suleja Branch Niger State as the newest Branch of FIDA Nigeria, forms part of FIDA’s commitment to reaching grassroot communities while scaling up its objective of protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of women and children. The formal inauguration of the new Branch was carried out by the Country Vice President FIDA Nigeria, after which Branch officials were sworn in by His Worship Ruth Ibrahim Dauda.
The inauguration of the 46th Branch of FIDA Nigeria was a monumental success underscoring FIDA’s dedication to broadening the scope of provision of pro-bono legal services, particularly to the grassroots where it is much needed.
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 FIDAStrike balance between work, family – Justice Odilli tells female lawyers
Tina Amanda
Retired Justice Mary Odili has encouraged female lawyers in the state to remain resilient in confronting any situation that may arise while balancing their career, family and work.
Retired Justice Odilli stated this while delivering her keynote speech during a seminar for female Lawyers, with the theme: “Build me up – Balancing Career, Family and Work”, organised by FIDA Rivers State in Port Harcourt.
She urged the female lawyers not to give in to unnecessary distractions over things that are not substantial but be focused on their career, family and work pursuits.
“I encourage you to be focused and not give up; any confrontation, you should not back off but rather confront it, and by God’s grace, you will prevail.
“Focus and hard work is the so that nobody will hold you to ransom”.
Chief Judge of Rivers State High Court and Chairman of the occasion, Justice Simeon Amadi, who Justice Kio ably represented, said that as much as work and family is enormous, the two most crucial area of human life must be balanced.
“The work requirements and family responsibilities could be enormous, especially in a male-dominated profession of ours, as a result of the enormity of a lawyer’s work.
“Children and parents tend to have lesser communication and conversation due to parents’ work and career. I am delighted that you have carefully chosen a keynote speaker and other distinguished speakers who have balanced their jobs, family and work.
“At the end of the seminar, it should provide the antidote to strike a balance between career, family and work”.
Chairperson International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs, said the seminar is part of their five years strategic goal to mentor women, not just female lawyers alone, but every career female in the state.
“One of our packages is mentoring because we have realized a need to mentor female lawyers and professionals.
“We need to learn how to balance our career, family and work; there is always this clash in balancing them, which is why we decided to have women who have done it successfully.
“We must have this balance because we must be successful as women and get to the top of our careers. There is always this struggle for family, career and all, so we need to learn from those who have done it; that was the essence of the seminar”.