Ondo

Date of branch inauguration: August 2008

2008  –  2014

Chairperson – A.O Adeyemi-Tuki 

Vice Chairperson – Funmi Abitoye 

Secretary – Olubunmi Niyi-Arajuwa

Public Relations Officer – Abimbola Ajileye 

Treasurer – Bola Joel-Ogundadegbe

2014   –   2018 

Chairperson – Olubunmi Niyi-Arajuwa 

Vice Chairperson – Stella Adegoke

Secretary – Demehin Happiness 

Treasurer – Omowumi Sadare

Public Relations Officer – Olajumoke Ogunjebi

2018 – 2021

Chairperson – Bola Joel-Ogundadegbe

Vice Chairperson – Demehin Happiness

Secretary – Pamela Olowoyo 

Assistant Secretary – Remilekun Igbagbo

Treasurer – Olubunmi Koyenikan

Public Relation Officer – Jessica Achilike

Fin. Secretary – Yetunde Ademigoke

2022 – 2024

Chairperson – Catherine Olajumoke Ogunjebi

Vice-Chairperson – Kudirat Abosede Gbada

Secretary – Boladale Blessing Olanrewaju

Treasurer – Yetunde Mathilda

Publicity Secretary – Olafunmiloye Bolanle

Courtesy Visit to the State Head of Service

On 17th January 2023, members of FIDA Ondo ably led by the Chairperson, Catherine Ogunjebi paid a courtesy call to the Head of Service of the State.

The Call became imperative upon the receipt of various complaints by women working in various MDAs of government who were required to produce marriage certificates in some instances, and some others to change their names reflecting the father of their child as a prerequisite to their entitled statutory maternity leave.

FIDA engaged him on this matter noting that women should be permitted to work without hindrance and to enjoy statutory benefits accruing to them without encumbrances

The Head of Service assured FIDA of taking steps to address all issues discussed.

Courtesy Visit to Human Rights Commission

On 9th December 2022, members of FIDA Ondo ably led by the Branch Chairperson, Catherine O. Ogunjebi paid a working visit to the Human Rights Commission, Ondo State Office in commemoration of the 16days Activism. After all deliberations, both FIDA Ondo and HRC, Ondo took a decision to unite for further actions on eradicating GBV in Ondo State going forward. The team of the HRC was led by Mr. Sunday Oyewole

FIDA Ondo held her AGM and Leadership Training for Members

FIDA Ondo on the 6^th of December, 2022,   held her AGM and Leadership training for all members.

The Leadership training was registered for by 44 members of the branch and facilitated by Hon. Justices Alero Akeredolu and Adesola Ikpat of the Ondo State Judiciary and Catherine Ogunjebi, the Chairperson of the Branch.

After the training, members received Certificates of Participation.

Thereafter, the Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held wherein, the secretariat report and audited financial statement were presented.

Members discussed and took decisions on the work plan of the Branch for 2023.

The AGM was chaired by the Branch Chairperson and attended by 5 new members.

16 Days of Activism 2022

On 29th November 2022, FIDA Ondo ably represented by Tosin Faleye, a member of the branch spoke on “Ending Femicide” to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of all forms of violence against women at Crest 106.1fm, Akure Ondo State.

As part of her activism towards the 26days activism, members of FIDA Ondo State joined the Gender-based violence Working Group for a workshop to further sensitize stakeholders on the need to unite in order to combat GBV in Ondo State.
Members in attendance are Catherine Ogunjebi, Elizabeth Tunde-Alarape, Peculiar Okunola. The workshop was held at Blissworld Hotel, Akure today, 5th December 2022 and was supported by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the UNFPA

Stakeholders advocate a gender-friendly society for girls

Stakeholders have called for a gender-friendly society that would give the girl-child the opportunity to strive and be more.

The stakeholders who are in partnership with FARDEF for human development made the call at a sensitization programme held with students of the CAC Grammar School, Ondo road in Akure, in commemoration of the International day of the Girl-child.

They also advocated for a safe society that would enforce the protection of rights and privileges of the girl-child in the country.

The Guest Speaker at the occasion, Mrs Rosemary Adegbulu emphasised the need for girls to inculcate the habits of speaking up for themselves and showing their God-given talents to the world.

Also, the Assistant Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in Akure, Ondo State, Mrs Yetunde Jeyifors identify peer pressure to the increasing number of girls in drug abuse. .
Jeyifors advised girls against experimenting with drugs but should face their studies with the required attention to excel.

The State Chairperson of FIDA, Barr. Jumoke Ogunjebi emphasised that women lawyers in Ondo state would continue to ensure adequate protection of the girls and promote programs that would add value to the life of the female child.

Ogunjebi urged school administrators against covering up for sexual abuse cases that occur in their domain.

Earlier in her welcome address, the founder of FARDEF, Mrs Olufisoye Adenitan said the program was a project to build the self esteem and leadership skills of young girls.

Adenitan disclosed that the Ford Foundation and youngster foundation Abuja donated books to thirty girls in the school.

Courtesy visit to the first lady of Ondo state

On 29th June 2022, FIDA Ondo paid a courtesy visit to the first lady of Ondo state, Her Excellency Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu, to commiserate with her on the unfortunate incident which took innocent lives at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo Ondo State

The Branch commended the office of H.E for prompt response in cases of Gender Based Violence also appreciated her for being “The Voice” for women in the just concluded Primaries to the Senatorial seat for Imo East under the All Progressive Congress

In her response, Her Excellency assured FIDA of her continual support and collaboration, especially to improve the conversation on women in political leadership

International Widows’ Day

On the 23rd June 2022, FIDA Ondo was at Empire Radio 104.5fm in commemoration of the International Widows’ Day. Ably represented by Adeyemi-Tuki who spoke on the Fate of Widows and the Law in Nigeria.

Day of the African Child

In commemoration of the Day of the African Child, FIDA Ondo visited the children at Dorian Homes at Idanre Road, Akure where orphaned children are sheltered and catered for. Most of the children in shelters are products of violence associated with harmful traditional practices and abandonment which hinders their education and wholesome growth.

The Dorian Homes shelter has the capacity to shelter 700 children. The Home also currently supports 600 indigent women in skills acquisition and empowerment. FIDA Ondo team met the CEO and General Manager of the Home as well as the children, who looked very happy and well-groomed. The management expressed their delight to receive the team.

CHILD LABOUR DAY: Stakeholders Advocate Strengthening Of Social Protection System For Children

As the world celebrates International day against child labour with the theme ‘Universal social protection to end child labour’, Stakeholders have called for concerted efforts to improve social protection system for children.

According to United Nations, over 160 million children are still being used for labour, some as young as 5yrs.

Some stakeholders who spoke with Positive FM in Akure Ondo state were of the view that the figure was still high and worrisome hence the need for government to strengthen the social protection system to fight poverty, vulnerability and prevent child labour.

One of the stakeholders, the chairperson of the international federation of women lawyers, FIDA, Ondo state, Mrs Jumoke Ogunjebi opined that eradication of child labour required a systemic approach and effective policies to strengthen the education system and also guarantee a decent workplace for parents and caregivers to address the conditions that drive child labour.

Mrs Ogunjebi explained that laws had been put in place by the Ondo state government to protect children against being used for labour.

Similarly, Mrs Folasade Bamigboye of the Kids &Teens Resource Centre Akure emphasized that child protection against labour should be taken seriously by the government to reduce the increasing criminal activities some children were regularly exposed to even at a tender age.

Mrs Bamigboye submitted that the government needed to ensure the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at fighting child labour in the country.

By OLUFISOYE ADENITAN

Courtesy Visit: Special Adviser on Health to the Governor

In furtherance of its aim to strenthen collaborations with the government, FIDA Ondo state branch paid a courtesy call on Special Adviser on Health to the Governor, Prof. Francis Adedayo Faduyile on the 30th of May 2022.

Mrs. Catherine Ogunjebi, FIDA Ondo state Chairperson, led other members to discuss areas of collaboration with the Ministry of Heath especially as regards community outreaches and sensitization programs for women and children on health issues such as female genital mutilation etc. She also intimated him of the FIDA Week of the branch coming up in July 2022 and sought the support of the office of the Special Adviser.

In response, the Dr. Faduyile was very excited about the role FIDA plays in the society and assured FIDA of his support always especially as it relates to sensitizing the general public on adhering to the rules and regulations in the health sector.

Children’s Day 2022

FIDA Ondo on the 26th of May 2022, visited the Ondo State Special School for the Hearing Impaired to celebrate the 2022 Children’s Day.

They were enlightened on the ills of Bullying, as a means of guaranteeing a better future for every child in Nigeria

It was a huge experience for us especially having to communicate with sign interpretation. The children were very happy and some members of the branch also learnt a few signs.

Courtesy Visit

On the 27th of  April 2022, FIDA Ondo team paid a courtesy call to Kabiyesi, Oba Frederick Aroloye, the Owa of Idanre today at his Palace, and the Local Government Chairman of Idanre local government.

The team in collaboration with the NYSC Gender Vanguard thereafter visited two markets at Idanre- Oja Ale and Ojota, to speak on sexual assault to the men and women in the market.

The team was warmly received and all our IEC materials were exhausted. Special thanks to His Majesty for seeing us at short notice, Mrs. Chairperson of Idanre Local Government, Mama Aroloye, iyaloja general and National Vice President Iyalajes and Iyalojas, Nigeria; NYSC GV LGI, Mrs Awodunmila for making the visit seemless.

16Days of Activism 2020

FIDA Ondo held capacity building for paralegals at Oba – Ile Community today 11th December 2020.  the training was aimed at building the capacity of community paralegals and creating awareness of SGBV as it affects the community.

FIDA Ondo Hosts a Stakeholders’ Meeting on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law

FIDA Ondo State Branch concluded her 4 days stakeholders meeting with members of the Bar, the Bench, Police Force, and Correctional Services.  The workshop was for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo state 2015 (ACJL) through better networking amongst the various key stakeholders, a FIDA Nigeria project sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation

Fida Ondo State and the Deji of Akure Kingdom’s Dethronement: In May 2010, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Ondo State branch, took to the streets with a strong protest against the battery/domestic violence/pouring of acid, by the Deji of Akure Kingdom against his queen, Olori Bolanle. The protest of FIDA Ondo State branch, led us to the office of Mr. Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and the then Chairperson on behalf of FIDA Ondo State branch and every woman in Ondo State, said the then Deji of Akure, who was beating his wife and then after poured acid on her, did not deserve to be a king to the people, as he would be encouraging men to beat their wives should he remain the Deji of Akure Kingdom. This led to the dethronement of the Deji, and he was never reinstated till date even though he wrote to the State government appealing to be re-instated saying he had learned his lessons.

The Law prohibiting Commercial bike riders from conveying pregnant women in Ondo State this law was sponsored by a bill from FIDA Ondo State branch, and it was a result of incessant accidents resulting to loss lives of pregnant women, that necessitated this law.

2014 – 2018

In the year 2018, a video of a young lady went viral, as she was being beaten and stripped off her clothes. She was naked, bleeding as a result of the beatings by some men, and a journalist in the Ondo State Radio Vision Corporation (OSRC) was seen interviewing her, while she was crying for help and naked. FIDA Ondo State, took the matter up, and ensured that the young lady got justice, and the perpetrators were brought to book.

NOVEMBER 2018 – TILL DATE:

On the 28^th of March 2018, FIDA Nigeria Ondo State branch went on a protest March, to say “NO!” and “ENOUGH” to the incessant rape of young ladies in the State.

Sometime in the months of February and March, FIDA Ondo received reports of the raping of two young girls at different locations. The perpetrators in attempting to rape the girls and receiving stiff resistance from the girls, resulted to strangulation, and use of a knife to slit the stomach of the latter. This acts provoked FIDA Ondo to a protest March, as the young girls were in hospitals fighting for their lives. The protest caught the attention of the State government who also in showing support for the protest volunteered to pick the hospital bills of these victims of attempted rape and murder.

The whole state was aware of the protest March , as it was televised both in local and on the National televisions local and dailies. FIDA Ondo, hopes to use this protest to accomplish more on stopping or bringing to the barest minimum the incessant raping in the state.