…She highlights achievements
By Mark Lenu
Barr Adata Bio-Briggs has successfully handed over the Rivers State leadership of FIDA to Barr Tamunoibuemi Life-George, following the completion of her three-year tenure which elapsed this year.
The new chairperson of FIDA in the state, Life-George was the immediate past vice chairperson of FIDA and was elected unopposed to pilot the affairs of FIDA in the state for the next three years.
In her valedictory remarks, Adata Bio-Briggs was quoted as saying that:”Distinguished seniors and esteemed members of FIDA Rivers, I am delighted to welcome you to the FIDA Rivers Triennial General Meeting, as we celebrate our legacy and advance the rights of women and children.
“As I stand before you today, I am filled with a mix of emotions – pride, gratitude, and a hint of nostalgia. This marks the end of my three-year tenure as Chairperson of FIDA Rivers, and I am honored to share my valedictory speech with you.
“Three years ago, I stood before you with a vision to elevate our association to new heights. The commitment I made to take our association to greater heights has been realized, I give thanks to God Almighty for guiding me. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me.
“Over the past three years, we have achieved remarkable milestones. We have organized and executed 73 sensitization outreaches, reaching various communities, marketplaces, and schools.
“We have visited 21 Local Government Areas across Rivers State, promoting awareness of the rights of women and children. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, as FIDA Rivers emerged as the second-best branch in Nigeria at the recent triennial convention of FIDA Nigeria in Abuja and also received 12 other awards for our work.
“As we celebrate our achievements, I urge you all to continue supporting our pro-bono work, with your time, talent, and resources. Your support will enable us to sustain our efforts in advancing the rights of women and children.
“I also call upon the incoming Executive Committee to continue with the novel initiatives we have started, including the FIDA School Club, which we recently inaugurated in Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, for his support. I also thank our patron, Her Excellency, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu, and our Board of Trustee member and pioneer Chairperson FIDA Rivers Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili. I also thank Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike for her support throughout her tenure as our Patron. To the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice S. C. Amadi, I thank you for all your support.
“To my mentors, the ones on whose back I have ridden and I’m still riding, Hon. Justice Elsie Thompson, Hon. Inime Aguma, Hon. Florence Amiesimaka, Hon. Justice Florence Fiberesima, Hon. Justice Harriba Dagogo-Jack, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Hon. Onimim Jacks, Mrs. Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo and our International President Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor. Thank you for all your support.
“I also want to thank my sister and friend the immediate past deputy Country Vice President Mrs. Evelyn Membere-Asimea for always giving me the push to do more. “To my teammates, the FIDA Rivers Exco, Emi, Irene, Sophia, Ere, Virginia, Tonia, Chioma, and Concellia, what can I say, I love you all, yes, I know sometimes I was bossy and a hard driver, you all know the reasons. It was always for the good of the association.
“To my support system as I call them in my mind, ever available to help and support Daba, Gloria, Mercy, Ibifuro, Sotonye, Rachel, Lydia, Barbara, Ibiye, and Tosan, I hope I didn’t skip any name, you ladies are the best. “To all the committee heads and members, thank you for all you have done, without you, we won’t be where we are.
To our awesome staff, Abigail, Thompson, Meti, Esther, and Dike, I thank you for your unwavering support, without it, I don’t know what we would have done. To my husband Dr. Biobele Richard Briggs and his family, I thank you for being my rock and support base throughout my tenure. Without your support, I wouldn’t have made it this far.
“To God who made all things possible, I say, thank You.
“As I hand over the baton, I charge you all to continue the good works we have started. Let us keep pushing the boundaries, advancing the rights of women and children, and creating a better society for all. Let’s forget strife and bitterness and continue to do the best for our association.
“As my mentor Justice Elsie Thompson said, ‘Woe betide you that FIDA Rivers will die in your hands’. Let’s join hands and do the work God has given to us, the work we do in FIDA is working for God, FIDA Rivers must not die.”
In her acceptance speech, the new chairperson of FIDA in the state, Life-George promised to consolidate on the achievements of her predecessors and promote a legacy that will place FIDA on the path of sustainable growth. Our correspondent reports that the triennial general meeting which saw the emergence of the new state leadership of FIDA was held on Monday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
