The International Federation of Women Lawyers has launched preparations for its 35th anniversary, unveiling a high-level Planning Committee tasked with delivering a high-impact event to celebrate women’s rights advocacy. The event will hold in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The committee was formally inaugurated on April 27 by the branch chairperson, Chioma Onyenucheya Oko, who framed the milestone as more than a commemorative event.

“This is not merely a celebration,” she told members. “It is about curating and telling a story, one that honours our past, reflects our present, and defines our future.”

A Strategic Milestone

For over three decades, FIDA Abuja has been a key player in advancing gender justice, providing legal aid, and advocating for the rights of women and children across the Federal Capital Territory.

The 35th anniversary, the conveners say, will spotlight that legacy while confronting new and evolving challenges — from access to justice to institutional accountability.

At the centre of the planning effort is Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani who will serve as committee chairperson, with Ms. Ojobo Ode Atuluku as Alternate Chair. They will be supported by Secretary Mimi Ayua and a broad team of 33 other legal professionals and stakeholders drawn from across the branch.

In her acceptance speech, Frank-Chukwuani described the assignment as both an honour and a responsibility, urging members to deliver an “epochal” celebration that reflects the organization’s impact and aspirations.

More Than a Celebration

According to insiders, the anniversary celebration is expected to go beyond ceremonial activities, serving as a platform to highlight FIDA’s role in shaping legal reforms and protecting vulnerable groups.

The committee’s mandate includes curating high-profile engagements, amplifying advocacy campaigns, and positioning the organization for greater influence in Nigeria’s legal and policy landscape.

All members of the branch’s executive committee will serve as ex-officio members, providing oversight and ensuring alignment with FIDA’s broader mission.

Setting the Agenda for the Future

Observers say the anniversary could become a focal point for national conversations on gender rights, legal protection, and the enforcement of laws affecting women and children.

With preparations already underway, the event is expected to draw attention from key stakeholders across the legal, political, and civil society spheres.

For FIDA Abuja, the message is clear: 35 years on, the organization is not only celebrating its legacy, but also positioning itself for the battles ahead.

Below are members of the FIDA @35 Planning Committee:

1 Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani Chairperson

2 Ms. Ojobo Ode Atuluku Alternate Chairperson

3 Mimi Ayua Secretary

4 Nnenna Favour Elom Assistant Secretary

5 Mrs. Ngozi Ikenga Member

6 Lady Francisca Akaniro-Opara Member

7 Grace Okewole Member

8 Dooshima Abege Member

9 Nkechi Ezike Member

10 Blessing Nwayen Member

11 Chioma Okoye-Chukwuma Member

12 Victoria Olosen Ibiezugbe Member

13 Charity Ibezim Member

14 Millicent Emmanuel Member

15 Favour Resoswoghene Ikwe Member

16 Dolly Obiageri Okoroafor Member

17 Dorcas Igeh Oluokun Member

18 Peace Senede Member

19 Susan Mshelbwala Member

20 Lillian Okenwa Member

21 Stella Charles Akupue Member

22 Esther Oyeyemi Member

23 Sherifat Jumoke Adebayo Member

24 Chinwe Orabueze Member

25 Ogechi Abu Member

26 Sa’adatu Temitope Bello Member

27 Azuka Azinge Member

28 Charity Akiri Member

29 Shinekris Irozuru Member

30 Okediachi Favour Obiajulu Member

31 Dansu Esther Yondewe Member

32 Adenike Oluwakemi Aro Member

33 Oluchi Obeta Member

34 Hajia Husseina Yuguda Member

35 Cecilia Makoji Member

36 Chioma Ekene-Okwunma Member

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