Lagos

Contact

Office Address: 14/16 Makoko Road, Off Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos.
Phone No: 08033092056, 08098557254
E-mail Address: honeybarchi2002@yahoo.com, adefowoke123@gmail.com

Date of branch inauguration: March 2003 2003 -2006: Chairperson – Silvia Shinaba (SAN) ( Of Blessed Memory) Vice-Chairperson – Lilian Osa-Fiana Secretary – Joy Ezeigbo Ast. Secretary – Chigoziri Ojiaka Financial Secretary – Bike Bakare Treasurer – Misan Kofi-Senaya Public Relations Secretary – Eliana Martins 2006-2009 Chairperson – Sylvia Shinaba(SAN) Vice-Chairperson – Elizabeth Akah Secretary – Chigoziri Ojiaka Asst. Secretary – Ngozi Ogbolu Financial Secretary – Belema Garriki Treasurer – Ngozi Ekwensi Public Relations Secretary – Tinuke Nwakohu 2009-2011 Chairperson – Chigoziri Ojiaka Vice-Chairperson – Olufunmi Oluyede Secretary – Marian Jones Asst. Secretary – Ngozi Ogbolu Financial Secretary – Gertrude Onyewuche Treasurer – Philomena Nneji P.R.O – Nkechi Vera Chukwueke 2011-2013 Chairperson – Olufunmi Oluyede Vice-Chairperson – Eliana Martins Secretary – Ifeyinwa Awagu Asst. Secretary – Chiagoziem Dururaji Finacial Secretary – Gertrude Onyewuche Treasurer – Philomena Nneji P.R.O – Amaka Itegboje 2013-2016 Chairperson – Eliana Martins Vice-Chairperson – Ngozi Ogbolu Secretary – Marian Jones Asst. Secretary – Philomena Nneji Financial Secretary – Olivia Nwachukwu Treasurer – Amaka Itegboje P.R.O – Biola Laseinde 2016-2019 Chairperson – Ngozi Ogbolu Vice-Chairperson – Adaku Mbama Secretary – Philomena Nneji Asst. Secretary – Olivia Nwachukwu Financial Secretary – Bimbo Obaseki Treasurer(2016-2018) – Carolyn Ibeh Treasurer(2018-2019) – Chinyere Obiagwu P.R.O – Tracy Amadigwe-Dike 2019-2022 Chairperson – Phil Nneji Vice-Chairperson – Chinwe Efobi Secretary – Oliva Nwachukwu Asst. Secretary – Chinyere Obiagwu Financial Secretary – Tracy Amadigwe Treasurer – Chika Okoli Welfare Secretary – Chika Okoli P.R.O – Abimbola Jack ASSISTANT P.R.O – Chigozie Ezeonyejiaku 2022 – 2024 Chairperson – Chinwe Efobi Vice-Chairperson – Abimola Jack Oladugba Secretary – Adefowoke Olubusola Ayo-Ponle Asst. Secretary – Ganiyat Abidemi Adisa Treasurer – Ifeyinwa N. Uzokwe Financial Secretary – Nkem C. Ezeakunne P.R.O – Chika Eucharia Okolie Welfare Sec – Ruth Olufunke Akinwande

Notable activities

FIDA Lagos 2023 AGM Report: A Recap of the Annual General Meeting

On the 1st of November 2023, FIDA Lagos held its Annual General Meeting during the second day of the Law Week at the branch’s secretariat, located at 14/16 Makoko Road, Yaba-Lagos.

The meeting, which commenced at 1:30 pm, saw the active participation of branch members, including distinguished individuals such as the National Secretary of FIDA Nigeria, Mrs. Eliana Martins, and Mrs. Lizzy Akah, a former National PRO of FIDA Nigeria, both members of the branch.

Chaired by the branch Chairperson, the meeting began with a warm welcome to all attendees. The minutes of the previous AGM were read and adopted, and the branch secretary provided a comprehensive report on the activities of the past year.

The treasurer and appointed auditor then presented a detailed overview of the financial report and audited accounts for the year. Subsequent to these presentations, Any Other Business (AOB) was discussed, and important announcements were made.

The meeting concluded with fruitful deliberations, adjourning at approximately 5 pm. Stay tuned for more updates on FIDA Lagos and our commitment to advancing justice and equality. #FIDALagos #AGM2023 #LegalAdvocacy”

2023 FIDA LAGOS LAW WEEK CONCLUDES ON HIGH NOTE WITH KNOWLEDGE SESSION & DINNER

The climax of the 2023 Law Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Lagos Chapter, began with an Opening Ceremony on October 31, 2023 at the Nigerian International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.

NEWSWIRE Law & Events Magazine’s correspondent in Lagos reports that the event was, expectedly, graced by legal luminaries and other dignitaries from far and wide, among them the representative of the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Tomi Bodunde. Others included Mrs. Chinwe Efobi (Chairperson FIDA, Lagos); Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, who chaired the Opening Ceremony; Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) Institute of Continuing Legal Studies (ICLE), who served as the Chairman of the Dinner; and Mrs. Uwa Ohiku (the Keynote Speaker). Others who also graced the event were Mrs. Titi Akinlawon, SAN, Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN; the FIDA Nigeria Country Vice-President/National President Mrs. Amina Agbaje (who was represented by Mrs. Eliana Martins); Prof. Virgy Ebelechukwu Onyene, and Mrs. Joyce Oduah (the immediate past National General Secretary of the NBA).

Both the Chairperson of the Law Week Planning Committee, Mrs. Ada Madu and the FIDA Lagos Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi made opening welcome speeches in which they outlined the aims and objectives of the organization, as well as the programs, projects and projections of FIDA Lagos.
The Opening Ceremony was moderated by Uchenna Nwadialo, Alternate Chairperson Law Week Planning Committee.

In his address, Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN noted that violence against women and girls was a violation of human rights, and that a victim of gender-based violence (GBV) was unlikely to be productive in the society. The cultural habit of stigmatizing the victims of gender-based violence, he asserted, has deterred many victims from speaking out, thereby allowing the problem to fester in society. The learned silk, who is a former Chairman of the NBA Lagos branch, also emphasized the need for data collection and analysis of reports of gender-based violence in Nigeria.

Mrs. Bodunde, the representative of the Lagos AG, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the AG, in which she noted that GBV (as referenced by Ikwuazom) affects everyone, irrespective of culture or tribe, and that sexual and emotional abuse, as well as sexual harassment, all amount to GBV, stressing that it is a phenomenon that threatens our progress as a nation. She called for perpetrators to be held accountable for their actions and for all relevant stakeholders to ensure that victims get justice.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum (NBAWF), Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha called for mutual respect between the genders, without which, she said, societal progress was impossible.

Her call was echoed by Dr. Inkem Boerner, a member of the German Council, who situated mutual respect within the context of fundamental human rights. The representative of Mrs. Amina Agbaje (Mrs. Eliana Martins) also delivered a goodwill message on her behalf, after which the ceremony was declared open by the former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman.

In her much-anticipated Keynote, Mrs. Uwa Ohiku began on a personal note, narrating her growing up experience. Her father, she said, was a staunch protector of the girl-child rights – a situation which has had a salutary effect on her today. On the converse side, she notes with dismay the rate at which women are being killed as a result of GBV; the youngest victim, she recalled, was an eight-month-old baby, and the oldest, a 75-year-old woman. The Keynote Speaker reiterated the need for our girls to be taught how to be confident, as well as the need to raise our sons in a respectful manner. She also called for a cultural paradigm shift in which women are welcomed back to their maiden family homes when they return (or flee) from failed or abusive marriages instead of being sent back, willy-nilly, sometimes without any questions asked.

Always a compelling speaker, Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN defined GBV, quoting the Council of European Union Convention, as any act that is likely to result in the physical suffering of women, or any form of harm perpetrated as a result of a person’s gender. He noted how the birth of a male child is highly celebrated in some parts of the world while girls’ are not – a situation which, he said, results in the impression of the dominance of the male child, while messing up a girl’s self-esteem. The learned silk challenged FIDA to collaborate with the National Ministry of Women Affairs in a bid to get the correct data and statistics database that can capture accurately the figures of GBV violence. In this respect, Adegboruwa noted that Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution states that every citizen is entitled to be treated with dignity, and that widows or orphans are also victims (or potential victims) of GBV – among whose causes he enumerated to include poverty, conflict and wars, stress in the home due to economic factors and the transfer of aggression. This atmosphere of violence, he asserted, has helped in the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as gender stigmatization and ostracization.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also gave the preventive measures to include: education, data collection, early intervention programs (such as the naming and shaming of sexual offenders, an initiative, it would be recalled, of the former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; training programs for professionals, legal reforms and community engagements). Adegboruwa noted that over 39% of women experience violence before the age of 15, and called on relevant stakeholders to take steps to eradicate any behaviors that consign women to an inferior station in life. The legal luminary recommended a partnership between FIDA and the legislature at federal and state levels in making laws that stem violence against women.

On her part, Prof. Virgy Ebelechukwu Onyene admonished the society to stop encouraging girls to look out for rich men to date or marry as that in itself is an invitation to GBV. She also noted that GBV starts with people hating one another, especially women.

Congratulating FIDA on the success of her Law Week, another speaker, Mr. Olumide Kayode insisted that there could not be a meaningful discussion of domestic violence without mention of GBV, as well as the roles of religion, illiteracy, and poverty. He noted that one in every four marriages would end in divorce in 2 years, according to current studies (and this includes so-called Christian marriages). He lamented that women are being killed by their partners every year. Sexual violence, he disclosed, happens mostly in uncompleted buildings or in perpetrators’ homes, and called on families or cultures that send victims back to their abusive marriages to desist, calling such a practice a violation of fundamental human rights. God hates divorce, he acknowledged, but that victims of GBV are more likely to develop bad behavior within the marriage – which makes divorce even more likely. Kayode concluded his intervention by commending the Lagos State Government for establishing Family Courts, but called for the seating frequency in these Courts to be increased from just once a week, as is presently the case. He also canvassed for more Judges and magistrates in the state.

NEWSWIRE correspondent reports that the ceremony came to a close with the much-anticipated FIDA Law Week Dinner, which was chaired by Tobenna Erojikwe, Chair of the NBA-ICLE. Among other items on its packed program, the event featured the presentation of plaques to the respective speakers, against the backdrop of fine dining and wining, as well as mellow music, as guests explored networking opportunities.

The Dinner came to a close (bringing to an end the events of a highly impactful week of celebration following the vote of thanks by Ada Mmadu, Chairman of the Law Week Dinner Planning Committee.

FIDA LAGOS’ VISIT TO FIDA ADOPTED CHILDREN’S WARD E4, LUTH – November 2nd, 2023

We are delighted to share this comprehensive report detailing FIDA Lagos’ impactful visit to the FIDA Children’s Ward, E4, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) during the 2023 Law Week.

This visit signifies a crucial aspect of our ongoing commitment to actively engage with and support vulnerable members of our society, with a specific focus on children, ensuring they receive the care and attention they rightfully deserve.

Objectives of the Visit:
The primary goals guiding our visit to FIDA Ward, LUTH, were threefold:

Moral and Emotional Support:
Providing much-needed moral and emotional support to the children and their families throughout their hospital stay.

Essential Donations:
Contributing to the well-being of the children by donating essential items and supplies tailored to improve their overall living conditions.

Understanding Healthcare Needs:
Interacting with healthcare staff to gain insights into their specific needs and challenges, reinforcing our commitment to support them in enhancing the quality of care provided to the children.

ACTIVITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Distribution of Care Packages:
FIDA Lagos distributed thoughtfully curated care packages, encompassing essential items like toiletries, clothing, microwave, table chairs, cleaning detergent, and cleaning tools, among other necessities.

2. Moral Support:
Our dedicated team members engaged in meaningful conversations with the children and their families, offering words of encouragement and comfort. Our aim was to be a steadfast source of emotional support during the challenging periods of hospitalization.

3. Interaction with Healthcare Staff:
FIDA Lagos members actively interacted with the healthcare staff, fostering a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges. Our commitment extends to supporting them in every possible way to augment the quality of care delivered to the children.

Acknowledgments:
We express our sincere gratitude to the healthcare staff at Children’s Ward, E4, LUTH, for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in caring for the children. Their exemplary commitment to their profession is truly commendable.

Special thanks are also extended to our FIDA Lagos members whose active participation made this visit a profoundly meaningful experience for the children and their families.

Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

#FIDALagos #CommunityEngagement #ChildWelfare #LUTHVisit #MakingADifference

FIDA Lagos Prison Watch Committee Empowers Female Inmates Through Advocacy and Support

On August 9, 2023, FIDA Nigeria’s Lagos Branch Prison Watch Committee, led by Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwodili, paid a visit to the Female Custodial Facility. The day began with an advocacy and sensitization session held at the Female Custodial Facility Chapel/Hall, engaging all the inmates.

During the session, Committee Head Uzoamaka Nwodili, along with members Kemi Ogunnoiki and Helen Nchedo Ibeji, delivered talks in English, Yoruba, and Igbo languages. A Q&A session was conducted before the inmates were directed to another office for a legal clinic.

The legal clinic primarily focused on indigent inmates, addressing a total of twenty-three cases, ranging from offenses like assault, forgery, stealing, child trafficking, manslaughter, disorderly conduct, and fighting. FIDA Lagos diligently documented these cases and is actively following up on them.

As part of their visit, FIDA Lagos also provided the inmates with essential supplies such as toilet rolls, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bathroom slippers, soaps, detergents, disinfectants, and more. The outing proved to be a successful and impactful endeavor.”

Children’s Day 2023

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos Branch in commemoration of Children’s Day, on 30th May 2023 visited her adopted ward E4, Children’s Emergency ward, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH) to celebrate with the children.

Led by the Chairperson, Mrs Chinwe Efobi, the children participated in the cutting of the children’s day cake. FIDA Lagos presented gifts to the children and their mothers and prayed for their quick recovery.
Their mothers appreciated FIDA and wished the branch well.

Before proceeding to the ward, FIDA Lagos paid a courtesy visit to the Management and were received by the Chief, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Oluwole, Deputy Director of Nursing Services / Acting Head of Nursing Services, Mrs Akinola and Deputy Director, Nursing Services, Mrs Nwokolo.

It was a successful outing.

GENDER ADVOCACY WALK AND CONFERENCE 2023

The Gender Advocacy Walk and Conference took place today 11th May 2023 as organized by the Global Coordinating Network for the COPESA SDGS 2030 FOUNDATION PHASE 1 Blueprints in Africa 2023-2030 with the theme ‘Uniting Stakeholders for SDG’s Localization in Africa’.
The event was supported by several NGOs and CSOs such as FIDA, WIN, AWLA, and students from various High schools.

The FIDA Lagos team was ably led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi with other members, FIDA took a vantage position at the event.
The event commenced with a brief introduction of stakeholders followed by a short parade by the various NGOs, CSOs, and students brandishing various placards to create public awareness. Thereafter, there were short addresses by the team head of the NGOs. Mrs. Chinwe Efobi delivered a short address on behalf of FIDA Lagos. The chosen venue was a major traffic spot this afforded the public the opportunity to be sensitized about the protection of women and children from discrimination and violence of various forms.

After the addresses by the team leaders, the various groups filed out in their numbers with FIDA taking the lead. It was an impactful walk from the Abesan Estate Entrance Gate to the Abesan Sports Centre about 2.5Km distance.
The event ended with an interactive Press Conference of all stakeholders where the public was further enlightened about gender issues.

International Women’s Day 2023

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria Lagos branch in collaboration with the Foundation for Resilient Empowerment and Development (FRED) celebrated with great women all over the globe to mark this year’s IWD

The programme was indeed a huge success, following a high number of attendees. The Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi gave the opening remarks. The guest speakers, Mrs. Titilola Akinlawon, SAN, and Mrs. Abiola Laseinde delivered well-articulated and educative lectures.

The Theme “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” in summary, is the commitment and involvement of women and girls in technology(IT). Tech knowledge should not be gender-sensitive, nor should it be determined by the degree one acquires. Women should equip themselves with Tech Knowledge.

Female genital mutilation, an evil act – FIDA

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos Branch, has condemned Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing it as an evil act.

Mrs Chinwe Efobi, Chairperson, FIDA, made the assertion on Thursday in Lagos at an event to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is observed on Feb. 6 every year.

According to Efobi, the day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders involved in ending FGM to celebrate achievements, advocate for abandonment of the practice and raise awareness.

She said it was in this vein that FIDA Lagos joins the world to commemorate the Day which had the 2023 theme as: “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”.

She explained that FGM referred to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

She said it was most often carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, and usually referred to as circumcision.

“From statistics available, globally, more than 200 million women and girls have been mutilated.

“In Nigeria alone, more than 20 million women and girls have been mutilated and this figure represents 10 per cent of the global total.

“What this figure means in essence is that one out of every 10 mutilated girls or women in the world is a Nigerian,” she said.

Efobi said that there were so many reasons why FGM was practiced in Nigeria, some of which are culturally inclined, patriarchal system or religious/cultural obligation.

She said it was sad to note that a number of countries still engage in the practice of FGM in spite the fact that some of the perpetrators are aware of the adverse effects on the lives of the victims.

She said that FGM affects young girls more than older women and the psychological effects could impact the lives of a young girl throughout her life.

She said, “FIDA Nigeria, Lagos branch, calls on all stakeholders to raise more awareness in the fight against FGM, and we must not relent in our efforts to raise our voices.

“We must take this campaign to families and communities still practicing this evil act.

“We also call on all government agencies saddled with enforcement responsibilities to take the issue of FGM more seriously.

“To curb the spread of this practice, more perpetrators need to be prosecuted and punished speedily to help achieve a sane and safe environment for women and girls to live in a society free of FGM,”

NO TO FGM: FIDA LAGOS PAYS SPECIAL VISIT TO MONARCH TO MARK UN DAY

As part of its activities to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation on the 6th of February 2022, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos State Branch paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Alhaji) Kabiru Kolawole Alani Adelaja Agbabiaka, the Osolo of Isolo in Lagos State.

Led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi, the FIDA Lagos team informed the monarch that the purpose of the visit was to sensitise the Kaabiyesi and his Royal Council members on the forthcoming Town Hall meeting to mark this special day.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice that is widespread in many Nigerian and African communities and has led to the death and disability of many of its victims.

Meeting with H.E Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu

FIDA Lagos on Wednesday,1st February 2023 attended the meeting organized by Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the first lady of Lagos State with professional women at the Lagos House Alausa.

The first lady urged the professionals to be more interested and involved in politics, stressed the need for PVCs collection and ensure to vote for the right candidates.

She also advised the need to reach out to other women and spread the message of women’s active participation in politics.
FIDA Lagos was ably represented by her Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.

FIDA Lagos AGM 2022

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos Branch successfully held her 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM ) yesterday, the 6th day of December 2022.

16 Days of Activism 2022

In commemoration of 16 days of activism 2022, FIDA Lagos visited Agegunle in Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA of Lagos on the 1st of December 2022, and met with the Vice chairman in preparation for a scheduled visit to the LGA for legal clinic.

This was followed by a market outreach at Boundary market in Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA where members sensitized market women in local English and vernacular of their rights as women. Men and women were also schooled on the dangers and illegality associated with child molestation, gender-based violence, rape, and all forms of gender disparity. Inscriptions on placards at strategic locations of the road and marketplaces attracted the attention of passers-by, particularly women who showed solidarity to fight the menace.

The women who were so excited with the outreach as it brought succor to some of their private family issues clamored for fliers to sensitize others and spread the FIDA gospel. It was indeed a successful outing.

FIDA Lagos Marks International Day of The Girl Child 2022.

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos Branch joined the rest of the world to amplify the awareness of the rights of the girl child.

The 11th day of October every year is set aside to commemorate the anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child. This year marks the tenth anniversary with the theme Our time is now—our rights, our future.

FIDA Lagos notes that this is the beginning of yet another era and now is the time to work harder and smarter by engaging the right stakeholders and policymakers to not only accept but to also encourage these rights to be implemented, to work in line with appropriate governmental and non-governmental agencies in the enforceability of the rights of the girl child.

The future we all want is now, we want to see a society where a child especially the girl child can thrive and blossom to achieve her talents and potentials without any form of social, religious, cultural subjugation, also where opportunities are the same and equal to all and all basic human rights are upheld.

FIDA Lagos calls on all stakeholders to rise up and champion this course to the actualization that every Nigerian girl child is free from deep -rooted gender-based issues which have been in existence for decades such as gender-based discrimination and oppression, harmful cultural practices, poor or no education, sexual abuses and exploitation, child marriages, poor learning opportunities etc.

In line with the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child today, FIDA Lagos team led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi visited two schools namely, Marywood Girls College Ebute-Metta West Lagos and Methodist Girls High School, Murtala Mohammed Way, Yaba Lagos to speak to the girls on how to safeguard themselves from all forms of abuses and how to pursue their rights as girls and report cases of abuses to the appropriate authorities.

The speakers were very eloquent and the team from NAPTIP also spoke to the students on trafficking and the dangers associated with it and how to safeguard themselves from being trafficked and the need to report any suspected incident of trafficking to the appropriate quarters. The sessions were very interactive. Snacks and drinks were distributed to the students and plaques were given to the Speakers at the end of the ceremonies in the two different locations.

Also in attendance were a great number of Fidans and the guest speakers were Dr Stella Nduka, Rita Amuchienwa, Mrs Amaka Ndulue and Mr Frederick Okoh Uche from (NAPTIP) who represented the NAPTIP Lagos Commander and Dr Rosemary Danesi, Titilola Akinlawon (SAN)

It was a huge success.

Visit to Female Custodial Facility Kirikiri Prison In Lagos

FIDA Nigeria, Lagos Branch Prison Watch Committee ably led by the Head of the Committee, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwodili on Wednesday the 10th of August 2022, visited the Female Custodial Facility Kirikiri, Lagos (Prisons) and offered legal services to the inmates, especially the indigent ones. The total number of inmates in the facility was 240, the number of those awaiting trial was184, number of convicts was 51, number of inmates on death row was 5.

FIDA Lagos attended to a great number of the inmates that required legal assistance and will follow up their cases in court.

WORKING VISIT TO THE NDLEA ZONAL OFFICE, IKOYI LAGOS STATE

On the 27th of June 2022 FIDA Nigeria Lagos State Branch ably led by her Chairperson, Mrs. Chinwe Efobi paid a working and familiarization visit to the zonal office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Ikoyi Lagos.

This was a working visit in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse.

It was also for synergy in the fight against the scourge, through collaboration for Advocacy and Sensitisation to Women and Youth, since the abuse is becoming higher amongst this class of persons.

The team was well received by the Zonal Commander (Zone H), Dr. Olusegun Oke who also promised to be of help and to collaborate in the fight against the menace.

International Widows Day 2022

The United Nations observes 23rd June as International Widows Day to draw attention to the voices and experience of widows and to galvanise the unique support that they need.

FIDA Nigeria Lagos branch joins her voice to the global authorities to call on the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations that protect the rights of widows. We need Programmes and policies for ending violence against widows and their children, poverty alleviation, education and other support to widows of all ages. Discrimination and harmful practices must stop. Let us be intentional in the empowerment of widows to support themselves and their families and addressing social stigma. This should be the ultimate of every nation for sustainable development.

Today, FIDA Lagos marked the International Widows Day with some widows from the Kosofe Community, sensitising them on their Legal Rights and the role of Family in helping them buffer the stigma and the financial gap created on the death of their husbands at the FIDA secretariat.

FIDA Lagos Law week/Day of The African Child Commemoration

The International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Nigeria, Lagos Branch on June 16, 2022, as part of her Law week program and in commemoration of the day of the African Child, visited the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, Surulere, Lagos.

The school was marking her 60th Anniversary the same day. The Branch interacted with the pupils and they entertained us with songs and prayed for the success of our humanitarian work. It was awesome. FIDA Lagos donated items to the school.

It was a very successful and insightful outing.

Capacity Building Workshop on Gender Responsive Budgeting

On 31st May and 1st June 2022, FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State Branch with the support of UN Women on the Spotlight Initiative Project Phase II, held an inception meeting and capacity building workshop for civil society organization’s in Lagos State on gender-responsive budgeting.

FIDA Lagos Paid a Courtesy Visit to the CJ of the State

On the 24th of May 2022, the Executive members of FIDA Lagos went on a courtesy visit to the chief judge of Lagos state. In attendance were about 10-15 high court judges of Ikeja division and senior officers of Lagos state judiciary.

The esteemed team was led by the amiable FIDA Lagos Chairperson, Mrs. chinwe Efobi. The visit posited an auspicious synergy between the duo and remarkable positions were reached.

International Women’s Day 2022

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos Branch Lagos State, held a Town Hall meeting to mark the International Women’s Day On Wednesday, The 8th of March 2022, at Ijora town hall, Palace Road Ijora.

The theme of this meeting was ” Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”

Opening Remarks were made by Mrs Chinwe Efobi, Chairperson FIDA Lagos Branch and the Key note Speaker was Mrs Roli Craig.

It was a very successful and impactful meeting with an impressive number of women, both young and old who couldn’t stop commenting on how impactful the meeting was, and went as far as mentioning how they initially thought the meeting was going to be to their financial gain but were actually more thankful because of the knowledge they gained which they would be able to use in advancing their lives as women.

At the conclusion of the meeting, they were all full of thanks and extremely grateful to have been part of such a wonderful opportunity.

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos Branch, held a Town Hall meeting with the theme ” Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, to mark the International Women’s Day On Wednesday the 8th of March 2022, at Ijora town hall, Palace Road Ijora. Opening Remarks were made by Mrs Chinwe Efobi, Chairperson Fida Lagos Branch and the Keynote Speaker was Mrs. Roli Craig. It was a very successful and impactful meeting with an impressive number of women, both young and old.

NO TO FGM: FIDA LAGOS PAYS SPECIAL VISIT TO MONARCH TO MARK UN DAY As part of its activities to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation on the 6th of February 2022, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Lagos State Branch paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Alhaji) Kabiru Kolawole Alani Adelaja Agbabiaka, the Osolo of Isolo in Lagos State.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice that is widespread in many Nigerian and African communities and has led to the death and disability of many of its victims.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State branch held her Townhall meeting which was a follow-up on the Advocacy/ Courtesy visit to the palace of Osolo of Isolo on Wednesday, 2nd of February 2022. The town hall meeting was to mark the International Day of Zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the theme “Accelerating investment to end female genital mutilation ” The Chairperson, Mrs Chinwe Efobi gave a brief introduction of the significance of the day The meeting was well attended. The Osolo of Isolo and his chiefs – in – council, iyalojas and representatives of different markets, the Youths, NURTW, palace guards etc. were all present. A paper presentation on the year’s theme by Fidan Ifeyinwa Okpalaku and interpreted in Yoruba language by Ruth Akinwande to the participants. The Oba also spoke in Yoruba language on the harmful effects of the babaric and harmful traditional practice and admonished his subjects to desist from such practices and also encouraged them to speak out when such is going on. Fliers were shared to disseminate more information on the purpose of the town hall meeting. It was an interactive, impactful and successful meeting with many members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Lagos State Branch present.

FIDA LAGOS LEADERSHIP TRAINING REPORT
As part of its goals and Organization Capacity Building Program, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria organized a thorough Leadership Training Program which held on the 24th to 27th of March 2022 hosted by the Lagos State branch, under the coordination of the National Secretary Mrs. Eliana Martins and our National Financial secretary Mrs Olubunmi Arajuwa.

The Intensive Leadership Training was aimed at building the capacity of Branch executive officers to familiarize them with FIDA Nigeria’s preferred leadership disposition to achieving her mandate, the 5-Year Strategic Plan, Policies including the necessary tools/information for effective engagement, and project implementation at branch level.

The training had in attendance prominent resource persons and members of FIDA in the persons of: The training outlined the principles of Leadership, Team Building, Organizational Effectiveness, Functions of each Officer and Synergy, Mediation, Counselling and Advocacy, SWOT (personal and branch) Personal and Branch action Plan, Branch Annual Work Plan and Report writing, Expose of 2021-2022-2026 Strategic plan. The training was envisioned for newly elected executives from Southwest zone, alongside committee heads and intending leaders.

21 August 2021 FIDA LAGOS successfully carried out her first town hall meeting under the Ford Foundation project, on the theme: “Community Actions to address Gender-based Violence and Social Norms and Values that Entrench Violence Against Women and Girls in Obadore Community.”

26 July 2021 FIDA LAGOS in collaboration with Lagos State First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwolu, distributed food items to Indigent Muslim Women at Makoko community for Eid-El- Kabir. celebration.

International Widows June 23, Day 2021 FIDA Lagos celebrated International Widows Day with tender hearts. On the UN theme: “Invisible Women, Invisible Problems” and a subtopic: Harmful Widowhood Rites and The Law” Speakers highlighted all the Injustice faced by Widows, as they remain invisible to government and policymakers. They were enlightened on their rights. Moreover, a medical doctor also spoke on healthy living habits/ tips. were distributed to the widows and they were emotionally overwhelmed.

Children’s Day Celebration May 27, 2021 This year’s children’s day themed “unite to reverse the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children” was celebrated by FIDA Lagos with the FOMWAN children and children from FIDA Lagos adopted school. The P.R.O, Mrs. Abimbola Jack, who convened the children expressed concern over the rise in defilement cases and taught the children basic precautionary measures to avoid being violated. Mrs. Layi-Babatunde spoke on the basic skills and positive habits children should imbibe, while Mrs. Adefowoke Ayo-Ponle and Mrs. Jane Odogwu counseled the children on the behavioral attitude the society expects from them. The Asst P.R.O, Mrs. Chigozie Ezeonyejiaku brought home the effects of Covid-19 on families, especially children, while reminding the children that this year’s theme enjoins children that they should enjoy their rights to survival and development irrespective of their status or situation. This right is enshrined in both the Convention on Rights of the Child and the Child Rights Act 2003.

16 Days of Activism 2020 FIDA Lagos successfully held paralegal training for some members of the Ikeja community nominated/selected by the Regend on the 10 of December 2020

12th of Dec 2020 FIDA Lagos schools outreach in commemoration of the 16 Days Activism against Gender-based Violence in Divine Step college Coker Orile Iganmu and Group School Mafuluku Oshodi Lagos. Students we’re sensitized and enlightened on pertinent issues of concern on the subject matter

FIDA Lagos in collaboration with the Nigeria Human Rights Commission, Lagos Chapter, yesterday 25 November 2020, flagged off this year’s 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence, themed: Stop the Violence!!! Fund, Response, Prevent, and Collect. Orange the world!!!!

FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State branch held a Ford Foundation Project Inception Meeting 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” Held at Obadore Community on the 27th October 2020 Miss Adaeze Joy Nkokelonye, the Program Officer in her overview of the purpose of the project said that the 2year project is funded by Ford Foundation and being implemented by FIDA Nigeria through her Lagos State branch, the purpose of the project is to put an end to harmful cultural practices in the community that affect women and girls. She pointed out that the men are also not left out as they have an important role to play as well being Fathers, brothers, sons, and husbands. She reminded the stakeholders that their full cooperation and support for the success of the project will be appreciated. Representatives of the various groups spoke about the project and they all expressed a good understanding of the project and most importantly made their commitment to contribute towards the success of the project. In the discussion, one of the representatives from the religious group (Islam) expressed confidence in the confidentiality of any information communicated to the FIDA team via phone or in person at any point in time. This he said is necessary for the people to be aware or to ease any tension or fear that might prevent them from speaking out. Also, the Treasurer of FIDA buttressing on the contribution made said that as Lawyers, the law binds them to keep secret the identity of an Informant in any legal matter. As a contribution, the Personal Assistant to the Oba said that women should be made to have total confidence in FIDA and they should be assured protection to encourage them to speak out when their rights are violated. He also requested that secondary school students in the community should be included in the project as one of the groups, especially the female students. The Chairman Alimosho Local Council Development Area appreciated FIDA and Ford Foundation for the effort and for bringing the project to the community. He emphasized the need for victims and even eyewitnesses to always say something whenever there is something to report for the safety of women and girls.

A surveillance team was established to serve as the eyes and ears on arising gender-based issues around the community and escalate it to FIDA. FIDA Lagos Hosts a Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law A 4-day stakeholders’ meeting geared towards forming a network of the members of the Bar, Bench, Police and Correctional Service for effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, a FIDA Nigeria project sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, was successfully concluded on Friday, the 16 October 2020. The meeting, which was in four phases, ending with the joint meeting of all the stakeholders, the Bar, the Bench, the Police, and the Correctional Service.

8th of October 2020, FIDA Nigeria, Lagos State Branch with support from MacArthur Foundation successfully organized a Stakeholder meeting with the Bar, comprising of members of NBA branches in Lagos State, the Nigeria Legal Aid Council, Lagos State Ministry of Justice ( OPD, DPP, etc. ) On the effective implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). Their responsibilities as provided by the ACJL and challenges faced in carrying out these responsibilities

ON 30^TH July 2020: FIDA Lagos commemorated the International Day Against Trafficking in Persons in collaboration with NAPTIP, IOM, and other NGOs. The celebration was done by way of advocacy and sensitization by taking a walk through the streets of Ikeja, Lagos, creating awareness on the ills of trafficking in persons, travails of the victims, and the attendant consequences of the crime.

ON 19^TH MARCH 2018: FIDA Lagos held a one day workshop for stakeholders on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, a continuing legal education (CLE) sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation at the Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) 13/15 Kofo Abayomi Street, off Ozumba Mbadiwe street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The purpose of the workshop was to ensure well-informed players in the administration of the criminal justice system

ON 4^TH OF MAY 2018: FIDA Lagos paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Lola Akande

16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence Legal Clinic 2018

ON 12^TH FEBRUARY 2019: FIDA Lagos State Branch paid a courtesy visitt to Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency(NIMASA).

ON 5^TH MARCH 2019: FIDA Lagos paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Oke.

ON 7^TH -8^TH MARCH 2019:: FIDA Lagos joined the world to commemorate International Women’s Day on the theme:

ON 20^TH MARCH 2019: FIDA Lagos participated in a workshop on validation of a manual on sexual violence and Juvenile Delinquency at Igondo Lagos.

On the 11^th of October 2019, Fidan Amazon’s from Lagos branch troupe out in large numbers to celebrate the girl child with school children in an eventful and colorful way.