Delta – Warri

Date of Inception  2021

Interim 2021 – 2022

Chairperson –  Megbele Ogechi Jessica

Vice Chairperson – Jereoma Sam-Oligida

Secretary  – Charles-Lucky Olayinka Rose

Asst.  Secretary – Megbele Oghenero Faith

Treasurer – Ajiri Emoezi Kode

Social/welfare Secretary – Rita Ufuoma Okorodudu

Public Relations Officer –  Beauty Disi Ekpuda

2022 – 2024

Chairperson – Megebele Ogochi

Secretary – Olayinka Charles-Lucky

Asst. Secretary – Magbele Oghenero Faith

Treasurer – Vanessa Kubenyinje Sifo

P.R.O – Beauti Disi Ekpuda

Asst. P.R.O – Ufuoma Okorodudu

2022 – 2024

Chairperson – Mojisola Ti Jani

Vice-Chairperson – Mfon Ifon

Secretary – Laura Akpan

Treasurer – Ime Edemeka

Financial Secretary – Blessing Ekong

P.R.O – Miranda Nwah

Sensitization Visit to Topquest International School

Interactive session with the NYSC Legal Aid Community Development Group

FIDA Nigeria Warri Branch on the 26th of September 2022 had an interactive session with the NYSC Legal Aid Community Development Group, Warri South LGA.

The branch represented by the Chairperson Ogechi Jessica Megbele, Alero Omebeyinje Sifo (Welfare Sec), Mercy Ifeanyi and Tosan Ajinomisanghan discussed prospective projects between FIDA Warri Branch and the NYSC legal Aid Community Development Group.

Visit to Nigerian Correctional Service Warri, Delta State.

FIDA Nigeria Warri Branch, Prison Watch Committee Visited The Female Inmates Of The Nigeria Correctional Services Warri, Delta State 20th July 2022. Gift items were presented to the inmates and pro bono legal services were rendered.

One Day Capacity Building Training Workshop for Members

In line with Fida Nigeria’s goal of Innovative and impactful organization to strengthen members’ technical capacity for quality legal service delivery, Fida Nigeria, Warri Branch conducted a one-day capacity building training workshop for members. The lectures conducted were on strategic areas namely:

• Organizational Effectiveness: The Role of FIDA in the society – Hon Justice T. O Uloho
• Mediation, Advocacy and Counselling:  The Model Arsenals of the 21st Century Lawyer – Hon Justice R. Harriman discussed
• Ethics of FIDA; Roles of Engagement and Standard – YH L.O. Oki-Omezi

It was an interactive, expository, insightful and thought-provoking session. Certificates of participation were awarded to fifty (50) members who participated in the training.

The Chairperson Planning Committee Aruoriwo Okpobor- Fuoye in her vote of thanks appreciated the facilitators and members for the success of the training.

FIDA Warri Commemorates International Day of the African Child 

In commemoration of the International Day of the African Child with the theme “Eliminating Harmful Practices affecting Children”, FIDA Warri branch paid an advocacy visit to Edulyn Secondary School Ekpan, today the 17th of June 2022.

The advocacy visit was to sensitize and teach the students about what these harmful practices are, the effects of such harmful practices and the ways these harmful can be eliminated to protect the rights of the African child.

The event kick started with the introduction of what FIDA is all about by the Secretary, Yinka Charles- Lucky and the Chairperson Ogechi Jessica Megbele was the Speaker at the event, sensitizing the students on these harmful practices.

Gallant FIDANs were in attendance and did justice to the questions and answers session.

The students, teachers and the School Management were thrilled to have FIDA (Nig) Warri Branch visit their school

DAY OF AFRICAN CHILD  (DAC) 2022

FIDA Warri marks the International Day of African Child with the theme ” Eliminating Harmful Practices affecting Children – Progress on Policy and Practices since 2013 “.

DAC 2022 presents an opportunity to review the status of harmful Practices affecting Children in Africa, Nigeria, and Delta State. It also provides an occasion for the government, CSO’s and other Stakeholders to know their ongoing engagement towards the protection and assistance of children affected by harmful practices through the organization of specific activities and programs to prevent, protect and assist children who are at risk and survivors of harmful practices.

Article 1(3) of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) imposes a duty on State parties to discourage any custom, tradition, cultural or religious practices inconsistent with the rights enshrined therein.
Article 21(1) of the ACRWC calls on States to take all appropriate measures to eliminate all harmful social and cultural practices affecting the welfare, dignity, normal growth and development of the Child. These harmful practices include early and forced marriage, FGM, Child labor and sexual exploitation of children.

This year’s theme focuses on the elimination of harmful practices due to the high prevalence of these harmful practices in Africa, the prevalence of harmful practices continues to violate the rights of children across the continent.

These harmful practices hinder children from fully enjoying their fundamental rights as enshrined in the African Children’s Charter. The harm that the harmful practices cause forces children to experience immediate physical and mental consequences. It affects the children’s dignity, psychosocial, moral integrity, health, education, and economic and social status.

Status of harmful practices in Nigeria include:
– FGM
– Child and or/forced marriage
– Child Labour
– Sexual exploitation of children
– Trafficking of children
As we mark the Day of the African Child (DAC 2022) it is a call on Government, CSO’s and Stakeholders to effectively prevent, protect and assist children who are survivors or at risk of harmful practices.

This is a call to everyone to join hands and make the world safer for our children.
Let’s protect their right.💪

Sgd :
Megbele Ogechi Jessica
Chairperson

Raene Tadaferua
Publicity Sec
FIDA (Nig) Warri, Delta State Branch

International Women’s Day 2022

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.

On the 8th March 2022, the Chairperson of FIDA (Nig) Warri Branch Megbele Ogechi Jessica was a Resource person/ Mentor at the International Women’s Day celebration with the theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. The program was organized by Morgan Smart Development Foundation with a mentoring session hosted by Dr Omawunmi Evelyn Atsiangbe Urhobo.

Morgan Smart Development Foundation hosted about 50 women to a mentorship session on Entrepreneurship, Women’s Rights, Health, and Fashion.

It was a refreshing session as participants were exposed to strategies on becoming better and hard-working women to help in making a great society.

On the 7th of March 2022, the FIDA Warri branch ably represented by the Chairperson and Welfare Secretary were at a round table stakeholders discussion in commemoration of the International Women’s Day organized by a consortium of Women’s Organizations Delta State.

FIDA Warri Branch was live on Melody 88.6 Radio Delta state, on the 9th of March 2022 in commemoration of the International Women’s Day discussing ” Violence against women: Relevant laws protecting the rights of women”

FIDA (Nig) Warri, Delta Branch commemorates the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

As part of activities marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, FIDA Warri led by her Chairperson, Megbele Ogechi Jessica organized a one-day sensitization/ town hall meeting, on the 6th February 2022 at Ekiugo Community of Ughelli South Local Govt Area.
The Zonal Coordinator of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Delta State, Dr. Helen Agbadagri handled the myths, risks and effects of Female Mutilation.
The Zonal Director of Ministry of Justice, Warri, Zino Aikpokpo- Martins sensitized the women on the legal implications of such traditional practices.
It was an interactive and interesting session, and the community women were glad to receive FIDA.

FIDA (Nig) Warri, Delta Branch paid an advocacy/ familiarization visit to the Ekpan Police Station, Ekpan on the 25th January 2022.

The Divisional Police Officer CSP Bulus R. Musa and the officers of the Juvenile and Welfare Center were glad to receive the Executives and members led by the Chairperson Megbele Ogechi Jessica.

The essence of the visit was to strengthen the relationship between FIDA and the Police, to also collaborate with the Police to ensure thorough investigation and prompt prosecution of cases of Sexual offences and all other forms of violence against women and children.

The Divisional Police Officer promised unrelenting support and also pledged that the Section of the JWC will collaborate with FIDA to ensure that they bring to book all perpetrators.

FIDA Warri Courtesy Visit to the Olori, Wife of the Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III

On Thursday, 20th January, 2022 FIDA Warri Branch paid a courtesy visit to the Olori, Wife of the Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III. The aim of the visit was centered on advocacy and Membership drive to the Olori, Wife of Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu Of Warri.

The chairperson, Megbele Ogechi Jessica who led her executives and members of FIDA, Warri Chapter on the visit to Her Royal Majesty, stated that the visit was to welcome Her Royal Majesty to the kingdom, intimate her, seek collaboration with the Olori in protecting, preserving and promoting the rights of women and children in the Kingdom, as well as programmes and of FIDA aimed at impacting and bringing positive development to Warri Kingdom

The chairperson of FIDA, Warri Branch while addressing Her Royal Majesty prayed for God’s wisdom, peace, continuous protection and guidance throughout the reign of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu Of Warri. Prayers were also offered for God’s strength on Her Royal Majesty as she supports His Royal Majesty.

The Olori in her welcome address, expressed happiness over the visit of the Galant FIDA Warri Chapter ably led by the Chairperson Megbele Ogechi Jessica to her palace. Her Royal Majesty who is a Legal Practitioner also used the opportunity to reiterate and renew her commitment as a member and promised to work with FIDA for legal issues/advice from time to time.

Responding further, Her Royal Majesty, the Olori, expressed appreciation for the visit of the leaders and members of the organization to the Palace, while informing them she was a member of FIDA Lagos and also FIDA Abuja when she moved to Abuja. She further appreciated the team for identifying with her office. She described Lawyers as one of the few profession she is proud to belong to which is noble and unique profession, and proud to be a member of FIDA, a gallant association.

Her Royal Majesty has also promised to pay all her dues and support FIDA Warri, Delta State Chapter. Highlights of the event was a presentation of FIDA customized t-shirts and cap to Her Royal Majesty, the Olori by Megbele Ogechi Jessica, the Chairperson.

Commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child

Demonstration Secondary School, Warri, Delta State celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child.

Inauguration of Branch

On the 17th Sept 2021, FIDA Nigeria Inaugurated FIDA Warri branch. The ceremony was held at the Bar House, Effurun High Court.

The occasion was chaired by Hon. Justice N. Obi and had in attendance, J. O. Aikpokpo-Martin, Esq., 1st Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association, as the Guest of Honour amongst other notable guests in attendance

The Country Vice President Rhoda Prevail Tyoden was ably represented at the occasion by Evelyn Membere–Asimiea, the FIDA Nigeria, National Secretary, who was supported by Hon. Marie Edeko the National Financial Secretary of FIDA Nigeria

The Chairperson, FIDA Nigeria, Delta State Hon. Stellamaris Mejulu, warmly welcomed all expressing delight at the development of more branches within the State.