The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, has formally inaugurated its Ahoada Branch in Rivers State, expanding its advocacy and free legal support services to women, children and other vulnerable persons across four local government areas.
The inauguration took place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the High Court premises in Ahoada East Local Government Area and marked another step in FIDA Nigeria’s drive to strengthen access to justice and the protection of fundamental rights at the grassroots.
The new branch is expected to serve communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.
The event attracted Justices of the High Court of Rivers State, past and present FIDA International officers, chairmen of Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, traditional rulers, representatives of security agencies, women leaders, members of the legal profession and members of the public.
Proceedings commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the National Anthem, FIDA Anthem and Women’s Anthem.
Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Tamunoibuemi Life George, Esq., delivered the welcome address, while the National Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Nnenna Igbokwe, presented the profile of FIDA Nigeria and highlighted the organisation’s mandate and activities.
The major highlight of the ceremony was the formal inauguration of FIDA Nigeria, Ahoada Branch and its executive officers by the Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, Mrs. Eliana Martins.
Martins subsequently performed the official opening and unveiling of the branch’s interim office alongside distinguished judges, senior members of the legal profession and members of FIDA.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Hon. Solomon Abuba Ochoma, pledged to work with FIDA towards ensuring that women, children and other vulnerable persons within the area have access to justice.
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Ochoma assured the organisation of his support, saying his office would remain open to partnership and collaboration in furtherance of FIDA’s objectives.
Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Cheta Epelle, also welcomed the establishment of the branch, describing its presence in Ahoada as a positive development.
Epelle pledged his support and expressed readiness to collaborate with FIDA Ahoada and other council chairmen to advance the organisation’s objectives within their respective communities.
FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, attributed the successful inauguration to the support of donors, partners and well-wishers who contributed financially and materially to the event.
The organisation particularly acknowledged the support of His Excellency, Hon. Justice E. S. Nyesom-Wike; Hon. Mrs. Inime Aguma; Executive Chairman of Abua/Odual LGA, Hon. Engr. Owolobi Michael Ofori; Executive Chairman of Ahoada East LGA, Hon. Solomon Abuba Ochoma; Executive Chairman of Ahoada West LGA, Hon. Eugene Cheta Epelle; and Executive Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Hon. Dr. Shedrack Chukwu Ogbogu.
It said their support demonstrated a commitment to expanding access to justice and strengthening legal protection for vulnerable persons.
FIDA Rivers also expressed appreciation to its Ways and Means Committee for its guidance and support, as well as traditional rulers, women leaders, media organisations and others who contributed financially, materially or through prayers towards the success of the inauguration.
According to the organisation, the establishment of the Ahoada Branch provides a stronger institutional platform for confronting violence, discrimination and other forms of injustice affecting women and children across the four local government areas.
The newly inaugurated executive is expected to work closely with local authorities, traditional institutions, security agencies, community leaders, lawyers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to provide legal assistance, promote rights awareness and strengthen protection for vulnerable persons.
FIDA said the branch would also support its broader mandate of promoting, protecting and preserving the rights of women and children, particularly through advocacy, legal intervention and access to free legal assistance.
The organisation described the inauguration as laying a strong foundation for sustained engagement in Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.
Despite challenging weather conditions on the day, the event was described as a success and an important milestone in the expansion of FIDA Nigeria’s presence and impact within Rivers State.
The organisation said the Ahoada Branch would now focus on ensuring that women, children and other vulnerable persons in the communities it serves have stronger access to justice, protection and empowerment.
The report on the inauguration was signed by Sotonye Kelechi-Nwuzi, Assistant Publicity Secretary, FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch.
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