New FIDA Boss Pledges to Advance Rights, Welfare of Women, Children in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Barr Amara Muojeke, MCArb has been sworn in as the new Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, Anambra State Branch.

Barr Muojeke, an Assistant Chief State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice Awka, also heads the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Women Forum, Anambra State.

Other members of the new executive body were Lauretta Ikwuka – Vice Chairperson, His Worship, Maria Anyabolu – Secretary, Sylvia Ogbuagu – Assistant Secretary, A. C. Peters – Financial Secretary, Chioma Okolo – Treasurer, Chinelo Akorah – Publicity Secretary, Ginikachukwu Olisa – Welfare Secretary.

In her address at the event held at FIDA office in Awka, Muojeke assured that she and her team would uphold the ideals and principles of FIDA in their service to humanity.

She said, “FIDA Anambra has consistently been at the forefront of advancing the rights and welfare of women and children in the state” by providing free legal representation to victims of gender-based violence and organizing community outreaches, thereby giving human face to the principles members hold dear.

“Our legal aid services, sensitization campaigns, and advocacy programs have left indelible marks in various communities across Anambra State. We have championed causes that uplift the marginalized, offered hope to the hopeless, and lent our voices to the voiceless”.

The new Anambra FIDA Chairperson however noted that the scope of the challenges requires collaboration in order to reach people at the grassroots, reason the group is seeking active partnerships with the government, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

“Together, we can provide not just legal assistance, but also critical support services such as shelter, rehabilitation, and empowerment programs. This synergy is essential for addressing the complex needs of the vulnerable in our society”.

To ensure effective execution of FIDA’s programs across Anambra State, Barrister Muojeke announced the appointment of Lauretta Ikwuka – Onitsha, H/W Maria Anyabolu – Onitsha, Lizzy Umeh – Awka, Chinelo Akorah – Awka, Dr. Modesta Muoneke – Nnewi, and Ada Egwu Samuel – Nnewi into the Programs Committee of the group.

“These capable women will organize activities for the United Nations international celebrations in their respective cities and surrounding environments. FIDA Anambra will provide the necessary IEC materials and other support to ensure the success of these programs”.

For the FIDA Week 2025, Muojeke announced the appointment of Chioma Okolo Esq. as the Chairperson; who will be responsible for appointing her committee members and organizing the event.

Describing “Litigation Committee” as a vital arm of FIDA in Anambra, Barrister Muojeke announced that it will be chaired by Lauretta Ikwuka Esq., MCArb; who will later appoint other members of the committee.

She added that the group under her leadership will continue to recognize the invaluable contributions of senior FIDA members, and will actively involve and encourage their participation in all FIDA activities, while embarking on robust membership drives to increase capacity and ensure the sustainability of FIDA Anambra’s impact.

Earlier in their remarks, National Publicity Secretary, FIDA Nigeria, and former FIDA Chairperson in the state, Barr Mrs Chineze Obianyo, a Professor of Law, former Anambra FIDA Chairperson and Chairperson of Election Committee that produced the Muojeke-led exco, Barr Mrs Ogugua Ikpeze, and another member of the Election Committee, Barr Lizzy Umeh charged the new executive members to continue to consolidate on the achievements of past leaders of the association, even as they called for more advocacy on the activities of the group.