Barrister Amara Joy Muojeke, MCArb, has been sworn in as the new Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, Anambra State Branch.

Barrister Muojeke, an Assistant Chief State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice Awka, also heads the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Women Forum, Anambra State.

Other members of the new executive body were Lauretta Ikwuka – Vice Chairperson, His Worship, Maria Anyabolu – Secretary, Sylvia Ogbuagu – Assistant Secretary, A. C. Peters – Financial Secretary, Chioma Okolo – Treasurer, Chinelo Akorah – Publicity Secretary, Ginikachukwu Olisa – Welfare Secretary.

In her address at the event held at FIDA office in Awka, Barrister Muojeke assured that she and her team will spare no effort in upholding the ideals and principles of FIDA in their service to humanity.

She noted that “FIDA Anambra has consistently been at the forefront of advancing the rights and welfare of women and children in the state” by providing free legal representation to victims of gender-based violence and organizing community outreaches, thereby giving human face to the principles members hold dear.

“Our legal aid services, sensitization campaigns, and advocacy programs have left indelible marks in various communities across Anambra State. We have championed causes that uplift the marginalized, offered hope to the hopeless, and lent our voices to the voiceless”.

The new Anambra FIDA Chairperson however noted that the scope of the challenges requires collaboration in order to reach people at the grassroots, reason the group is seeking active partnerships with the government, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

“Together, we can provide not just legal assistance, but also critical support services such as shelter, rehabilitation, and empowerment programs. This synergy is essential for addressing the complex needs of the vulnerable in our society”.

To ensure effective execution of FIDA’s programs across Anambra State, Barrister Muojeke announced the appointment of Lauretta Ikwuka – Onitsha, H/W Maria Anyabolu – Onitsha, Lizzy Umeh – Awka, Chinelo Akorah – Awka, Dr. Modesta Muoneke – Nnewi, and Ada Egwu Samuel – Nnewi into the Programs Committee of the group.

“These capable women will organize activities for the United Nations international celebrations in their respective cities and surrounding environments. FIDA Anambra will provide the necessary IEC materials and other support to ensure the success of these programs”.

For the FIDA Week 2025, Barrister Muojeke announced the appointment of Chioma Okolo Esq. as the Chairperson; who will be responsible for appointing her committee members and organizing the event.

Describing “Litigation Committee” as a vital arm of FIDA in Anambra, Barrister Muojeke announced that it will be chaired by Lauretta Ikwuka Esq., MCArb; who will later appoint other members of the committee.

She added that the group under her leadership will continue to recognize the invaluable contributions of senior FIDA members, and will actively involve and encourage their participation in all FIDA activities, while embarking on robust membership drives to increase capacity and ensure the sustainability of FIDA Anambra’s impact.

Earlier in their remarks, the National Publicity Secretary, FIDA Nigeria, and former FIDA Chairperson in the state, Barrister Mrs Chineze Obianyo, a Professor of Law, former Anambra FIDA Chairperson and Chairperson of the Election Committee that produced the Muojeke-led exco, Barrister Mrs Ogugua Ikpeze, and another member of the Election Committee, Barrister Lizzy Umeh, charged the new executive members to continue to consolidate on the achievements of past leaders of the association, even as they called for more advocacy on the activities of the group.

… restate commitment to ensuring access to justice for the less-privileged

By Joseph Albert, Awka

The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Anambra State Branch, has held lectures, luncheon and presented awards to deserving individuals, part of activities marking her 2024 FIDA Week in the state.

Honourable Justice Nkemdilim Izuako chaired the event held at FIDA office in Awka, during which a former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Paul Odidigwe, Dean of Law Faculty, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Mrs Ogugua Ikpeze, Anambra State Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, Acting VC, COOU, Professor Kate Omenugha, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State CID Awka, Mr. Akin Fakorede, were presented with various categories of award.

Other award recipients at the event were the retired HOD, Optometry, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr Mrs Agatha Muoka, Barr. Hilary Asiegbu, Barr. Dr. Uzoma Dioha, Barrister Ifeoma Cyprain-Okonkwo.

In her keynote speech on the theme of the event, “Innovate, adapt, thrive: female lawyers in a changing economy”, a Professor of Law and former High Court Judge, Mrs Nkiru Obumneme-Okafor, noted that the present economic reality in Nigeria is affecting legal practice and practitioners, and urged the female lawyers to, among other things, take advantage of technology and social media in surmounting present economic challenges.

Earlier while declaring the event opened, the Anambra FIDA Chairperson, His Worship, Genevieve Osakwe, said the non-governmental, non-profit-oriented and non-political organization is committed to ensuring adequate and timeous access to justice for women, children and less-privileged people in the state, and have sensitized community leaders on FIDA objectives.

On her part, the Chairperson, 2024 FIDA Week Planning Committee, Barrister Amara Muojeke, noted that the annual event offers opportunity to reflect on FIDA shared values and recognize those who have championed the course of justice and equality in the society, especially for women and children, adding however that many of their cases are resolved in favor of men.

She disclosed that on yearly basis, FIDA Anambra handles over a hundred cases brought by the less-privileged individuals; who they in FIDA often have to address their urgent need for food and shelter before any legal process starts, reason they group needs support to continue and expand their work.

Performance by Law Students of COOU, Igbariam Campus, and Anyabolus added glamour to the event which also featured health talk.

By Joseph Albert, Awka

As the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence count, a non governmental organization, NGO, Onúrúbé, which has presence in Southeast states, has called for strengthened collaboration between relevant stakeholders to prevent the menace.

The call was in reaction to alleged abuse of a 2-year-old pupil, name withheld, by her 19-year-old teacher, which was reported to the NGO by Sisters With A Goal (SWAG) on Friday, 22nd November 2024.

In a statement issued on behalf of ONÚRÚBÉ Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence, Marjorie N. Ezihe restated the importance of aligning with statutory frameworks in ensuring justice and protecting children’s rights.

The group however commend the police for being professional in handling the matter, especially by referring the victim to FUTHO for ‘transparent accountability’, adding that the medical report from the institution cleared the school and the accused teacher of any wrong doing.

The NGO further advised that the victims in the case can approach the court for justice.

It was gathered that after investigative protocols were ignored and single-sided narrative sent to the public, ONÚRÚBÉ initiated a fact-finding mission on Monday, 25th November 2024 to address these gaps, ensure justice and align with statutory provisions for gender-based violence and child protection.

In the instant case of child sexual abuse, the NGO made the following key findings:
1. Compromised Investigation and Reporting: Chidiebube Okeoma, a journalist, prematurely uploaded unverified details, including the victim’s identity, to social media. This act breached investigative and ethical journalism standards, violating Section 24 of the VAPP Act, which prohibits secondary victimization of survivors.
2. Unjust Detention: Miss Uba’s extended detention violated the principle of proportionality under the Child Rights act, Section 16, which calls for evidence-based processes when dealing with minors’ cases.
3. Procedural Delays at FUTHO: Bureaucratic inefficiencies at the hospital caused significant delays in releasing the medical report, hindering timely investigation. The Child Rights Act, Section 14, emphasizes prompt and efficient mechanisms in cases involving children’s welfare.
4. Family’s Non-Cooperation: The family failed to act on the proforma medical directive, limiting the investigation’s scope and contributing to the sensationalism that derailed procedural integrity.
5. Violation of Victim’s Rights: Publicizing graphic allegations and the child’s identity violated her dignity and privacy under Section 11 of the Child Rights Act.

It therefore made following recommendations:
1. Strengthening Gender-Based Violence Protections: Authorities must ensure adherence to Sections 24 and 25 of the VAPP Act to prevent secondary victimization and malicious accusations.
Law enforcement should adopt trauma-informed approaches when handling allegations involving minors.
2. Reinforcing Child Protection Mechanisms: Reporting protocols under Sections 13 and 14 of the Child Rights Act should be strictly followed to protect children from harm during investigations.
3. Ethical Media Reporting: Journalists must comply with ethical standards, prioritizing child protection over sensationalism.
Relevant authorities should sanction those who breach media guidelines to deter similar occurrences.
4. Reforming Bureaucratic Processes: Hospitals must streamline medical reporting processes in sensitive cases to avoid unnecessary delays.

The victim’s mother, Victoria, had claimed that while bathing her daughter the evening the incident reportedly happened, she alleged that her teacher inserted scissors into her private parts, reason she, Victoria, confronted the school the following day after observations made.

It was equally gathered that despite efforts by the school Proprietress and Headmistress to engage the victim’s family, they remained uncooperative.

Sources disclosed that the school Proprietress was later arrested on 20th November and released on bail to facilitate police investigation.

Continuing, the source said that on the same day, the police issued a ‘proforma’ invoice requesting further medical examination of the victim at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri (FUTHO), but the victim’s mother, Victoria, bypassed this step, opting instead to take the matter to social media on Friday, 22nd November.

By Damian Egwuonwu, Onitsha

Teachers House has won the 2024 inter-House Sports competition of lrene menakaya schools onitsha.
Pupils of the Victorious House scored the highest points to cart away the giant Trophy, while lawyers House came second, Engineers House settled for the third position.
Chisom Ebele emerged as the best female athlete and Chima Edeogu of lawyers House named the overall best athlete of the sports fiesta.

In his address, the chairman Anambra state sports Development commission Mr Patrick Estate onyedum represented by a gold medalist at the last National youth Games in Asaba, miss lfechukwu Esther nwankwo of Ryders sports Academy, noted that irene Menakaya schools onitsha came top in the last schools sports competition in Anambra state, that featured six hundred and seven schools involving sixteen thousand pupils, adding that opportunities are there for promising athletes to express themselves in sports.

Speakers at the occasion, which included Mrs chieze nzegwu, leader of umuada Odozi obodo onitsha Branch, Barrister festus Afubera,the chairman of parents Teachers Association, representatives of umuada umunya led by Mrs Florence chidiogo Anene and mrs Bridget okoye, Mrs Azuka okagbue and Mrs christy chukwukelu,a staff of the schools in their respective speeches, commended the schools for providing an enabling environment for the pupils to express themselves, adding that physical activities are vital for the full development of the child. The sports jamboree featured short-put, middle and short distance races, including Relay event, parents and staff races formed part of the closing ceremony.

Trophies, medals and prizes were given to victorious athletes.
Iyom Ngozi Ebosie Trophy was handed over to mothers House team,umuada umunya prize goes to the best teacher 2024, while Honourable Chris Nonyelu prize was for the best House.

Kpajie onyechi Egwuonwu prize was won by the best sports child in lawyers House,who will now enjoy his scholarship for the second term.Dr Devon Bannister Trophy was for the first position, while Alfa papaTrophy for the second position was sponsored by Dr Philip Akinmurele.

Irene menakaya schools onitsha is at the verge of celebrating fifty years of existence as a leading primary and Nursery private schools in onitsha.