
FIDA Rivers Strengthens Ties with the Rivers State Judiciary
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Tamunonuemi Life-George, has reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with the judiciary during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi. The visit, which took place on Monday, January 20, 2025, was attended by the branch executives, the immediate past chairperson, the secretary, and other members of FIDA Rivers.
During the meeting, the Chairperson introduced the newly elected executives to the Hon. Chief Judge and magistrates present. She conveyed the organization’s appreciation for His Lordship’s ongoing support of FIDA Rivers and its advocacy for the rights of women and children. A plaque was presented to the Hon. Chief Judge as a gesture of gratitude.
In her remarks, Mrs. Life-George outlined key areas for collaboration, including:
Repairing the FIDA Rivers bus to support operational efficiency.
Relocating FIDA Rivers back to Block E within the Rivers State Judiciary premises to alleviate the space constraints currently faced at the NBA PH House.
Strengthening partnerships to promote and protect the rights of women and children in Rivers State.
Responding to the requests, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi congratulated the new executive team and commended FIDA Rivers for its impactful work. He acknowledged the solid relationship established with the past leadership and expressed his desire to build on it with the current executives.
On the bus repairs, His Lordship advised the team to direct the request to the Executive Governor of Rivers State through the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, citing the judiciary’s current financial constraints. Regarding the office space at Block E, he informed the team about ongoing renovations and encouraged FIDA Rivers to consider long-term plans for acquiring a permanent office space.
The Hon. Chief Judge reaffirmed his support for FIDA Rivers’ activities, pledging to address pro bono matters and recognizing the organization’s critical role in advancing the rights of women and children across the state.



Empowering Young Female Lawyers: FIDA Rivers’ Dynamic Mentorship Workshop Shines on International Women’s Day 2024
Celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2024, was truly special with a one-day mentorship training organized by FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch, in collaboration with the Hygreb Mentorship Project and the Young Lawyers Forum of the Nigeria Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch.
Honored by the presence of esteemed past chairpersons, judges, and the executive members of NBA Port Harcourt branch, the event was a beacon of support for young female lawyers with 0-7 years of experience.
Kicking off with an inspiring opening remark by the convener of the Hygreb Mentorship Project, Hon. Justice Elsie N. Thompson, we delved into insightful sessions led by distinguished speakers. From Hon. Inime Aguma’s discourse on social welfare to Hon. Justice Margaret Opara’s invaluable insights on professionalism at the Bar, every moment was enriching.
A captivating panel discussion on mentorship featured luminaries from various legal realms, each sharing their expertise passionately. Moderated by the adept Irene Iniobong Pepple, it was a deep dive into the nuances of legal practice, from litigation to corporate law, and the delicate art of balancing life and career.
The interactive Q&A session that followed was enlightening, fostering engaging conversations between mentors and participants. We wrapped up with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the Chairperson of FIDA Rivers IWD Committee, Ms. Felicia NWoke, expressing gratitude for the enriching experience.
A huge thank you to all who made this event possible and to our participants for their enthusiastic involvement. Here’s to empowering the next generation of female legal luminaries!
#WomenInLaw #MentorshipMatters #IWD2024




FIDA Rivers Launches Weeklong Celebration with Insightful Legal Forum: Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam Leads CLE Session on Sustainable Development
The long-awaited FIDA WEEK/36th Anniversary kicked off in grand style on December 6, 2023, as legal minds gathered for a thought-provoking Continuing Legal Education (CLE) session. The event featured Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam as the lead speaker, passionately delving into the theme “Rebuilding Capacity, FIDA Rivers at 36: Embracing Innovation, Technology, and Opportunities for an all-inclusive Sustainable Development.”
Joining the discourse were distinguished speakers, with Associate Professor Boma Toby sharing insights on “Charting a Path in Insurance Law,” and the third speaker, Mr. Ene Donald, Ph.D., shedding light on “The Importance of AI in Legal Research and Practice.”
Guiding the dynamic discussion was Mrs. Evelyn Membere Asimea, the Deputy Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, who served as the adept moderator.
This CLE session transcended professional boundaries, drawing a diverse audience of lawyers, non-lawyers, partners of FIDA Rivers State branch, and Associate members, including students from the Rivers State University and University of Port-Harcourt Chapters. The inclusive nature of the event fostered a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
As FIDA Rivers embarks on its 36th year of impactful advocacy, the opening CLE session not only marked the commencement of a weeklong celebration but also set the stage for a collaborative exploration of innovation, technology, and sustainable development in the legal sphere. The engaging discussions and diverse participation underscored FIDA Rivers’ commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive legal community.




FIDA Rivers Champions Change: A Chronicle of Empowerment in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
FIDA Rivers took an active stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by participating in the impactful 16 Days Activism Campaign organized by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) Rivers State, alongside a coalition of other stakeholders and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Among the esteemed participants were FIDA Rivers State Branch, Rainbow Watch and Development Centre, D-Ability Initiative, CISHAN Rivers State, Greater Women Initiative for Health Rights, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Rivers State, among others.
Themed “UNITE! INVEST TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS” in Rivers State, the campaign aimed to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls. The event commenced with an uplifting praise and worship session, followed by opening remarks from notable figures, including Dr. Mary Obisike, the Gender Focal Person for the Ministry of Health, Rivers State, and Hon. Dr. Enyinada Cookey-Gam, Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro.
Distinguished personalities, such as Hon. Mrs. Lydia Owutubo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, and Hon. Senibo Goodwill Pepple, shared insights and goodwill messages. Dr. Stanley Idakwo, the Programme Manager of IHVN in Rivers State, praised the collaborative efforts and highlighted the significant support from the Local Government.
Throughout the program, informative presentations were delivered by experts, covering various aspects of gender-based violence. Mary Nzeli from IHVN discussed the consequences of GBV, Michael Lenee Gbarale of Rainbow Watch and Development shared responses to GBV, and Hajiya Sally from NAPTIP focused on child trafficking. Representatives from FIDA, Rivers State, shed light on the legal implications of GBV, while Dr. K. U. Nwanyanwu addressed the intersection of GBV and disability rights.
The impactful event reached its zenith with Hon. Senibo Goodwill Pepple emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity in eradicating violence against women, girls, and men. The team extended their efforts to Nkoro Town, replicating the success of the program.
In conclusion, the 16 Days Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence, orchestrated by the Rivers State Ministry of Health with IHVN’s support and collaboration with NGOs, represents a pivotal stride in raising awareness and preventing gender-based violence in Rivers State. This collective effort holds the promise of fostering a safer and more inclusive society for women and girls in the region.

FIDA Rivers’ Educational Outreach at Port Harcourt Primary School in Commemoration of 16 Days of Activism
FIDA Rivers, on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, extended its reach to Port Harcourt Primary School, Old GRA, as part of our ongoing school sensitization program. This visit was particularly significant, aligning with the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence.
During the interactive session, pupils delved into crucial topics, fostering a holistic understanding of personal safety, sexual violence prevention, manners, etiquettes, and an awareness of rights and responsibilities. The discourse was not only insightful but also served as an educational and eye-opening experience for all participants.
The school management expressed gratitude to FIDA Rivers State Branch for imparting valuable knowledge and making a positive impact on the children.




Strike 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”.

FIDA Rivers Commemorates International Day of the Boy
In commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child, FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch visited Enitonna Boys School, an all Boy’s School on the 16th of May 2022
In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, which bothers the Boy and his Mental Health, the boys were educated on the importance of mental health as well as the environmental factors that affect same. They were admonished to break all gender stereotypes, discover themselves and be confident in who they are. They were further advised to eschew all bad influences in society and focus on their education which is their primary responsibility.
Other topics discussed with the boys were; Sexual Offences and their consequences and the Rights of the Boy Child as provided under the laws of Rivers State.
It was an educative, enlightening, and insightful session for the boys and their teachers. Sophia I. J. Afolayan Publicity Secretary/Editor FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch.

Strengthening Women’s Voices, Institutions, Rights and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
In the implementation of the “Strengthening Women’s Voices, Institutions, Women’s Rights and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls In Nigeria Project”, FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State branch in partnership with Nigerian Women Trust Fund and under the sponsorship of Ford Foundation successfully translated the Rivers State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP LAW) into pidgin English which was utilized in the paralegal training of fifty local community leaders from Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Paralegal Training which was held on the 20th day of October 2022, in Okrika, had in attendance local community leaders from the traditional council, religious groups, youth groups, vigilante groups, women groups, and representatives of the Nigerian Police force
The Participants of the training were intensively trained in four engaging sessions on categories of gender-based violence, strategies for ending gender-based violence/ increased participation of women in Leadership positions, and how to effectively serve as paralegals for effective implementation of the VAPP Law.
At the end of the intensive sessions, participants resolved to use the law as an instrument to curtail gender-based violence and to achieve a significant increase in the participation of women in leadership positions.

FIDA Rivers Celebrated the International Widows Day With Over 30 Widows at St Barnabas Anglican Church, Bundu Ama Community
FIDA Rivers State, on the 23rd of June 2022, celebrated the International Widows Day with over 30 Widows at St Barnabas Anglican Church, Bundu Ama Community of Rivers State.
The event featured lectures from Guest speaker and past Chairperson, Hon. Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam on the theme “Sustainable Solutions for Widows Financial Independence” and the rights of a widow presented by the Branch’s treasurer, Mrs. Erefaka Dumotari Boma.
The women were also taught Food Processing as a means of generating income for themselves by Mrs. Briggs Okorite Yobo and Liquid soap making by Mrs. Daba Iketubosin.
Foodstuffs, wrappers, and cash token were presented to the Widows. The widows were overwhelmed with joy and thanked FIDA for choosing to come to their church for the program

FIDA Rivers Celebrates International Children’s Day
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, today joined the rest of the world in celebrating children. The branch put together a special seminar for students in Secondary school with the Theme “Better Future for every Child”.
The event which took place at the NBA House, Bank Road Port-Harcourt, had representatives from 12 schools drawn across the State.
The special guest of the occasion was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women affairs, Mrs Uche Uriri. Also in attendance was the Director of Education, Ministry of youth Development Mr Samuel Miebaka, the Deputy Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, Mrs Evelyn Membere Asimea, The Secretary of FIDA International Hon. Florence Adokiye Amiesimaka, Immediate past President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Port-Harcourt Branch, Dr Vetty Agala, a reprentative of Wumsy’s care and a psychologist Faith Omalu.
The Event featured Seminar presentation/talk on Bullying in Schools and how to cope with it by Faith Omalu, personal Hygiene by Dr Vetty Agala and Sexual Harassment by Erefaka Dumotari Boma Esq.
Representatives of the different schools presented playlets, dance, spoken word poetry, and choir renditions. They also partook in various entertaining and educative Games.
Thereafter Gifts were presented to the winners of the games and the essay Competition.
Indomie representatives were on ground to serve the children freshly cooked noodles and who also presented gifts to all who participated in the various games.
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch appreciates all FIDANs for putting smiles on the faces of the children by their various contributions towards the success of the program