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

Ondo FIDA Applauds Governor Aiyedatiwa for Championing Women’s Development

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Ondo State has commended the State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering support of women’s career growth through gender-friendly policies and programs. FIDA Ondo praised the Governor for fostering a conducive environment that empowers women to excel, noting that the newly sworn-in female judges bring a wealth of experience that will enhance the administration of justice in Ondo State.

In a statement issued yesterday in Akure, FIDA Ondo Chairperson, Barr. Catherine Ogunjebi, congratulated the newly appointed judges, particularly those who are members of FIDA, for their well-deserved elevation to the Bench. She described the appointment of three female judges in succession as a significant milestone, reflecting the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance.

Barr. Ogunjebi also expressed joy for the women of Ondo State, noting that Governor Aiyedatiwa has introduced numerous life-changing programs specifically designed to uplift women, setting a new precedent in the state’s leadership.

FIDA Ondo Branch Delegates Extend Courteous Visit to Office of State Commandant: Strengthening Collaborative Endeavors for Gender Equality

The Ondo branch delegates of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) were graciously welcomed by the Public Relations Officer at the office of the State Commandant. During this encounter, the distinguished profile of the Commandant was presented, highlighting his notable achievements and credentials.

The Chairperson of FIDA conveyed the purpose of the visit with utmost clarity and professionalism. She extended a warm welcome to the new Commandant, introducing him to the existing partnership and numerous collaborative efforts FIDA has undertaken with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo state. Furthermore, she expressed FIDA’s earnest desire for the continuity of this partnership and solicited ongoing support from the new Commandant, while extending sincere wishes for a successful and progressive tenure under his leadership.

In response, the Commandant assured FIDA of his unwavering support for their cause, acknowledging the commendable initiatives undertaken by the international organization. Notably, he underscored the commitment of the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association to gender issues and proposed potential avenues for collaboration between FIDA and the Association. He directed his officers to facilitate a meeting with the Association, through his spouse, at their earliest convenience.

This exchange exemplifies a promising beginning to a mutually beneficial relationship between FIDA and NSCDC, as well as underscores the Commandant’s dedication to advancing gender equality initiatives in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. We look forward to the fruitful outcomes that such partnerships will yield in our collective pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

FIDA Ondo state branch in collaboration with Farm for Charity Initiative, donated some bulbs of onions to the children home in Akure.

On the 26th Day of August, 2023, Farm for Charity Initiative in collaboration with FIDA Ondo state branch, donated some bulbs of onions to the children home in Akure. The Director of Child, Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development appreciated this kind gesture and promised not to take it for granted.

FIDA Ondo State welcomes the Management of Women in Prison Support Initiative (WIPSI) who paid a working visit to the Branch Office

On 13th day of September, 2023, Management of Women in Prison Support Initiative (WIPSI) paid a working visit to FIDA Ondo State to solicit our collaboration on their objectives to provide support for women in prison. We agreed to collaborate with them on courtroom defense for victims of injustices, outreaches, provision of relief materials to female prisons and psycho-social support for all including sensitization to the general public on law and processes of litigation.

FIDA Ondo State Leads Civil Society Rally Against Assault on Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Mrs. Osadahun

FIDA Ondo state branch, today the 20th of September 2023, joined fellow organizations of the civil society in Ondo state on a rally to protest against the assault and violence meted out on the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Mrs. Osadahun. The Chairperson of FIDA, Catherine Ogunjebi, reiterated FIDA’s commitment in ensuring the rights of women and children are protected in the state and emphatically condemned the act against the Hon. Commissioner and any form of violence against women. She urged the government to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator and that justice is done in this case as a deterrent for others who may wish to continue to intimidate, harrass and assault women in politics and elsewhere. The Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Olateju, promised to deliver the message of FIDA and the other members of the Womenifesto group to the Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Assault and Injury on the person of Hon. Dr. Mrs Juliannah Osadahun and all forms of
political violence as an insidious form of Gender-Based Violence MUST be
STOPPED!!!

FIDA Nigeria Ondo State Branch strongly condemns in its entirety and in the strongest terms possible, all forms of gender-based violence against women, particularly those against women in politics. In this vein, FIDA Nigeria Ondo State Branch totally condemns the alleged assault and inflicting of bodily injuries on Dr. Mrs. Juliana Osadahun, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State by her assailant identified as one Olumide Awolumate, the Ward Chairman of Arigidi Iye Ward 1 of Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State as reported by the victim and on various news
platforms.

We vehemently denounce these acts as vile and an ugly menace that must be eradicated from our society at large. Women have equal rights as men and they must not be intimidated or humiliated when they choose to serve in political offices. What is more, the victim was on official duty and in her home community during this assault. It is alarming that political violence on women particularly by some of their male counterparts has assumed a perilously critical dimension, constituting a horrifying kind of violence targeted at violating the fundamental human rights of a person. In this case, it is difficult to imagine the level of infringement on the rights of women in Arigidi-Akoko and environs if one of them who is a representative of government is assaulted while on official duty at her own home community.

These acts have been criminalized by the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2021 of Ondo State. Being that the state and all persons of goodwill are under a duty to give effect to these statutory provisions against all forms of violence, including desisting from aiding and/or abetting of same in any manner or to any degree, FIDA Nigeria Ondo State Branch hereby unequivocally condemn the alleged assault and injury on the person of Dr. Mrs Julianna Osadahun.

We thank the Ondo State Command of Nigeria Police Force for swinging into action immediately. We implore you to fully investigate this crime and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. We urge community leaders at Arigidi-Akoko and members to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation.

FIDA Nigeria Ondo State Branch is keenly observing, and shall not hesitate to proceed against all persons or individuals who support such acts of violence either by their utterances or actions/ inactions, or who may try to suppress the reportage of these sort of violence meted out to persons. We remain steadfast on our mandate to protect, promote, and preserve the rights of vulnerable women and children using the instrumentality of law, strongly supporting and standing behind all survivors of violence of any kind, including those of political forms and all forms of gender-based violence, and encouraging them to speak up on these crimes as their voices are meant to be heard, and justice delivered for the crimes perpetrated against them.

We call on the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, State Chairman of the APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin and all APC leaders in the State, OSAAGBV and all Civil Society Organisations to step up their game in order to eradicate all forms of GBV from Ondo State and in particular, we hereby call for the removal of Olumide Awolumate from the position of ward Chairman as he is very much unfit to
hold a leadership position.

Finally, we want to express our support and solidarity with the victim, our own woman, at this time. Our hearts go out to her and we stand ready to offer any support we can.Let us all work together to make our communities and Ondo State a safe and supportive place for all women.

Signed
Catherine Ogunjebi, (Mrs.)
Chairperson

Bolanle Olafunmiloye
Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria Ondo State branch
#FIDAnigeria
#saynotoallformsofviolence
#saynotopoliticalviolence
#prosecuteolumideawolumate
#EndGBVNow

Quarterly Market Outreach

FIDA Ondo state branch embarked on its quarterly market outreach today the 29th of March 2023, at the Shasha market in Akure North LGA. The Fidans lead by the branch Chairperson, Catherine Ogunjebi, spoke to market officials as well as market men and women on the rights of women and children and advocated for women to speak up in situations of offenses committed against the vulnerable in society.

Fidans were well received by the people of Shasha market who assured FIDA of cooperation and collaboration in matters relating to women in the market. Bolanle Olafunmiloye, Publicity Secretary, FIDA Ondo state branch, 29th March 2023

International Women’s Day 2023

Today, 8th of March 2023, FIDA Ondo was represented by the Chairperson and PRO at the IWD Celebration and photo shoot held with other NGOs at the office of the SA to the Governor on Gender. The Chairperson, Catherine Ogunjebi renewed the commitment of FIDA Ondo to Gender equity and greater opportunities for women.

#EmbraceEquity #IWD2023

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.