FIDA secures over 40 judgements for Vulnerable, solicits fund to complete Secretariat

By Chukwudum Ebele

International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Anambra Branch has successfully secured over 40 Judgements in favour of vulnerable widows and orphans who were unjustly molested or deprived certain rights and privileges within the Anambra environment without asking for any fee or remuneration.

The association also solicited funds for the completion of their ultra-modern FIDA Centre, behind Judiciary headquarters, Awka which would further enhance dispensation of their Pro Bono services.

In her welcome address, during the 2020 FIDA Week, Chairperson, FIDA Anambra State branch, Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze PhD said that since the inception of the present executive on July 18, 2019 FIDANS sit every Monday to tackle cases of vulnerable women and children whose rights had been infringed upon adding that people should donate generously to enable them complete the FIDA center.

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“This executives prayed to impact greatly on Women and Children within the Anambra environment and beyond. Thank God what operates at FIDA every Monday is the testimony.

“This Executives hopes to complete the erection of FIDA Anambra Centre, the giant stride which was started in 2011 under the leadership of Tina Emekekwue mni. Ever since, FIDANS of this branch have vowed to complete the lofty project.

“Completing this Center will gladden our hearts and that of the indigents and less privileged amongst us in Anambra State who gain succour from the Center”, said Prof. Ikpeze.

Moreover, Chairperson FIDA week 2020, Hon. Barr. Mrs Ebele Ejikeme, SSA to the Governor of Anambra State stated that over 40 Judgements and justice had been secured for the Vulnerables by Anambra FIDA during this present executive administration.

“We treat cases of women molested by their husbands, those bathed with acid, those battered or treated as housemaids. We send letters to their husbands through the court inviting them because we want to hear from both sides to ascertain the truth. If we discover that the woman is lying we advise and let them go. If we establish that the woman is being cheated we fight for her justice free of charge.

” Anambra FIDA has completed over 40 cases. All hands are on deck to ensure that women and children are protected. We are passionate about what we are doing. Some of us also give out scholarships to less privileged amongst other things”, said Ejikeme.

In his remarks, the Anambra State Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Onochie Anyachebelu encouraged the Anambra Female lawyers for their giant strides which included the erection of the FIDA Center wishing them a successful FIDA Week.

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Meanwhile, Chairman of the event, Barr. Damian Okolo stressed on the importance of women in every Society thanking the female lawyers for not lagging behind in ensuring that justice was given to deserving members of the Society regardless of their status.

Highlights of the FIDA Week included presentation of Award to Illustrious Sons and Daughters of Anambra who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour.

They include Her Excellency, Wife of Anambra State Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano honored as FIDA Global Ambassador to Gender Equality and Social Justice, She was ably represented by another awardee-TC Chairman of Awka South, Hon Leo Nwuba.

Moreso, Mr. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, founder VCO foundation received FIDA Excellence Service Award for his Philanthropic works and humanitarian Services.

Also, Pioneer FIDA Chairperson new Anambra State, Justice Nkemdilim Izuako Rtd. was honoured with Platinum Award on Human and Gender Rights Development and Dr. Godwin Maduka although absent was a FIDA Awardee during the 2020 FIDA Week.

Other Awardees included Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje, Nya 1 of Umunya( FIDA Excellent Service Award for Philanthropic and Humanitarian Service), His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, Odoziobodo Ugwumba, Ezeigbo of Benin republic and Chairman SEAHORSE Lubricants Ind. Limited.

Others are Chief Sam Onwuaso, House of Representatives member, Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Rector Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Engr Dr. Mrs. Francisca Nwafulugo, Dr. Mrs. Ifeoma Monago, Engr. Emeka Ezeh OFR, Barr. Ikechukwu Felix Ibeto, Chief Ikechukwu Ugwuoke, Mr. Edwin Nzelu.