Rivers – Ahoada

Date of branch inauguration: Thursday, 20 August 2026

2026 – 2028

Chairperson – Sarah Emmanuel-Apia

Vice-Chairperson – Patience Azubuike Odu

Secretary – Sophia Ijeoma Ugwuorah

Publicity Secretary – Adienoye Okonny

Treasurer – Uwuma Dogini

Welfare Secretary – Rosemary Ebina Chiwetara Nwugo

FIDA Nigeria Inaugurates Ahoada Branch, Extends Access to Justice Across Four LGAs

Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026
Venue: High Court Premises, Ahoada East, Rivers State

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria formally inaugurated its Ahoada Branch on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at the High Court premises in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The establishment of the branch expands FIDA Nigeria’s reach to communities across Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas, strengthening access to free legal assistance and support for women, children and other vulnerable persons.

The ceremony was attended by 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

The programme commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem, FIDA Anthem and Women’s Anthem.

The Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Tamunoibuemi Life-George, Esq., delivered the welcome address. The National Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Nnenna Igbokwe, subsequently presented an overview of FIDA Nigeria, outlining its mandate, activities and work in advancing access to justice and protecting the rights of women and children.

Inauguration of the Ahoada Branch

The principal event was the formal inauguration of FIDA Nigeria, Ahoada Branch and its Executive by the Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, Mrs. Eliana Martins.

Following the inauguration, Mrs. Martins officially opened and unveiled the interim office of FIDA Ahoada. She was accompanied by distinguished judges, senior members of the legal profession and FIDAns.

The new branch provides a local platform for FIDA Nigeria to deliver legal assistance, advocacy and human rights interventions to communities across the four Local Government Areas within its jurisdiction.

Stakeholder Support

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Hon. Solomon Abuba Ochoma, expressed his commitment to working with FIDA Nigeria to improve access to justice for women, children and other vulnerable persons. He assured the organisation of his support and stated that his office remained open to partnership and collaboration with FIDA Ahoada.

The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Cheta Epelle, welcomed the establishment of the branch and pledged his support for its activities. He also expressed his readiness to collaborate with FIDA Ahoada and other Local Government Chairmen in advancing the organisation’s objectives across the communities.

Appreciation

FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, acknowledges the contributions of donors, partners and well-wishers whose support facilitated the successful inauguration of the Ahoada Branch.

Special appreciation is extended to His Excellency, Hon. Justice E. S. Nyesom-Wike; Hon. Mrs. Inime Aguma; the Executive Chairman of Abua/Odual LGA, Hon. Engr. Owolobi Michael Ofori; the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East LGA, Hon. Solomon Abuba Ochoma; the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West LGA, Hon. Eugene Cheta Epelle; and the Executive Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Hon. Dr. Shedrack Chukwu Ogbogu, for their support and commitment to advancing access to justice.

The Rivers State Branch also appreciates the Ways and Means Committee for its guidance and support, as well as the traditional rulers, women leaders, media organisations and all individuals who contributed financially, materially or through prayers towards the event.

Strengthening Grassroots Access to Justice

The inauguration establishes FIDA Ahoada as a local point of access to legal assistance and human rights support for communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.

The newly inaugurated Executive will work with relevant stakeholders to address violence, discrimination and other forms of injustice affecting women and children, while promoting access to justice and the protection of fundamental rights.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the ceremony was successfully concluded and marked a further expansion of FIDA Nigeria’s presence in Rivers State. The establishment of the Ahoada Branch strengthens the organisation’s capacity to engage directly with communities and advance its mandate for the protection and empowerment of women, children and other vulnerable persons.