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.

The Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs has praised Governor Alex Otti, OFR, for what she described as his transformative and people-oriented leadership, which has continued to reposition Abia State across critical sectors including education, healthcare, civil service reform, infrastructure, and social welfare.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 2026 FIDA Week celebration held in Umuahia, the Commissioner said Governor Otti’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and service delivery has restored hope and confidence among Abians, while creating an enabling environment for the protection and empowerment of women, children, and vulnerable groups.
She noted that the Governor’s investments in education, healthcare delivery, road infrastructure, and the welfare of civil servants have continued to positively impact the lives of citizens and strengthen institutional support systems across the State.

The Commissioner equally commended the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) for its unwavering commitment to justice, protection of women and children, and promotion of equity and human dignity in society.
She described FIDA as a dependable partner in the fight against gender-based violence, child abuse, harmful cultural practices, and all forms of injustice against vulnerable persons, adding that the organisation’s legal interventions, advocacy programmes, and humanitarian services have brought hope and protection to countless families.

According to her, the collaboration between the Ministry of Women Affairs and FIDA remains instrumental in advancing the welfare, dignity, and protection of women and families in Abia State.
The Commissioner emphasized that building a just and inclusive society requires collective responsibility, sustained advocacy, stronger legal support systems, and active community engagement to ensure that every woman and child lives in safety, dignity, and opportunity.
She encouraged members of FIDA to remain steadfast and united in their noble mission, stating that their contributions to social justice and human development would continue to leave lasting impacts across communities.

The Commissioner further congratulated the leadership and members of FIDA on the successful celebration of the 2026 FIDA Week and expressed optimism that the event would inspire renewed passion, stronger collaboration, and greater accomplishments in the pursuit of justice, empowerment, and societal development.

In a touching act of compassion that has stirred deep emotions in Ukome Community of Umuahia North Local Government Area, the wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has given a new lease of life to a lonely widow, Mama Mercy Anosike, by donating a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment to her.

For years, Mama Anosike lived in hardship and painful solitude after losing her children and being left to face life’s struggles alone. Her story of grief, survival, and quiet resilience had become well known within the community.
But that chapter of sorrow took a dramatic turn when the Abia First Lady stepped in with a gesture that has now restored hope, dignity, and belonging to the elderly woman.

During the commissioning and handover ceremony of the house, Mrs. Otti described Mama Anosike as a woman whose life reflects remarkable strength in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Governor’s wife explained that the intervention was prompted by the compassionate directive of the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, after he learned about the widow’s deplorable living conditions.

According to her, the Governor immediately ordered that Mama Anosike be moved from her dilapidated shelter and provided with a decent and comfortable home worthy of her dignity.
“This house is more than a building; it is a symbol of compassion and a testament to our commitment to empowering women and supporting vulnerable members of society,” Mrs. Otti said.

She added that through her office, support and intervention programmes have continued to reach widows and other vulnerable groups across Abia State, ensuring that no one feels abandoned or forgotten.
The emotional moment drew heartfelt praise from community leaders and residents who described the gesture as a rare demonstration of empathy in governance.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Mrs. Chinwe Odoemelam, commended the First Lady for her  dedication to the welfare of the vulnerable.

She urged the community to reciprocate the government’s goodwill by supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti, while also appealing to the state government to consider addressing some pressing challenges facing the community, especially road infrastructure.

Also lending her voice, journalist Miss Patricia Ngborogwu, who earlier drew public attention to Mama Anosike’s plight, applauded the Governor for responding swiftly and compassionately.
She noted that the intervention demonstrates how responsive leadership can bring real change to the lives of ordinary citizens.
“We are not just here to unveil a house,” Patricia said. “We are here to celebrate the restoration of dignity, hope, and belonging in the life of a woman who has endured profound loss.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, the beneficiary, Mama Mercy Anosike, struggled to contain her tears as she stepped into her new home.
Describing the gesture as nothing short of a miracle, she expressed profound gratitude to the Governor and his wife for remembering her in her moment of need.

“This feels like a dream,” she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Mama Anosike prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Governor Alex Otti and his wife, praising their commitment to inclusive governance and their compassion toward the less privileged.

For the people of Ukome Community, the event was more than the handing over of a house,it was a powerful reminder that kindness, empathy, and responsive leadership can transform even the most painful human stories into testimonies of hope.