BY CHIKA KWAMBA
FOLLOWING a seamless transition in leadership, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Asaba Branch has unanimously elected Bar. Ifeoma Iloba as the Chairperson of the legal association.
The election was conducted by FIDA Electoral Committee (elecom) chaired by former Chairperson, Hon. Tina Onianwa and witnessed by FIDA members at Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Centre, Ned Nwoko Hall in Asaba, the state capital.
Delivering the 2021/2024 FIDA, Nigeria, Asaba Branch report, the former Secretary, Barr. Ifeoma Iloba outlined key achievements, challenges, programs and recommendations. The achievements include providing free legal services to vulnerable women and children, successfully resolving 80% of cases, securing justice and protection for clients, and participating in workshops and trainings.
Additionally, collaboration with the Delta State government, palladium group, security agencies, local authorities, hospitals and stakeholders in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including links with CSOs, NGOs, community and faith-based organizations to enhance referrals Networks and establish a pro bono lawyer legal clinic and many others.
Addressing the newly elected and sworn-in executives, the Chairperson of the Electoral Committee (ELECOM), Hon. Tina Onianwa praised the immediate past executives for their impeccable services and contributions to FIDA. “The past officers have done noble in executing the mandate of FIDA, I am very impressed.
“The immediate past chairperson did marvellously well, and no doubt the current chairperson will do more, even better. Congratulations to them all; I pledged my unwavering support to the FIDA, Asaba Branch and the newly elected officers. My doors are wide open for you”.
In her acceptance speech, the incoming Chairperson, Barr. Ifeoma Iloba said: “We aim to push for visibility and engage more in the issues that have to do with women and children in the state.
“Together, let us unite and foster positive change; I call on all our members to come on board and share their expertise and resources in ensuring that this Branch excels. Collectively, we will amplify women’s and children’s voices and foster inclusive growth, enhance community engagement, expand our collaborations, and maintain and build a strong relationship with stakeholders, relevant agencies and CSOs in the state and beyond to achieve FIDA Nigeria set goals.”
Earlier, the immediate past Chairperson, FIDA, Asaba Branch, Barr. Stella Maris Mejulu, in her valedictory remarks, expressed her satisfaction in the just-concluded FIDA election, saying, “I am very happy this is a memorable day for me and FIDA, Asaba Branch; I’m going to rest, but that doesn’t mean that I will not engage in FIDA interventions anymore; it is part of me.
“As ex-officio, I will be guiding them, putting them through and advising them accordingly. I’m glad I have served for four years, and I acknowledged God for his grace all these years and for sound health and mind. It is not easy listening to these vulnerable; the feeling is always there, and sometimes I pinch myself if I’m still human. The task is enormous, and I believe that the newly elected officers will deliver; congratulations to them. The highpoint of the event was the administering of the oath of office by Secretary, ELECOM, Rita Okonyia to the current executives constituted as follows: Chairperson, Barr. Ifeoma Iloba; Vice President, Thelma Ebbah; Secretary, Oke Eyesio; Assistant Secretary, Patience Oloriemu, and Welfare Secretary, Franca Eke, while other positions remain vacant to be filled later
