Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani, Chairperson of the FIDA Abuja Branch @35 Anniversary Planning Committee, has delivered the opening remarks at the official unveiling of the FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch @35 Anniversary Celebration.
The event, held on Wednesday, 23rd September 2026, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium, Federal Ministry of Justice Complex, Maitama, Abuja, formally opened activities commemorating the Branch’s 35 years of service.
In her address, Dr. Frank-Chukwuani reflected on the Branch’s journey of courage, resilience, advocacy and sustained commitment to protecting women and children, while acknowledging the contributions of past and present members, partners and institutions that have supported its work.
She also called attention to the responsibility that comes with preserving FIDA Abuja’s legacy and building a future defined by greater impact, stronger partnerships, wider community engagement and meaningful access to justice.
Distinguished learned colleagues are invited to read her full address below:
OPENING REMARKS BY DR. PRINCESS FRANK-CHUKWUANI, CHAIRPERSON, FIDA ABUJA BRANCH @35 ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEE, AT THE OFFICIAL UNVEILING OF THE FIDA NIGERIA, ABUJA BRANCH @35 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, ON WEDNESDAY, 23RD SEPTEMBER 2026, AT THE OLUSEGUN OBASANJO AUDITORIUM, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF JUSTICE COMPLEX, MAITAMA, ABUJA
The Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch; distinguished members of the Branch Executive Committee; esteemed members of FIDA Abuja Branch; respected representatives of sister organizations and partner institutions; members of the legal profession; invited guests; members of the press; ladies and gentlemen.
It is with immense joy, gratitude, and a profound sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this significant occasion-the official unveiling of the FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch @35 Anniversary Celebration. Today, we are not simply unveiling an anniversary. We are unveiling a legacy-a 35-year journey defined by courage, service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
A journey that began three and a half decades ago and has been sustained by the lives transformed, the barriers challenged, and the women and children whose voices have found strength and representation through FIDA Abuja. This milestone offers us an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come, honour those who built the foundation, recognize those who have carried the torch, and reflect on the responsibility that comes with the legacy we now hold.
For 35 years, FIDA Abuja has translated its mandate into meaningful action through legal assistance, advocacy, counselling, mediation, public legal education, and other forms of support for women and children affected by discrimination, violence, abuse, and other forms of injustice. At the heart of this work are not statistics or case files, but human lives: a woman seeking safety, a child in need of protection, a survivor pursuing justice, or a family searching for a way forward in difficult circumstances.
Each story has reinforced the importance of our mission and strengthened our resolve to ensure that justice is not merely a principle, but a reality accessible to those who need it most. As we mark this important milestone, we recognize that the journey of FIDA Abuja has never been the work of one person, one generation, or one institution.
It has been shaped by the dedication of past and present members, the guidance and goodwill of our patrons and friends, the invaluable contributions of our partners, the support of institutions, and, most importantly, the courage of the women and children whose experiences continue to remind us why this work matters. To each of you, we extend our sincere appreciation.
Your support has helped transform a vision of justice and equality into sustained action. On behalf of the FIDA Abuja Branch @35 Anniversary Planning Committee, I express my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the Committee and to all those who have worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to make this celebration possible.
An occasion of this magnitude demands dedication, sacrifice, collaboration, and a shared belief in the purpose it represents. Your commitment has given life to this vision, and I am deeply grateful. To our distinguished guests, specially recognized personalities, partners, colleagues, and friends, thank you for honouring us with your presence.
Your attendance today is more than a gesture of goodwill; it is a powerful affirmation that the pursuit of justice, the protection of rights, and the advancement of equality are collective responsibilities that require all of us to remain engaged. Today also marks the beginning of a celebration that invites us to look in two directions at once: to reflect with gratitude on the journey behind us and to look ahead with renewed purpose.
The legacy we celebrate today belongs to those who came before us, but its future is entrusted to those of us who are here now. As we officially unveil our 35th Anniversary celebration, may we be reminded that a legacy is not simply something we inherit. It is something we preserve, strengthen, and ultimately pass on.
The true measure of this milestone will therefore not be found only in what we celebrate today, but in what we do with the foundation that has been entrusted to us. May the next chapter of FIDA Abuja be defined by greater impact, stronger partnerships, wider community engagement, and renewed determination to ensure that women and children can live with dignity, safety, equality, and meaningful access to justice.
May we have the courage to confront emerging challenges, the wisdom to embrace new opportunities, and the commitment to build upon the remarkable foundation laid over the past 35 years. And so, as we gather here today, we celebrate not merely the passage of time, but 35 years of purpose, service, resilience, and impact.
We honour the past, embrace the present, and look to the future with confidence and renewed commitment.
On behalf of the FIDA Abuja Branch @35 Anniversary Planning Committee, I warmly welcome you all and thank you for joining us as we officially unveil and commence this historic celebration.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
PHOTOS OF GUESTS AT THE OFFICIAL UNVEILING OF THE FIDA NIGERIA, ABUJA BRANCH @35 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, HELD AT THE OLUSEGUN OBASANJO AUDITORIUM, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF JUSTICE COMPLEX, MAITAMA, ABUJA.
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