Empowering Girls for the Future: FIDA Lagos Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child with School Sensitization Campaign

In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, I joined FIDA Lagos for a sensitization campaign at Holy Child College and Aunty Ayo International School. At Holy Child, the guest speaker encouraged the girls to be bold, strategic, and responsible on social media, urging them to make proactive decisions for their future. At Aunty Ayo, Tochi Eze discussed girls’ rights, while Clementina Osere emphasized the importance of having a clear vision, staying focused, and avoiding distractions. She also called on boys to be allies, treat girls with kindness, and stand against bullying, inspiring the girls to find inner strength and joy as they work toward their future goals.

Children’s Day 2024 Celebration at Onayade Primary School

We celebrated Children’s Day 2024 with the exceptional pupils of Onayade Primary School. This special event was led by the dedicated Mrs. Nnenna Nwokobia, head of the project committee, and supported by representatives from our esteemed collaborative partners at IDR Memorial Foundation.

Our inspirational champion, Fidan Ngozi Arinze, conducted an enlightening sensitization session, empowering the children with knowledge about their rights as enshrined in the Constitution and the Child Rights Act.

Together, we are building a brighter future for these incredible young minds.

FIDA Nigeria Spotlight: NAWJIN’s Workshop Breaks Barriers for Women in Legal Leadership

The National Association of Women Judges ( NAWJIN) held a 2-day workshop on the 13th and 14th of March 2024 with the theme: “Breaking Leadership Barriers for Women in the Legal Profession”.
The 2 Day event started with the Chief Judge’s Cocktail Reception at 6.30 pm on Wednesday, the 13th of March 2024, at the High Court Premises, Ikeja.
The Workshop proper was on Thursday 14th of March 2024 at the Ballroom, Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA at 9am.

The workshop commenced with the National Anthem and Pledge.
This was followed by a Welcome Address by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee ( LOC), Hon. Justice O. A. Ipaye, an opening address by the President of NAWJIN, Hon. Justice Kekere Ekun and remarks by the Chief Host, Hon. Justice Kazeem O. Alogba,the Chief Judge of Lagos State.
Goodwill messages were delivered by selected special guests including the International Federation of Women Lawyers ( FIDA) Nig. Lagos Branch, whose message was delivered by the Chairperson, Mrs Chinwe Efobi. Other organizations that delivered goodwill messages include the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, NBA, Lagos, and Ikeja Branches etc.

The Governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who delivered the Governor’s speech.
The working session followed immediately thereafter.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Justice Oludotun Adefope Okojie.
There were two panel sessions made up of distinguished female judges and female senior advocates of Nigeria.

Finally came the presentation of certificates to participants, group photographs and the communique.
It was a very enlightening and well coordinated workshop.
FIDA Lagos was represented by:
1.Mrs Chinwe M.Efobi – Chairperson
2.Mrs Abimbola Jack Oladugba- Vice Chairperson
3.Mrs Nkem Ezeakunne- Financial Secretary
4.Mrs Nnenna Nwaokobia- Head, Project Committee
5.Mrs Ifeyinwa Okpalaku – Head, Parliamentary and Advocacy Committee.
6.Chiamaka Ikezuagu – member

FIDA Lagos Raises Awareness on FGM in Makoko: Advocating Zero Tolerance on International Day

Empowering Communities: FIDA Lagos Champions 16 Days of Activism with Impactful Advocacy Walk in Makoko Market

In a powerful initiative aligned with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, FIDA Lagos took to the bustling streets of Makoko market on December 1, 2023, for a compelling Advocacy Outreach and Sensitization Walk. Dressed in vibrant FIDA Nigeria T-shirts adorned with orange scarfs, members of FIDA Lagos brandished placards to shed light on the urgent need to eradicate violence against women and girls.

The dedicated team engaged the community in both English and Yoruba languages, ensuring that their crucial messages reached a wide and diverse audience. The Iyaloja of the market welcomed the FIDAns with enthusiasm, actively participating in the sensitization efforts targeted at market men, women, and girls.

Fliers, bearing essential information and resources, were distributed as part of the advocacy outreach, contributing to the overall awareness creation. The collaboration between FIDA Lagos and the market community proved to be a resounding success, marking a significant step towards fostering a safer and more informed environment.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign serves as a catalyst for change, and FIDA Lagos exemplifies the spirit of advocacy and community engagement in their proactive efforts to combat gender-based violence. Together, they are creating ripples of awareness that have the potential to transform communities and pave the way for a future free from violence against women and girls.

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.