Ekiti

Contact

Office Address: Aere Afe Babalola Bar Centre High Court Premises, Ado-Ekiti.
Phone No: 07069497271, 07063874668
E-mail Address: ayobamirichard@gmail.com, kateafere@gmail.com

History of branch

2019-2022

Chairperson: Yetunde Oluwatayin Odunayo

Secretary: Blessing Ajileye

2022 – 2024

Chairperson – Oyinade Olatubosun

Vice-Chairperson – Banke Olagbegi Oloba

Secretary – Abigail Aduralere Aladejare

Treasurer – Uzor Aremu – Adetayo

Financial Secretary – Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards

Welfare Secretary – Khadija A. Kolawole Adeniyi

Asst. P.R.O – Catherine Ayodeji Oduluyi

2024 – 2027

Chairperson – Ayobami Olowoyo Richards

Vice-Chairperson – Khadeejat Kolawole Adeniyi

Secretary – Oduluyi Catherine Ayodeji

Asst. Secretary – Awe Adeola Blessing

Treasurer – Ayodele Bunmi Yetunde

Financial Secretary –

Welfare Secretary –

Asst. P.R.O –

Notable activities

FIDA Ekiti Commemorates 2025 Children’s Day with Advocacy and Community Outreach

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State Branch, marked the 2025 Children’s Day with two impactful initiatives focused on advocacy, awareness, and community support.

On May 26, 2025, FIDA Ekiti featured on a special television program aired on NTA Ado-Ekiti. The program focused on the Child Rights Act, highlighting its significance in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children. The enlightening discussion was led by FIDA Ekiti Chairperson, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, along with members Busayo Adekeye and Awe Adeola. Together, they emphasized the critical role of society in ensuring a safe, nurturing, and protective environment for children.

In a compassionate gesture of support, FIDA Ekiti also visited the Adeomi Primary Health Center in Iyin Ekiti to celebrate with children and mothers in the community. The team donated essential items including diapers, baby wipes, soap, and baby oil to mothers of newborns and young children.

During the outreach, the team, again led by Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, Busayo Adekeye, and Awe Adeola, engaged attendees in vital conversations on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), discussing its harmful impact on girls and the urgent need to eradicate the practice. They also addressed the issue of Child Labor, advocating for the protection of children from all forms of exploitation and promoting access to quality education.

These initiatives reflect FIDA Ekiti’s unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting children’s rights across Ekiti State. By combining advocacy with direct community engagement, FIDA Ekiti continues to play a vital role in shaping a future where every child can thrive in a safe, just, and loving environment.

Reported by:
Jesutola Tobi-Mulero
Publicity Secretary, FIDA Ekiti

FIDA Ekiti Celebrates International Day of the Boy Child with Bluecrest International High School

On May 16, 2025, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ekiti Branch, in partnership with Capstone Mission, marked the International Day of the Boy Child with a vibrant and impactful celebration at Bluecrest International High School, Adebayo Olora Road, Ado-Ekiti. This year’s theme, “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: STAND UP, BE HEARD, BE SEEN,” highlighted the importance of empowering young boys to embrace their identities and confidently navigate life’s challenges.

The event provided a safe and supportive platform for the boys of Bluecrest to share personal experiences and express the unique challenges they face. Facilitated by expert speaker Mr. Tolu Asiri, the sessions focused on enhancing self-esteem, boosting confidence, and fostering emotional resilience. Mr. Asiri also addressed the dangers of substance abuse and emphasized the long-term value of self-worth and positive self-perception.

Engaging and interactive activities—including workshops, group discussions, and games—were central to the program. These sessions were designed not only to be informative but also to encourage the development of leadership skills, self-awareness, and healthy interpersonal relationships among the boys.

The celebration underscored the critical need to nurture the emotional and psychological well-being of boys, helping them grow into confident, responsible, and compassionate individuals. Participants left the event inspired, informed, and equipped with practical tools to face personal and societal challenges with resilience and integrity.

The 2025 International Day of the Boy Child celebration was a resounding success, offering a unique opportunity for young boys to connect, learn, and grow in a supportive and empowering environment.

Jesutola Ikeoluwapo Tobi-Mulero
Publicity Secretary, FIDA Ekiti

FIDA Ekiti Pays Courtesy Visit to the Secretary to the State Government, Ekiti State

On February 10th, 2025, FIDA Ekiti, led by its Chairperson, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, paid a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government of Ekiti State, Prof. A. O. Adubiaro.

During the visit, the Secretary of FIDA Ekiti introduced the Executive members of the organization and other key members in attendance. The Chairperson highlighted FIDA’s mission and functions, emphasizing its commitment to advocating for the rights of women and oppressed children. She particularly stressed the importance of continued collaboration with the government, especially in addressing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) against children in schools.

The Chairperson also presented FIDA Ekiti’s work plan for the year, seeking the Secretary’s support and collaboration. In response, the SSG expressed her gratitude for the visit and assured FIDA Ekiti of her full support and collaboration in their efforts.

FIDA Ekiti Pays Courtesy Visit to Acting Chief Justice of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice A.L Ogunmoye

On February 3rd, 2025, FIDA Ekiti, led by its Chairperson, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Chief Justice of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice A.L. Ogunmoye.

During the visit, the Secretary of FIDA introduced the Executive Committee members and other present members of the organization.

The Chairperson expressed gratitude to His Lordship for his ongoing collaboration and significant contributions to the judicial system. She then presented FIDA’s work plan for the year, seeking His Lordship’s continued support.

In response, Hon. Justice Ogunmoye reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and collaborating with FIDA Ekiti. He emphasized his intention to build upon the work of his predecessor and expressed sincere appreciation for the visit.

Day of the Boy Child 2023

To commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child, FIDA Ekiti visited Annunciation Secondary School, Ikere on the 16^th of May, 2023, with the theme Boys and Their Mental Health.

Community sensitization and disseminating of the validated Action Plan

FIDA Nigeria, Ekiti branch on the 8th of July 2022 with support from Ford Foundation conducted a community sensitization in Ilawe-Ekiti by disseminating the validated Action Plans and fliers containing articles on Gender-Based Violence.

The team was received by High Chief Ajibade Olubunmi, representing the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi (Afuntade I) at the Alawe Palace. The members of the GBV Surveillance Team were formally introduced to the Oba. The GBV Surveillance Team in Ilawe-Ekiti comprises of Traditional Leaders, Religious Leaders, Market Chiefs, Commercial Transporters, Nigerian police force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and The Head Primary Health Care(PHC).

FIDA Ekiti Chairperson gave a summary of the project and its impact on Ilawe-Ekiti Community after which copies of the Validated Action Plan, Fliers and Consent Form to the Representative of the Monarch.

The High Chief in his remark thanked Ford Foundation and FIDA for choosing the Community for implementation of the project. He read out the content of the Commitment Form and signed same subsequently.

FIDA Ekiti and the GBV Surveillance Teams, thereafter, went into the market place where they were introduced to the Community. The Community were sensitized in Yoruba and Igbo Languages as well as Ekiti dialect. The Validated Action Plan was conspicuously hung at a strategic position where members of the community can read.

Subsequently, The team went to Ekiti State Girls Model College for sensitization where we had an audience of over 200 students. It was a highly interactive session with the students and teachers. Copies of the Validated Action Plan and fliers were donated to the school for its library. It was indeed an impactful outing.

World Day Against Child Labour 2022

In commemorating the 2022 World Day against Child Labor, Ms. Scholastica Ojo and Mrs. Banke Olagbegi-Oloba (Vice-chairperson, FIDA Ekiti) were at EKTV on behalf of the Branch to sensitize the public and advocate against child labor.
Discussions were based on the universal theme for the year “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour”.

Analyzed fact that the ILO first launched the day in 2002 in the bid to highlight the plights of children subjected to child labor and also, to raise awareness on the need to eradicate child labour in the world.

On 13th June 2022, FIDA Ekiti joined all stakeholders in the awareness creation to stress the fact that child labor dehumanizes a child’s right to human dignity. Child labor negates the fundamental human rights of children as enshrined under chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. It’s also a criminal offense under the Ekiti State’s Child Rights Law.

Further discussed the various efforts of the Ekiti State government in curbing child labor in Ekiti State and how FIDA Ekiti is engaging, advocating, empowering, and sensitizing the public on the need to put an end to all forms of child labor in the State. Where necessary, also litigate in the bid to fight for the rights of the child.

Concluded by reiterating the fact that EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT WHICH MUST BE RESPECTED AND IT’S IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN TO BE EMPOWERED TO WORK ON THEIR DREAMS RATHER THAN IN THE FIELD!

FIDA Ekiti Partners African Mental Health Alliance

On the 13th of May 2022, FIDA Ekiti partnered with African Mental Health Alliance to organize a lecture and walk-in Ekiti State. The lecture titled ‘Trauma care is a community care’ was delivered by Prof Dotun Merino a seasoned expert on trauma care. She is the President of AMHA and JARS Education and Psychological Firm Nig.

After the lecture, a walk tagged ‘Community trauma Awareness Walk’ was embarked on, and participants walked through the town sensitizing the populace on mental awareness. The walk ended at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, where the Honourable Speaker addressed all the participants, he informed them that, the state has already passed the Mental Health Law, 2020 and the House is ready to collaborate further on any matter relating to the well-being of the people of the State. He also pledged further that, the House is willing to entertain amendments in the Law, to meet up with international standards.

FIDA Ekiti Participated in a One-day Training for Domestic Observers

FIDA Ekiti participated in a one-day training for domestic observers, organized by Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, on the 14th of May 2022 at Eleventh House Hotel, Ado Ekiti. As domestic Observers on the field, the branch received trainings on what’s required of the forthcoming elections on 18th June 2022

As observers, the trainees were admonished to keep their eyes on the political system but must not be partisan. The work of an observer starts from the inception of the election process till the end of the election day.

Also taught at the training was the importance of neutrality as a very crucial tool because there is a threshold for every election and an election that does not reach its threshold will be categorized as not free and fair. Observation must be done from the field and not from home.

There was training on incident reporting and escalation of issues cum stimulation exercise and role play. At the end of the session, trainees were given the opportunity to ask questions. The training was robust and educative

FIDA Ekiti is willing and ready as unbias observers.

One-day Workshop on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act/Law (ACJA/L) and other Anti-Corruption Legislative Frameworks in Nigeria 20th April 2022

FIDA Nigeria with support from Macarthur Foundation implemented a One-day Workshop in Ekiti State on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act/Law (ACJA/L) and other Anti-Corruption Legislative Frameworks in Nigeria, on the 20th of April 2022. In attendance were participants from the NPF, Judiciary, NDLEA, NSCDC, INEC, Ekiti State University, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Afe Babalola University, and FIDA members from private practice and other MDAs.

The content of the workshop was robust, engaging and participatory.

At the end of the lectures, the participants came up with an Action Plan which is to be carried out by FIDA Ekiti, being a member of the Ad hoc ACJMC, through her Excos to ensure that actions are taken on suggestions raised during the training.

The International Day of Women Judges 2022

In commemoration of the International Day of Women Judges which is marked on the 10^th day of March annually, Members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ekiti Branch, including the DCR of the Court of Appeal led by the Chairperson FIDA Ekiti; Olatunbosun, Oyinade Temitope, visited the following women Judges in the State:

Justice T.N. Orji-Abadua, JCA- The Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ekiti State Judicial Division.
Justice Oyinkansola Oluboyede of the Ekiti State Judiciary, Ilawe Ekiti Judicial Division.

In appreciation of their impacts in decision making in the Judicial system, FIDA Ekiti presented some gifts to them in celebration of the day.

At the Court of Appeal, FIDA EKITI Chairperson in her speech appreciates the diligence of Hon. Justice T.N. Orji-Abadua JCA in Judgement delivery. She encouraged the JCA to continue being a good Ambassador of the Women in the Bar, she is worth emulating.

In her Vote of thanks, the JCA appreciated FIDA EKITI for the pleasant visit and recognition given to her. She charged the female Lawyers on the need for diligence in their various practices.

At the Ekiti State High Court, Ilawe Ekiti Judicial Division, Hon. Justice Oyinkansola warmly and heartily welcomed FIDA EKITI members into her Chambers.

FIDA EKITI Chairperson congratulated her on her recent appointment to the Bench. She wished the Judge wisdom and knowledge in the dispensation of Justice.

Hon. Justice Oyinkansola in her remarks appreciated the delegates for the Honour being bestowed upon her and she prayed that God would grant each and every one the desires of their hearts.

FIDA Ekiti is delighted celebrate these beautiful women with poise and grace combined with intelligence. The chairperson also advocated the need for the State Government to appointment more Female Judges in the State because it is no doubt that Women’s presence in the Judicial system enhances the legitimacy of Courts and accessibility to those who seeks Justice.

International Women’s Day #BreakingTheBias 2022

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 with hashtag; #BreakingTheBias.

FIDA Ekiti, 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 and general public were sensitized on:

Women 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 vote 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 Market place.

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 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.

The Delegates were received by the Hon. Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye and other members of the house of assembly.

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 rooms for women participation in political leaderships and other spheres in the 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.

In his remark, the Honourable Speaker congratulated the different women groups on the celebration of the 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 noted that the State House of Assembly has four (4) female Legislators out of twenty-six(26) Legislators and promised that there will be an improvement in the next dispensation. He then urged the groups not to relent in the fight for their course till the Bills are passed by the National.

International day of zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation ( FGM) 2022

On Sunday, the 6th day of February 2021, FIDA EKITI in commemoration of the International day of zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation ( FGM), was at the Christ Apostolic Church, ( Oke-Imole), off Ilawe Road, Ado-Ekiti to sensitize the congregation through the Church on the needs to accelerate change in putting an end to circumcision of the women and the girl Child.

FIDA Ekiti branch in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Ekiti State Chapter sensitized the Congregation on:

Definition and types of FGM
People that engage in the act: Midwives, Relatives, families, Traditional Doctors.
Victims of FGM
Harmful effects of FGM
Reasons given by Midwives for engaging in FGM.
Myths and beliefs surrounding FGM.

At the conclusion of all presentations, the Chairperson; Mrs. Oyinade Olatunbosun appreciated the Clergy and congregation for hosting FIDA EKITI , the Executives and members for the support in making the day’s event a successful one.

18th of August, 2021

FIDA Ekiti has carried out her first Town Hall Meetings under the Ford Foundation Project in Erinmope-Ekiti and Ilawe-Ekiti on the theme: “Community Actions to address Gender-based Violence and Social Norms and Values that Entrench Violence Against Women and Girls in Erinmope-Ekiti/Ilawe-Ekiti.”

5th of August, 2021

On Thursday the 5th of August, 2021 FIDA Ekiti was represented at the project launch of Justice, Development, and Peace Initiative (JDPI), a faith-based NGO which seeks to promote the rights of citizens and advance social justice at large.

The new project about the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Ekiti state with a theme tagged “Strengthening Human Rights Awareness, Increasing Alternative Dispute Resolution and Improving the Participation of Citizens in Government in Ekiti State.”

The NGO sought to include FIDA Ekiti in the key areas that would make the project a success and impact society.

FIDA Ekiti branch Chairperson, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odunayo analyzed what FIDA has done so far, ranging from the training on the effective implementation of ACJL by key players i.e., the Police, correctional services, NSCDC, Bar and Bench; Quarterly meetings of the monitoring committee to Translation of ACLJ into Yoruba language and enjoined the NGO to look into aligning with some of these activities which would help move the proposed project forward.

FIDA Ekiti aims to continue to work with like-minded organizations in strengthening women’s and children’s rights.

Children’s day 2021

On Tuesday the 25th of May, 2021 Members of the International Federation of Female Lawyers(FIDA) in Ekiti State, sensitized primary school pupils on Child Rights Law as part of activities marking the 2021 Children Day Celebration.

The sensitization program held at Mater Christi School, Ado Ekiti. The branch Chairperson, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odunayo stated in her welcome address that the pupils needed to be familiar with their rights at the early stage of life. A keynote speaker, Mrs. Adefunke Anoma who talked on the Child Rights Law, urged the pupils to always speak out in case of molestation and sexual harassment.

She advised them not to allow anyone to intimidate them just because they were kids, saying that they have every right to speak up in case of danger; especially because they were the future of the nation.

16 Days of Activism 2020

FIDA Nigeria, Ekiti State branch, on the 8th of November 2020, trained community paralegals in Ido/Osi local government. The training was aimed at building the capacity of community paralegals and creating awareness of SGBV as it affects the community.

FIDA Ekiti members at the Gender-based Violence Summit held on 25th November 2020 to kickstart the 2020 16 days of activism.

FIDA Nigeria, Ekiti State branch held a Ford Foundation Project Inception Meeting

On the 28th of October 2020, FIDA Nigeria held a Ford Foundation project inception meeting at Erinmope-Ekiti, the Programme Officer, Catherine Oduluyi, introduced the project, with the theme: “Work with Gatekeepers, Women Leaders, Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers to Address Social Norms that Negatively Affect the Status of Women and Entrench Violence Against Women and Girls”, to the participants. She noted that various beliefs which sterns from culture and religions are basically the roots of GBV and gender inequality, hence, there is a need for cultural and attitudinal change. She stressed further that Government has provided Laws but the laws seem not to deter people from perpetrating acts of GBV and practices enhancing inequality. Ford Foundation has provided another solution with a community-based approach, hence the need for the commitment of different categories of community stakeholders. She gave an overview of the project plan and activities to be carried out in the project.

At the meeting, participants engaged in a collaborative session which helped to create a deeper understanding of the project. The stakeholders in turn shared their knowledge of the project and gave suggestions. The major outcome of the meeting was the formation of a surveillance team to report incidents of GBV in the community to FIDA

14th of October 2020

FIDA Ekiti in collaboration with the Ekiti Sexual Assaults Referral Centre(aka Moremi Clinic), continued her celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. The centre was established to provide medical, social and legal services to victims of sexual violence in Ekiti state.

The celebration was carried out as a public sensitization with the team moving round in an open truck and stopping at choice locations to address members of the public about rape, sexual violence, it’s consequences on the victim and the punishments the perpetrators could face.

There were still men who believed rape is punishment for indecent dressing; but they were encouraged to desist from having such thoughts.
On the other divide, Some ladies who were scantily clad were pointed out to us and were also counselled on the interesting” thoughts going on the minds of some of the men around them, why they should be on the alert and how to seek redress should they or anyone fall victim of sexual violence.

The sensitization was brought to an end with the convergence of the team back to the Clinic and deliberations on how to replicate the outing in other local governments.

On the 23rd September, 2020, FIDA Nigeria Ekiti State branch with support from MacArthur Foundation, organized a stakeholders training to establish a network of the Bar, Bench, Police force and Correctional Service in Ekiti state. The training is for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice law (ACJL) of Ekiti State 2014. The initial meeting was for the police force and the officers of the correctional service to discuss their responsibilities and challenges as provided under the law. a subsequent meeting will be held with the other stakeholders and finally a joint meeting bringing all the stakeholders together to strategies on ways to effectively work together towards achieving the effective implementation of the ACJL in Ekiti State.