The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abuja Branch, has expanded its advocacy footprint with a high-impact visit to Philomath University, Abuja, where the Branch formally inaugurated the FIDA Student Chapter on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
The visit formed part of FIDA Abuja’s broader push to deepen legal awareness, strengthen the protection of women and children, and inspire young people to take active roles in social justice work. The Branch has continued to establish student chapters across tertiary institutions to nurture early leadership and build a pipeline of committed young advocates.
Led by the Branch Chairperson, Mrs Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, the delegation received a warm welcome from the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof Adams Adoga. The hall was filled with energy as over 120 students gathered for the event. The students listened attentively, asked questions, and showed a strong desire to participate in FIDA’s mission.
In her Welcome Address, Onyenucheya-Uko reaffirmed FIDA’s commitment to defending the rights of women and children. She urged the students to see advocacy and community service as essential parts of their legal journey.
She then led a sensitisation session, where she introduced FIDA’s mission, vision, and values, and encouraged the students to champion justice wherever they found themselves.
The Branch Secretary, Mimi Ayua, steered the programme seamlessly, ensuring that every section of the event flowed smoothly. The Student Chapter Coordinator, Ifeoluwa Johnson, later took the students through an orientation session, explaining the structure, objectives, and responsibilities of the new chapter. She also highlighted expectations for students seeking elective positions.
The programme progressed into the election of the pioneer executives of the FIDA Student Chapter. The students presented their manifestos with confidence and clarity, demonstrating strong leadership qualities.
After a well-coordinated election supervised by the Chairperson, the winners were sworn in by Mrs Naomi Abeji Kpenosen, a Notary Public.
The newly elected executives are:
LIST OF THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PHILOMATH UNIVERSITY STUDENT CHAPTER OF FIDA NIGERIA, ABUJA BRANCH
- CHAIRPERSON
Joan Ojotule Sani - DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON
Hauwa Haruna - SECRETARY
Abiodun Oluwadara Aragbaye - ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Oluwatamilore Eunice Ajayi-Kadir - TREASURER
Tawakaltu Bamidele - ASSISTANT TREASURER
Esther Ijeoma Nnabuife - WELFARE SECRETARY
Immaculata Ofume - ASSISTANT WELFARE SECRETARY
Amina Abdullahi Abubakar - PUBLICITY OFFICER/EDITOR
Huraira Buba - ASSISTANT PUBLICITY OFFICER/DEPUTY EDITOR
Fortune Illaumo
Adding to the excitement of the day, lawyer, journalist, and CEO of Law & Society Magazine, Lillian Okenwa, donated 30 copies of her book, “Court of Appeal – 40 Years Counting,” to the Faculty of Law. Each aspirant and elected officer received a copy, while the remaining books were placed in the university library for students’ use.
The delegation later paid a courtesy visit to Professor Gylych Jelilov, the Vice Chancellor. He expressed his pleasure at the growing partnership between Philomath University and FIDA Abuja. He noted that engagements like this sharpen students’ professional development and strengthen the academic environment. The Vice Chancellor pledged continued support for future collaborations.
The Branch expressed gratitude to all members who supported the outreach, especially those who sponsored various aspects of the programme.
The event concluded on a high note, marking a significant milestone for both Philomath University and FIDA Abuja.
With the establishment of the Student Chapter, FIDA Abuja has taken another major step toward raising young advocates who will champion justice, gender equality, and community service within and beyond the campus.
