Blog, Branch ActivitiesJune 28, 20230 comments

FIDA Nigeria 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting

FIDA Nigeria held its 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for 2023, from the 21st to the 24th of June 2023 in Akure, Ondo state. The meeting which had the theme “Digital Environment: Understanding Digital Skills for the Overall Development of Women and Children in Nigeria”, was hosted by FIDA (Nigeria) Ondo State Branch.

To kickstart the NEC Meeting, there was an advocacy visit on Wednesday, the 21st of June 2023 to the Ondo State Juvenile Correctional Center. The delegation was led by the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.), where a legal clinic was conducted for Children in Conflict with the Law. The Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Ondo State, Dr. Mrs. Juliana Ocheda, was present at the Correctional Center visit amongst other important dignitaries. That same morning, FIDA Nigeria led by its Country Vice President/National President, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.); the National Publicity Secretary Christiana Adejumo; and the Chairperson FIDA Ondo State Branch, Catherine Ogunjebi; were at Crest FM 106.1 Akure for a 30 minutes enlightenment program which was anchored by Mr. Leo Olagbaye.

In like manner, another advocacy visit was paid to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly called Amotékun. The delegation was led by the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA Nigeria, Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.), together with the full complement of members of the National Executive Committee alongside other delegates. They were warmly received by the Corps Commander, Ondo State Amotékun Corps, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Fisn, who assured delegates of their safety whilst in the state and reinstated the Corps commitment to collaborating with FIDA. Thereafter, members of the delegation were treated to a familiarisation lunch. In the evening of Wednesday, 21st of June 2023, delegates were further hosted as part of the NEC activities, to a welcome cocktail to unwind from the stress of their travels.

An Aerobics/fitness session was held on the morning of Thursday, 22nd June 2023 to encourage members on the need to keep physically fit. The formal opening ceremony of the 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting followed soon thereafter and had in attendance the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, as the Chief Host, ably represented by the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu, who doubled as the Chairman of the Opening ceremony. The First Lady of Ondo State, Her Excellency Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu was ably represented by the Executive Secretary of Ondo State Agency Against GBV, Mrs. Bola Afolabi. Present also was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ondo State, Sir Charles Titiloye. The Keynote Speaker at the Opening Ceremony was Judge Funmi Asaolu of the Justice Court. In attendance also was Hon. Justice Ayedun Odusola, Chief Judge of Ondo State Judiciary, ably represented by Hon. Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye; Other Justices present include Hon. Justice Olabode Adegbehingbe of the Court of Appeal Ekiti Division; Hon. Justice Bolatito Ajibade of the Ondo State High Court; Hon. Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court Akure Division; and Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo (Rtd.); alongside a host of distinguished dignitaries and delegates.

The session on Continuous Legal Education (CLE) was held immediately after the opening ceremony, with presentations by erudite speakers. The session was moderated by the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of FIDA Nigeria, Shaltha Nachamada, representing the Chairperson of the CLE Committee, Prof. Felicia Anyaogu. FIDA Nigeria CLE sessions are non-negotiable key activities for every NEC meeting. This is in consonance with the association’s commitment to a continuous development of members’ capacity as highlighted in Goal 3 of its 5-year strategic plan, geared towards achieving an innovative and impactful organization.

During the CLE session, a wide range of topical issues were discussed. The papers that were presented include, “The Use of Technological Innovations in Advancing the Cause of the Child in Nigeria” by Hon. Justice Bolatito Ajibade of the Ondo State High Court; “Report Writing Skills: Accelerating FIDA Activities” by Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana of the Girls to Women Initiative and Special Adviser to the State Government on Gender issues; and “FIDANS: Empowerment and Leadership” by Hon. Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Akure Division. The CLE session was highly interactive and educative.

The evening of Thursday, 22nd June 2023 ushered in a glamorous cultural extravaganza with colorful displays by the various Branches from different geopolitical zones. Delegates were further entertained by the State’s indigenous dance troupe on the rich cultural heritage of the people of Ondo state; the various tribes resident therein; their languages; foods; etc. It was a beautiful evening showcasing the vibrant heritage of Nigeria’s beauty in diversity.

All work and no play as they say makes Jane a dull girl. This saying saw delegates on an adventurous hike to the ancient Idanre Hills on Friday, 23rd June 2023 as part of a cumulative fitness regimen.

The formal Business meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) commenced after the hike. At the formal meeting, matters that impact the organization were discussed, alongside a quarterly presentation of reports by the various Branches.

To round up the 2nd Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, a Dinner/Award night was held in the evening of Friday, 23rd June 2023. In attendance was the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, ably represented by the Acting Governor Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa; the Chairperson Closing Dinner Rev Mrs. Funke Felix-Adejumo; the Special Adviser to the Government on Gender issues Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana; alongside other dignitaries. Awards were presented to outstanding and deserving individuals including an Award of Excellence to the Governor, His Excellency Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which award was received on his Excellency’s behalf by the Acting Governor His Excellency Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa.

All in all, the FIDA Nigeria 2nd Quarter NEC Meeting, Akure 2023, was a resounding success. Kindly find below links to pictorial representations of all the activities at the NEC meeting for your viewing pleasure.