In her NEC report, Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha, Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, emphasized the Forum’s constitutionally established mandate to address the well-being of Nigerian female lawyers. The Forum is dedicated to empowering female lawyers by identifying and providing innovative solutions to critical issues affecting them professionally and personally.
This mandate is realized through advocacy, mentorship, workshops, training sessions, and conferences on gender issues, leadership, personal development, career growth, and work-life balance. Additionally, the Forum seeks to collaborate and engage with local and international sister associations, fostering idea exchange and joint programs to empower female lawyers.
Mrs Okorocha highlighted that the NBA Women Forum’s mandate differs from that of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), which focuses on assisting disadvantaged women and children. She clarified that the NBA Women Forum and FIDA are not competitors but sister organizations with distinct mandates that often collaborate and support each other as needed.
Highlights from the 2024 Annual General Conference
Mrs. Okorocha provided a brief account of the Forum’s activities during the reporting period, notably the Annual General Conference held in March 2024 in Lagos. The conference, themed “Beyond the Balance Sheet: Redefining Success for Women in Law,” featured over 550 delegates nationwide.
Distinguished attendees included Her Excellency Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, represented by Mrs Elizabeth Oyeneyin; the Honourable Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro SAN; and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Y.C. Maikyau, represented by the 1st Vice President, Linda Rose Bala.
The conference included six plenary sessions with six moderators and approximately 40 speakers sharing their expertise in both the opening and technical sessions. It began with an overview by the planning committee chairperson, Mrs. Folashade Alli, SAN.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder of BAP Productions & Terra Kulture, who urged the Forum to create a platform where leading women can inspire and mentor younger female lawyers.
Gala Dinner and Awards Night
The event concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awards Night, where pioneer governing council members were honoured, including Mrs Stella Ugboma, Olori Olufunmi Oluyede, Mrs Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mrs Fati Kwaku MFR, Mrs Genevieve Onyiuke (posthumously), Mrs Funmi Roberts, Mrs Funmi Awomolo SAN, and Mrs Josephine Onodugo. The newly appointed patrons of the forum were also unveiled: Chief Mrs Folake Solanke (SAN), Justice Mary Odili, Justice Amina Adamu Augie, Mrs Hairat Balogun (OON), Mrs Priscilla Kuye (Bencher), Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose (SAN), and Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro (Bencher).
Reports from Various State and Branch Forums
Other activities included reports from various State and Branch Forums, such as the NBA Women Forum Kaduna State, Abuja, Asaba branch, Adamawa, Delta State Chapter, Ondo State, Rivers, Abia State, Bayelsa, and Kano State. The conference was well-organized and highly impactful, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and networking.
Mrs. Okorocha extended her heartfelt thanks to the NBA President, General Secretary, and other National Officers, especially the female National Officers and NBA Branch Chairmen, for their continued support of the forum.
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