Niger

Date of branch inauguration: 2006

2006 – 2010

Chairperson – Barr. Opaluwa

Secretary – Mairo Mann

2010 – 2014

Chairperson – Mairo Mann 

Secretary – Fati Takuma

Treasurer – Balkisu Kago

2014 – 2016

Chairperson – Fati Takuma 

Vice Chairperson – Bola Jibogu 

Secretary – Tassala Jiya

Financial Secretary – Balkisu Kago

Treasurer – Christiana Barau

P.R.O – Veronica Ndanusa

Assistant P.R.O – Fati Aliyu

2016 – 2019

Chairperson – Maryam Jibo 

Vice Chairperson – Fati B. Dogo 

Secretary – Christiana Barau

Financial Secretary – Fati Aliyu 

Safurah Abdulkarim – Treasurer 

Halima Ahmad Muhammad – P. R.O 

Yahanazu Mahmud – Assistant P.R.O

2022 – 2024

Chairperson – Bilkisu Labara Kago

Vice-Chairperson – Martha Wuye Sule

Secretary – Safuratu Abdulkarim

Asst. Secretary – Aisha Yusuf

Treasurer – Husaina Maiyaka

Financial Secretary – Rosemary Ummaru

Publicity Secretary – Hauwa Yahaya Sayuti

2024 – 2027

Chairperson – Bolanle. O. Jibogun

Vice-Chairperson – Safura Abdulkarim

Secretary – Hussaina Maiyaki

Asst. Secretary – Maryam Yakubu

Treasurer – Maimuna Yusuf Alhaji

Financial Secretary – Aisha Yusuf

Publicity Secretary – Ajanigo Vivian Opaluwa

Welfare  Secretary – Denise Noel Barje

FIDA Niger Participates in Town Hall Meeting on Electoral Accountability and Inclusion

On June 18, 2025, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Niger participated in a one-day town hall meeting organized by the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and the Grassroots People and Communities Initiative (GPCI), with support from the MacArthur Foundation.

Themed “Strengthening Electoral Accountability to Foster Active Citizens’ Participation and Promote Gender Equity and Social Inclusion in Niger State,” the event brought together stakeholders to examine ways of enhancing democratic engagement and inclusivity in the state’s political landscape.

Keynote Address
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Safura Abdulkarim raised concerns about the consistently low participation of women, youth, and persons with special needs in the political process, particularly referencing the recent general elections. She highlighted a significant drop in the number of women elected to the House of Representatives—from 23 to 13—underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms.

Hon. Abdulkarim stressed the importance of inclusive governance, noting that persons with special needs must not only be recognized as voters but also supported in their right to contest for elective positions. She further encouraged women to step forward into political spaces, urging them to remain resilient in the face of societal intimidation and discouragement.

FIDA Niger’s Contribution
Barrister Maryam Yakubu, Assistant Secretary of FIDA Niger, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Branch Chairperson, Mrs. Bola Jibogun. She reaffirmed FIDA’s commitment to advancing gender equity, advocating for inclusive governance, and protecting the rights of marginalized groups in the electoral process.

The event, held in Minna, Niger State, was attended by Marian Nneka Jones and 28 others, representing various sectors including civil society, political advocacy groups, youth organizations, and the media.

Signed:
Maryam Yakubu
Assistant Secretary, FIDA Niger

FIDA Niger State Celebrates Children’s Day 2025 with Special Needs Children

On May 27, 2025, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Niger State Branch celebrated Children’s Day with children living with disabilities and special needs at the Niger State School for Special Needs in Minna.

The event was a heartfelt celebration filled with joy, talent, and compassion. Chairperson, Mrs. Bolanle Jibogun, reaffirmed FIDA’s commitment to promoting, preserving, and protecting the rights of all children, with a special focus on children with special needs. Her message emphasized inclusion, advocacy, and the importance of equal opportunities for every child, regardless of ability.

The children delighted the audience by showcasing their talents through drama, speech reading, and singing, with performances organized according to their departments for visual and hearing impairments. These beautiful expressions of creativity served as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within every child when given love and support.

FIDA Niger presented gift donations to the children, bringing visible joy and smiles to their faces. The event ended on a warm note with group photographs, capturing the meaningful connections and memorable moments shared between FIDA members and the children.

This celebration exemplifies FIDA Niger State Branch’s unwavering dedication to supporting and empowering children with special needs, ensuring they are seen, heard, and celebrated every step of the way.
 

FIDA Niger Advocates for Stronger GBV Response During Visit to DSS

On May 15, 2025, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Niger Branch embarked on a high-level advocacy visit to the Department of State Security (DSS) in Minna, Niger State. The delegation was led by the FIDA Niger Chairperson, Bolanle Jibogun, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promote the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, Niger State 2020.

Key Highlights of the Visit:
Chairperson Bolanle Jibogun reiterated the urgent need for synergy between FIDA and security agencies in curbing the alarming rate of GBV in the state. She applauded the DSS for their strategic intelligence work, which has been instrumental in facilitating the arrest and prosecution of GBV offenders.

She advocated for the consistent application of the VAPP Law in all GBV-related cases, describing the law as a robust legal framework that provides holistic protection for victims, especially women and children.

In response, the State Director of Security assured FIDA Niger of the DSS’s continued support and commitment to working closely with the organization to ensure justice and protection for all citizens.

The advocacy visit concluded with the formal presentation of the VAPP Law, Niger State 2020, to the DSS and a photo session to commemorate the fruitful engagement.

FIDA Niger remains dedicated to advancing the rights and protection of women and children and continues to engage key stakeholders to drive positive change.

Signed
Publicity Secretaries, FIDA Niger
Ajanigo Vivian Opaluwa Esq
Bilqees Suwasu Shabafu Esq

16 Days of Activism 2020

On the 9th of December 2020, FIDA Niger branch organized a seminar to mark the 16days activism for the elimination of gender-based violence.

Intervention in Gang Rape Case:

In 2015, FIDA Niger intervened in a case of gang rape of a teenage girl by 3 boys, after drugging her with a drug taken by horses in Kontagora L.G.A. FIDA Niger visited the victim in the hospital and also went to the police division to make sure that the suspects were brought to book, the case was highly publicized which drew the attention of the government. After discharging the victim, FIDA Niger made sure she returned to school out of her environment, the chairperson accommodated and took care of her education.

Sensitization on Harmful Traditional Practices:

Sensitization exercise carried out in the 25 L.G.As in Niger State on harmful traditional practices, after our report to the government, the then state Governor Muazu Babangida set up a 7 man committee to come up with a blueprint on how to tackle the issue, especially the issue of female circumcision which was widely practiced in one of the local government area.