The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has inaugurated its Degema Branch in Rivers State, with the Country Vice President, CVP Martins Eliana, charging members to uphold the organisation’s constitution and mandate while serving with empathy, passion and integrity.
Eliana gave the charge on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during the inauguration of the 47th FIDA branch in Nigeria and the second branch in Rivers State, held in Degema Local Government Area.
She urged the newly inaugurated executives and members to lead with humility, courage and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the organisation.
According to her, the values of justice, equity, integrity, professionalism, accountability and transparency must guide the activities of the new branch.
“As you begin this important journey, let the values of FIDA Nigeria become your compass. Let justice shape your actions and decisions. Let equity define your actions. Let integrity protect your reputation, and let professionalism distinguish your service,” she said.
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Eliana said the inauguration marked more than the establishment of another FIDA office, describing it as a renewed commitment to bringing justice closer to communities and protecting the rights of women, children and vulnerable persons.
She noted that FIDA had maintained engagements with communities in the Degema area, including women in Soku and Bille, since 1997, adding that the new branch would formalise and deepen the organisation’s presence in the area.
“Wherever FIDA plants its flag in a new community, justice moves closer to the people. Our voices become stronger, our reach becomes wider and our impact deeper,” she said.
The CVP urged members of the new branch to make active participation in FIDA programmes and initiatives a priority, stressing that the strength of the organisation was measured not by the number of its members but by the quality of their commitment and service.
She also called on the branch to build partnerships with government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions and other development partners to expand access to justice across Rivers State.
Eliana charged the members to speak for people whose voices had been silenced, defend vulnerable persons, mentor younger lawyers and uphold the ethics of the legal profession.
She congratulated the new branch and its executive officers, expressing optimism that their tenure would be marked by unity, growth, exemplary leadership and impactful service.
The newly inaugurated Chairperson of FIDA Degema, Ibiwari Harry, pledged that her administration would promote unity, transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and progress across communities within the branch’s jurisdiction.
Harry described her appointment as a call to service and pledged to work with members irrespective of status or position.
“My administration, working together with the leadership and membership of FIDA Nigeria, shall strive to promote unity, transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and progress,” she said.
She added that the branch would encourage ideas, support members and create opportunities for professional growth and meaningful contributions towards building a just society where no woman or child is oppressed.
Harry also appealed to members for their support, cooperation, prayers and constructive criticism as the new branch begins its activities.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer, Degema Division, CSP Onyiriuka Angus, expressed support for the establishment of the FIDA centre in the area.
Angus said many women in rural communities had been denied their rights, noting that customs and traditions had contributed to violations of women’s rights.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of FIDA Rivers, Tamunoibuemi Life-George, described the inauguration as a major milestone in the organisation’s pursuit of justice across the state.
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She said the expansion was a deliberate strategy to ensure vulnerable women, children and marginalised groups had immediate localised access to justice through legal protection and advocacy.
According to her, the new branch would serve as a haven for victims of domestic violence and provide a platform for protecting and defending fundamental human rights.
Life-George assured that FIDA Degema would prioritise advocacy, pro bono legal services, community engagement and professional excellence.
She called on communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to collaborate with the new branch to promote equity, justice and lasting social impact across Degema and neighbouring communities.
Members of the legal profession, traditional institutions, women’s groups, community representatives, and other stakeholders attended the inauguration.
