Rivers – Degema

Date of branch inauguration: Thursday, 20 August 2026

2026 – 2028

Chairperson – Ibiwari Bereiweriso Harry

Vice-Chairperson – Lawson Ibiso Esther

Secretary – Daba Iketubosin

Financial Sec. – Maxson Edirawa

Publicity Secretary – Ebiumeme Promise

Welfare Secretary – Onward-Anwuri Leah Ph.D

FIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Degema Branch as 47th Branch in Nigeria

Date: Thursday, 20 August 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: The Consulate Hall, Degema Local Government Council Secretariat, Degema, Rivers State

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria inaugurated its Degema Branch in Rivers State on Thursday, 20 August 2026. The ceremony, held at the Consulate Hall, Degema Local Government Council Secretariat, marked the formal establishment of FIDA Nigeria’s 47th branch and extended the organisation’s legal advocacy and human rights work to communities within Degema and its environs.

The ceremony brought together judicial officers, traditional leaders, security personnel, representatives of women’s groups and civil society organisations, members of the legal profession, government representatives, stakeholders and other distinguished guests.

Proceedings

The event commenced with the arrival of the FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President (CVP), Mrs. Eliana Martins, who was welcomed with a bouquet presented by the Iria Baby. The programme was thereafter called to order by the compere, Amonia Amaso, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem, FIDA Anthem and Women’s Anthem.

The Degema Inauguration Chairperson, Hon. Justice Harriba J. Dagogo-Jack, represented by her Alternate Chairperson, Dr. Adata Bio Briggs, delivered the opening remarks.

The Chairperson of FIDA Rivers Branch, Tamunoibuemi Life-George, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the significance of establishing a FIDA branch in Degema and the importance of extending the organisation’s mandate to communities across Rivers State.

This was followed by a presentation on the profile, history and mandate of FIDA Nigeria by the Assistant National Secretary, Mrs. Nnenna Igbokwe. The presentation provided participants with an overview of FIDA Nigeria’s work and its longstanding commitment to advancing access to justice, gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and children.

Goodwill Messages

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Degema Local Government Area Council, the Traditional Council, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Degema Branch, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Degema, and the Degema Correctional Centre.

The speakers congratulated FIDA Nigeria on the establishment of the new branch and encouraged its members to remain committed to the organisation’s mandate, particularly in strengthening access to justice and providing support to women and children within the community.

Inauguration and Swearing-In of the Branch Executive

The principal event of the ceremony was the formal inauguration and swearing-in of the FIDA Degema Branch Executive.

In her inaugural address, the Country Vice President, Mrs. Eliana Martins, highlighted FIDA Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to the advancement of women’s rights, access to justice and legal protection. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding its reach to grassroots communities and ensuring that women and children have meaningful access to justice and legal support.

The newly appointed executive members of FIDA Degema Branch were subsequently presented to the Country Vice President by Hon. Justice Elsie N. Thompson.

Mrs. Martins charged the new branch executive and members to uphold the mandate, principles and responsibilities of FIDA Nigeria in the discharge of their duties. She thereafter administered the oath of office to the new Branch Executive Officers.

Following the swearing-in, the Country Vice President formally presented the Inaugural Certificate to FIDA Degema Branch, conferring official recognition on the branch and its leadership as the 47th branch of FIDA Nigeria.

The inauguration marked the commencement of the branch’s responsibilities and its role in advancing FIDA Nigeria’s objectives within Degema and surrounding communities.

Acceptance Remarks and Vote of Thanks

In her acceptance remarks and vote of thanks, the Inaugural Chairperson of FIDA Degema Branch, Mrs. Ibiwari B. Harry, expressed appreciation to FIDA Nigeria, the FIDA Rivers State Branch, dignitaries, members and other stakeholders for their support towards the establishment of the branch.

She reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to advancing FIDA Nigeria’s mandate and providing legal assistance, advocacy and human rights support to women and children within Degema and its environs.

Acknowledgements

FIDA Nigeria and FIDA Degema Branch extend special appreciation to the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael Williams, for his significant support towards the establishment of the branch, including the provision and furnishing of a suitable office for FIDA Degema.

Appreciation is also extended to Hon. Dr. Onengiye-Ofori George, Chairman, Asari-Toru Local Government Area; Hon. Aboiya-a Bob-Fubara, Chairman, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area; HRH Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, the Amanyanabo of the Source; and the Amanyanabo of Torusarama-Piri, whose support contributed to the successful organisation of the inauguration.

FIDA Degema further acknowledges the contributions of Hon. Justice Elsie N. Thompson; Hon. Justice Harriba J. Dagogo-Jack; the FIDA International Treasurer, Hon. Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma; former Deputy Country Vice President, Mrs. Evelyn Membere-Asimiea; and other distinguished personalities who supported and attended the ceremony.

Conclusion

The inauguration and swearing-in ceremony formally established FIDA Nigeria’s presence in Degema and marked the assumption of office by the new branch executive.

The establishment of the Degema Branch expands FIDA Nigeria’s capacity to provide legal assistance, advocacy, human rights protection and access to justice to women and children at the grassroots. It also strengthens the organisation’s institutional presence across Rivers State and provides a platform for sustained engagement with communities, justice-sector institutions and other stakeholders in the area.