FIDA Abuja celebrates Elder Statesman at 97
Press Release
On the 18th of June, 2024, the Branch led by the Chairperson, Chibuzo M Nwosu, in company of her EXCOs and members, paid a courtesy visit to the former commissioner of information and Elder Stateman, Chief Edwin Clark.
Chief Edwin Clark is a Nigerian Statesman, Ijaw leader and politician from Niger Delta State who is renowned for his patriotism and human rights advocacy.
The visit was arranged to celebrate the Elderstateman who turned 97 years on the 25th of May, 2024.
Welcoming the branch on behalf of the elderstateman who was present, was Barr. Dickson Sofia and other orators (Otota) of his Palace including Mrs. Dorothy Charles Koko, the Principal Secretary to Chief Clark, Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu, former member House of Representative; Chief Ominimini Obivwhibi, the Otoro/Orator of the Chief’s Palace, Barr. Dickson Sofia and Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), Managing Partner M.J Numa & Partners LLP.
Thanking the Chief and his Orators for the privileged visit, the Chairperson introduced the branch and members present while intimating the gathering on the core mandate and score cards of the branch since the start of her tenure. She pointed the privilege to celebrate a man who is highly revered and respected and who has been a blessing to the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria and the world at large.
On the achievements of the Branch, the Chairperson highlighted key programs initiated under the leadership of the branch to include the SGBV enlightenment through Paralegal Trainings, the Student/Paralegal-Associate membership, and the imminent launch of the Training of Teachers as Paralegals in the depths of the Federal Capital Territory.
In his welcome address, the Nigerian statesman commended FIDA for her active role in the course of justice while noting his longstanding relationship with the branch. In his words, “FIDA has become more purposeful in recent times”. Taking a trip down memory lane, the Nigerian statesman who is also a senior member of the Nigerian Bar Association, with 60 years post call, recalled his early days in the noble profession as the first Secretary of the NBA, Warri Branch in 1966. He however bemoaned the state of affairs of the NBA and the Judiciary and expressed concerns over the welfare of young female lawyers and urged FIDA to focus more on the welfare of her female members. While assuring his support for the branch, he expressed hope that FIDA can make a huge impact in the NBA and the Judiciary.
The Principal Secretary to Chief Edwin Clark, Mrs. Dorothy Charles Koko, in a remark, commended FIDA for the laudable initiative of the student associate membership while stressing the need for the replication of the same at the Edwin Clark University, Warri, Delta State. The Chairperson in response, promised to liaise with the Chairperson of the FIDA Warri Branch in this respect.
Also, in appreciation, Barr. Dickson Sofia commended the branch for the new initiative of the student chapter as being a great work and sued for collaboration with ministers to support the noble cause of FIDA.
In the spore of the moment, the elated group serenaded the celebrant with songs of praise and presented the branch’s birthday card embedded with warm wishes and prayers, and thereafter adorned the Elderstatman with the FIDA hat, symbolizing an honorary associate membership of the branch.
In closing, Mr. Michael Numa (SAN) proposed a toast in honour of the celebrant while Dr. Stella Dorgu gave a vote of thanks, admonishing the group to adopt the Elderstateman as a role model and replicate his ethics in the discharge of her core mandate and to ensure that the indignities of women are ameliorated.
Bringing the day’s event to a close, the Vice-Chairperson offered a prayer for the celebrant, family members and the branch.
Please see below, pictures from the visit for your viewing pleasure.
In attendance:
- Chibuzo M. Nwosu (Chairperson)
- Francisca Akaniro-Opara (Vice Chairperson)
- Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nkanga (General Secretary)
- Roseline Obiakor (Financial Secretary)
- Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe (Publicity Secretary)
- Ifeoluwa Johnson (Welfare Secretary)
- Cordelia Otuya
Thank you.
Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe
Publicity Secretary
