The Banquet Hall of the Ministry of Women Affairs in Umuahia came alive with passionate advocacy, stirring reflections and renewed commitments as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abia State Branch, brought its 2026 FIDA Week celebration to a remarkable close. The week came with resounding calls for stronger legal protection and safer spaces for women and children facing violence, abuse and social vulnerability.

Themed “Safe Havens: Legal Protection for Women and Children in Crisis,” the event drew an influential gathering of legal practitioners, government officials, academics, civil society organisations, development partners and human rights advocates united by a common resolve to strengthen justice systems and restore hope to vulnerable members of society.

Throughout the week-long activities, conversations centred on the urgent need for responsive legal structures, accessible support systems, effective referral mechanisms and sustained community engagement capable of protecting women and children from exploitation, domestic violence, harmful cultural practices and all forms of abuse.

Delivering goodwill remarks at the closing ceremony, the Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, commended FIDA for what she described as unrelenting commitment to justice, equity and humanitarian service.
The Commissioner praised the organisation’s consistent interventions in defending the rights of vulnerable women and children through legal representation, enlightenment campaigns and humanitarian outreach programmes, noting that many victims had found protection, hope and renewed confidence through FIDA’s efforts.

She described the partnership between the Ministry of Women Affairs and FIDA as critical to advancing the welfare, dignity and protection of women and families across Abia State.
According to her, both institutions have continued to collaborate effectively in combating gender-based violence, child abuse, discrimination and harmful traditional practices affecting vulnerable groups.

Aghukwa stressed that the 2026 FIDA Week celebration had once again reinforced the reality that building a just and inclusive society requires collective responsibility from government institutions, legal professionals, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and citizens alike.

“I commend FIDA for yet another successful week of advocacy, enlightenment and service to humanity. Through your legal interventions, awareness campaigns and humanitarian efforts, countless vulnerable women and children have found hope, protection and a voice,” she stated.

The Commissioner further encouraged members of the organisation to remain steadfast in their advocacy, assuring them that their contributions to justice and human development would continue to leave lasting impacts across communities.
She also used the opportunity to eulogise the administration of Governor Alex Otti for what she described as transformational governance across critical sectors of the state, including education, healthcare, infrastructure development and civil service reforms, noting that the Governor’s people-oriented policies continue to create a more inclusive and progressive Abia.

In her address, Chairperson of FIDA Abia State, Mrs. Aniawonwa Njideka, described the theme of the celebration as both urgent and deeply humanitarian, insisting that legal protection must be immediate, accessible and compassionate, especially for women and children trapped in cycles of violence and abuse.
She maintained that safe havens should represent more than physical shelters, explaining that true protection must include access to justice without fear, intimidation, shame or financial barriers.

According to her, FIDA remains committed to providing pro bono legal services and supporting reforms aimed at strengthening protection mechanisms for vulnerable persons, including advocacy linked to the Violence Against Persons legislation.
Njideka explained that the celebration also provided an avenue for stakeholders to examine existing gaps within legal and social support systems while strengthening collaboration among the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and traditional institutions.

She challenged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and embrace practical measures capable of improving legal aid services, equipping first responders and creating effective support structures for survivors of abuse and violence.

Adding his voice, Project Consolidator, Chief Chiadi Afam Anumba, described the gathering as timely, especially at a period when many vulnerable persons continue to face increasing threats of violence, displacement and social injustice.
He noted that the legal profession must remain a refuge for victims seeking justice and protection, stressing that FIDA members have continued to serve as courageous voices for individuals unable to defend themselves.

Anumba expressed optimism that the deliberations and engagements during the FIDA Week celebration would produce stronger partnerships, practical policy reforms and sustainable strategies capable of transforming the idea of safe havens into reality across Abia State.

Legal practitioner, A.U.K. Ngumoha, in his remarks, described the event as an important moment for reflection on justice, equity, human rights and the protection of vulnerable members of society.
He encouraged stakeholders to sustain sensitisation campaigns, legal intervention programmes, mentorship initiatives and public enlightenment activities capable of strengthening social justice and community awareness.
Ngumoha commended the leadership and members of FIDA Abia State for their dedication and consistency in protecting the rights and dignity of women and children despite prevailing challenges.

The keynote address delivered by Professor Mabel Onwuka, a Professor of Soil Science, further broadened the conversation by emphasising the importance of empowering women through education, economic inclusion and skills acquisition.
She advocated stronger collaboration among religious institutions, educational bodies, legal organisations and community leaders to improve support systems for vulnerable persons and deepen societal commitment towards protecting women and children.
Professor Onwuka stressed that sustainable protection goes beyond legal frameworks and must also include deliberate investments in human capital development, family support systems and economic empowerment initiatives capable of reducing vulnerability.

The event also featured award presentations and other activities designed to promote advocacy, awareness and community participation in the protection of women and children.
The 2026 FIDA Week celebration in Abia State ultimately reflected a growing determination among legal institutions, government agencies and civil society organisations to confront gender-based violence, strengthen child protection systems and expand access to justice for vulnerable citizens.

Earlier during the week, FIDA had a Road Walk and held a lecture session at the NBA Aba Branch Bar Centre for members.
As participants departed the hall after days of dialogue and engagement, one message resonated strongly across the gathering , that the protection of women and children is not merely a legal obligation, but a moral responsibility requiring collective action, compassion and unwavering commitment from all sectors of society.