BREAKING! FIDA Inaugurates Bonny Branch, Hails Kingdom’s Heritage Status, Queen Kambassa

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has inaugurated its branch in Bonny, Rivers State, as well as applauded Bonny Kingdom’s new status as a national tourism destination.

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy had issued this endorsement via a letter referenced FMACTCE/HM/114/I, dated August 12, 2026, and signed by the Minister, Hannatu Musawa, stating it was the outcome of an official assessment of the island’s tourism assets.

‎‎in her speech before the inauguration of the Bonny Branch, Country Vice President of FIDA, Eliana Martins also praised the sterling attributes of late Queen Kambasa, after whom the venue of the even was named.   

“I’m truly privileged and blessed to be here today to visit this kingdom that is rich in culture and heritage. To be present also in this hall, which also honours a strong woman, a known warrior, a political strategist, an institution builder, an extraordinary female leader. Let’s celebrate her because we aspire to be like that. We work and encourage women to be like that.”

“I join in congratulating the good people of Bonny Kingdom for the recent formal declaration of Bonny as a great place of heritage. Congratulations.”

She asserted that the inauguration of the Bonny Branch “marks an extension of hope, the expansion of access to justice and the strengthening of our collective promise that no woman, child, or vulnerable person should be beyond the reach of protection, dignity, and reward”.

“This is, therefore, a defining moment, a moment that reminds us that whenever FIDA plants its flag in a new community, justice moves closer to the people. Our voice becomes stronger, our reach becomes wider, while our impact becomes deeper.”

Earlier, a member of the Bonny Chiefs Council (BCC), Se-Alabo Opuada Willie-Pepple, who is also a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), commended FIDA for the milestone achieved, saying that the traditional leadership of Bonny Kingdom will continue to support its efforts in expanding access to justice for tis people.

Speaking, Chairman of Bonny LGA, Abinye Pepple congratulated FIDA for the new branch inauguration, promising that his administration will partner with the body to ensure it discharges its responsibility of helping his people have access to justice, as well as play critical roles in accentuating prosperity of the LGA.

Also speaking, Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, James James, who was represented by his wife, Lydia James, thumbed up the inauguration of the new branch as a succinct milestone in bringing justice closer to vulnerable groups in the area, assuring FIDA of his administration’s support in its activities.  

In their various goodwill messages, the Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny, Captain Chukwuemeka Umeh; Rector of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Dr Victor Okolobah, amongst others hailed FIDA for the inauguration, highlighting the benefits of the FIDA Branch to the people of the area.  

In her inaugural address, Chairperson of the FIDA Bonny Branch, Irene Pepple expressed the appreciation of her Branch and members to the Country Vice President, Eliana Martins, and other critical arms of the body, as well as other stakeholders for working to achieve the feat.

She stated that the newly inaugurated branch will “serve the people of Andoni, Bonny, and Opobo/Nkoro local government areas,” adding that this “gives us a clear mandate to build a branch that is accessible, a branch that is responsive, and relevant to the communities that we serve. We understand the responsibility we have accepted today”.

“Our work in this branch will focus on legal aid, advocacy, public enlightenment, protection of women and children and the vulnerable, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.”

In attendance were Justice Elsie Thompson, Justice Florence Fiberesima, Justice Douye Green, FIDA Assistant National Secretary; Nnenna Igbokwe, FIDA International Treasurer; Inime Aguma, past FIDA International Secretary; Florence Amiesimaka, immediate past Deputy Country Vice President; Evelyn Asimiea, and Chairperson, FIDA Rivers State; Tamunoibuemi Life-George.

Also, in attendance at the event were the Leader of Bonny Legislative Council; Kingsley Jumbo, and some of his fellow Councillors, member of Bonny Chiefs Council; Se-Alabo Abel Attoni, Woman Leader of Bonny Kingdom, Amaopuorubo Helen Pepple, and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, Soparagha Jumbo.

Others were the Chief of Staff to the Bonny LGA Chairman, Promise Bristol and other aides of the Chairman, Chairman of Bonny Lawyers Forum; Victor Pepple, representatives of security agencies, women groups, and civil society organizations, amongst others.