…Govt Urged to Eliminate Legal Fees for Pro Bono Cases
By Tina Amanda
The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers chapter to adopt mentorship as a key strategy to support women and children in overcoming societal challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the FIDA Rivers 2024 Law Week in Port Harcourt, themed “Celebrating Legacy and Advancing the Rights of Women and Children: Mentorship as an Effective Tool for Guidance and Support,” Lady Fubara, represented by Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, highlighted the transformative power of mentorship.
“Mentorship allows us to share knowledge and experiences, inspiring the next generation of leaders. I encourage FIDA Rivers to create safe spaces where women and children in Rivers State can feel empowered to pursue their aspirations.
“I urge each of you to assume the role of mentorship whether you are a civic professional or young activist your insight of support can make a world of difference. Let’s create spaces where women and children feel empowered to do big and pursue their aspirations.
“Let’s us offer encouragement and resources that will help them navigate the challenges they will face. As we embark on this journey together I challenge each of you to continue supporting women and children in your community, share your story, offer guidelines, and be a source of inspiration together we can build a network of support.
“Promoting rights of women and children is a collective responsibility which cuts across government bodies, civil societies, private sector, and individuals.
“As we celebrate the legacy of those who have come before us. Let us work together to create Rivers State so that every woman and child can live free from fear with the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”
Lady Fubara underscored the Rivers State government’s initiatives to benefit women and children, including programs in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
She emphasized the importance of quality education, maternal and child health care, and creating economic opportunities for women.
“It is through collective commitment and focused actions that we can build a society where every woman and child can thrive free from fear, with access to opportunities to realize their potential,” she added.
She also commended FIDA Rivers for its tireless advocacy for the rights of women and children, urging them to continue their efforts.
“I wish to convene my sincere appreciation to the members of FIDA Rivers for their steadfast commitment and diligent effort in advocating for the rights and welfare of women and children. Your contributions have played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation of justice and equity for which we are deeply greatly.
“Strengthen legal framework and ensuring the effective implementation of laws protecting women and children must be enacted and assiduously enforced. I must commend FIDA and her partners.”
Guest speaker Emeka Ojoko, a legal practitioner, presented a paper titled “The Call to Be a Lawyer: A Call to Service.” He urged the government to eliminate legal fees for pro bono cases, particularly for indigent individuals, to facilitate access to justice.
“Many Nigerians face significant challenges accessing justice. If the government can waive fees for pro bono cases, lawyers will be encouraged to take up these matters without financial constraints.
“The government should make it easier for lawyers to provide pro-bono services. When you are doing pro-bono you should not pay any fee to the government,
“For something like fundamental rights the fees we pay have greatly reduced, but when the government is defending matters in court government does not pay fees, State matters are filed free of charge.
“Organisations have to come up with ways to assist people one of which FIDA has been doing a great job in defending the rights of women and children. Other organizations need to also step up to try and fill the gap that the government should have filled up.
He appealed to lawyers to embrace pro bono work as a service to humanity, emphasizing its rewards both in personal satisfaction and professional growth.
“Being a lawyer is not just for self-aggrandizement or making money. It is a call to first of all serve people, when you serve people life has a way of paying you back.
“It is not the people you serve that will pay you, but because of the laws of fundamental principle of the earth seed time and harvest. When you do good, good always comes back to you.
“Am encouraging lawyers out there to have a personal practice of taking up pro-bono cases. To become a senior advocate of Nigeria you must have records of probono matters you have done.
“Beyond the earthly rewards think about when you serve people, you are serving God, when you help people you are putting God in your debt and he will always repay you. And the smiles on people’s faces when you help them out nothing beats those feelings.”
Adata Bio-Briggs, Chairperson of FIDA Rivers, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and children in the state.
“We will not stop advocating for the end of violence and gender-based discrimination against women and children. Together, we can create a world where their rights are fully respected,” Bio-Briggs said.
The event featured the recognition of outstanding members, partners, and past chairpersons of FIDA Rivers, as well as awards to the Rivers State Governor, his wife, and other key stakeholders for their contributions to advancing the rights of women and children.
