In commemoration of 2025 International Day of the Girl, African Women Lawyers Association of Nigeria (AWLAN) Chapter ( KWARA STATE BRANCH) under the leadership of its country Rep Hajia Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire and the state coordinator Hajia Ruqayyah Olaide Abdulaziz Esq., in collaboration with Horizon of Peace and Development Initiative and the Ministry of Women Affairs under the distinguished Commissioner for Women Affairs Chief (Mrs) Afolashade Oluwakemi marked the International Day of Girl Child in ground style at Stella Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The theme for this year’s International Day of the Girl Child is “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls at the frontlines of crises.” The day was marked with lecture and goodwill messages from the guest speaker and other dignitaries with the aim of celebrating the strength, intelligence and limitless potentials of every girl child. Also in attendance were the Representative of
The post Happy International Day Of The Girl Child 2025 appeared first on The African Women Lawyers Association.
We at AWLA join the world to amplify our voices to protect and empower the girl child, the missing link in the world equation, the hope for a bright and prosperous future
As we commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, we invite governments, corporate bodies, industries and the private sector to partner with AWLA and join our mission to create a safe haven for the girl child. The theme “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis” highlights the resilience and leadership of girls in navigating crises and driving change.
We believe that every girl deserves access to education, safety, and justice. Our goal is to empower girls to become agents of change, leading movements for gender equality, climate action, and social justice.
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights, welfare, and interests of women and girls. Our mission is to create a world where women and girls can live free from indignity, unfettered access to justice, counseling, and empowerment.
Our AWLA Resource Centre/Shelter Project in Ora Village, Epe, Lagos, promises a beacon of hope for survivors of gender-based violence. This centre plans to provide a safe haven, counseling services, support and reintegration into society of survivors and fund a survivor project to support survivors of gender based violence from rescue to safety
As we commemorate this day today October 11, 2025, We call on decision-makers to invest in girls’ rights, education, and safety, and to prioritize their futures. Together, we can create a world where girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
On the road map to 2030 and 2063, Join us in our quest to end indignity to women and girls. Partner with AWLA to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most and link the missing link.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD
from all of us at AWLA!!!
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
PRESIDENT
The post International Day Of The Girl Child 2025 appeared first on The African Women Lawyers Association.
To the esteemed Senior Advocates of Nigeria inducted on September 29, 2025, we extend our warmest congratulations! Your achievement is a testament to your dedication, hard work, and commitment to the legal profession.
We acknowledge the outstanding colleagues who have attained this prestigious honor, including:
Female Senior Advocates:
1. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya
2. Chinyere Ekene Moneme
Academic Appointee:
1. Prof. Chima Josephat Ubanyionwu
Male Senior Advocates: (List of 48 male Senior Advocates)
1. Theophilus Kolawole Esan
2. Fedude Zimughan
3. Ernest Chikwendu Ikejle
4. Victor Esiri Akpoguma
5. Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze
6. Akintunde Wilson Adewale
7. Preye Agedah
8. Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo
9. Olumide Ekisola
10. George Ejie Ukaegbu
11. Oromena Justice Ajakpovi
12. Tairu Adebayo
13. Bawa Akhimie Osali Ibrahim
14. Suleh Umar
15. Emeka Akabogu
16. Godwin Sunday Ogboji
17. Godwin Aimuagbonrie Idiagbonya
18. Adeolu Olusegun Salako
19. Adetunji Oso
20. Achinike Godwin William-Wobodo
21. Shuaib Agbarere Mustapha
22. Adizua Chu-Chu Okoroafor
23. Aminu Sani Gadanya
24. Oluseun Awonuga Adeniyi
25. Ikechukwu Raphael Uwanna
26. Ayodeji Joseph Ademola
27. Kelechi Nwaiwu
28. Lawal Garba Hudu
29. Ibim Simeon Dokubo
30. Luka Abubakar Haruna Musa
31. Shakeer Adedayo Oshodi
32. Oluwole Tolulope Jimi-Bada
33. Mubarak Tijani Adekilekun
34. Shuaibu Magaji Labaran
35. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh
36. Augustine Enenche Audu
37. Ali Dussah Zubairu
38. Adeyemi Adebambo Pitan
39. Habeeb Abdulrahman Oredola
40. Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal
41. Victor Agunzi
42. Nkwegu Luke Ogbagaegwu
43. Temilolu Femi Adamolekun
44. Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude
45. Adedayo Gbolahan Adesina
46. Usman Yusuf Zaiyanu
47. Taiwo Azeez Hassan
48. Olufemi Olubummi Oyewole
While we celebrate the achievements of all the new Senior Advocates, we are compelled to express our concern about the underrepresentation of female lawyers in this cohort. The stark disparity between the number of male and female inductees is worrisome, especially in this era of global advocacy for gender parity and women’s empowerment.
SPECIAL PLEA
We urge the Legal Practitioners’
Privileges Committee (LPDC) to take cognizance of this imbalance and consider implementing special measures, such as gender quotas, to ensure more inclusive representation in future inductions. This would align with the global push for parity and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasizes the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
We commend all the new Senior Advocates for achieving this great feat and attaining the highest honor in the profession. As you take on the huge responsibilities that come with this honor, we pray for God’s help, protection, and wisdom to guide you.
To the LPDC we say thank you for your industry and commitment to Justice.
Partnership and Collaboration
We at the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) invite your partnership and collaboration. Together, we can promote justice, equality, and human rights, and press for parity in all spheres of life.
Call to Action
We respectfully request the LPDC to consider implementing special gender quotas in future inductions, as part of its roadmap to achieving gender parity by 2030 and 2063.
Congratulations once again, dear Colleagues. We are super proud of you all.
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
President, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
The post Hearty Congratulations to the Newly Inaugurated Senior Advocates of Nigeria! appeared first on The African Women Lawyers Association.
A Sober Reflection on Nigeria at 65
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary, we pause to reflect on our journey as a nation. We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Our nation has faced numerous challenges, from economic struggles to security concerns, and from corruption to inequality, oppression to marginalization to human right abuses and fettered access to justice
However, in the midst of these challenges, we must remain resolute in our determination to make Nigeria great again. We must believe that our nation can be the greatest, and we must work towards achieving that dream. Every Nigerian, from our little corners, must contribute their quota to building a better nation.
Let us keep hope alive and work intentionally towards achieving the dream of our forefathers. Let us serve our fatherland with love, strength, and faith. Let us strive to create a nation where peace and justice reign, and where every citizen can live in freedom and dignity and commit to make the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. ARISE O COMPATRIOTS!
As we celebrate our independence, let us remember that “righteousness exalts a nation.” Let us prioritize the rule of law, access to justice, and unfettered justice. Let us ensure the security and welfare of all citizens, which are the very foundations of a great nation.
We must also acknowledge the missing link in our nation’s development – gender parity 50/50 representation. We must work towards empowering women and children, inclusiveness and creating an enabling environment for our youths to thrive. Deliberate job creation and economic empowerment are essential for our nation’s growth.
The fight against corruption must be taken to its very root cause. We must be committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of our national life.
Let’s all be vigilant and take action to stop injustice and amplify our voices to stop any violation of rights of citizens and laws of the land. We must stop the “Sidon look syndrome” where people see evil and do nothing and are ready to join the crowd of onlookers. As Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” This quote highlights the idea that evil often succeeds due to the inaction of well-intentioned people who fail to act against injustice.
Let’s be proactive and speak out against injustice, oppression, marginalization, inequality, and human rights abuses. Let’s work together to create a society where justice, fairness, and dignity are upheld for all. We must be the change we want to see in our nation and take responsibility for promoting justice and opposing evil.
Let’s take immediate action to stop the killings and protect human life. Every life is precious and must be safeguarded. Let’s also work to end marginalization and oppression in all its forms. Let’s stand together for a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace, safety, and dignity.
Let’s demand justice, equality, and fairness for all, and let’s hold our leaders accountable for protecting the rights and welfare of every Nigerian. Let’s rise to the challenge and be the change we want to see in our nation. Together, we can make a difference and create a better Nigeria for all.
Let’s rise to the challenge and be the voice for the voiceless, the advocate for the marginalized, and the champion of justice and equality. Together, we can make a difference and create a better Nigeria for all.
Let us work together to unalign the aligned and shun any iota of compromise on justice and fairplay, shun sycophancy and selling your birth right for a pot of porridge, fear none but only God Almighty, be bold, brave and courageous to build a nation that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all. Let us strive to create a nation where every citizen can live with dignity and pride. This is our original identity as Nigerians! Reclaim your identity and own it!!!
Let’s indeed intensify our prayers for our leaders to lead us with integrity, wisdom, and selflessness, prioritizing the common good and the welfare of all Nigerians. May they be guided by a sense of justice, compassion, and fairness in their decision-making, policies and actions.
Together, let’s combine our prayers with proactive efforts to hold our leaders accountable, promote transparency, and advocate for policies that benefit all citizens. Let’s strive for a Nigeria where every individual can thrive, live in peace, and enjoy the fruits of our collective labor.
May God grant our leaders the wisdom to lead us towards a brighter future, and may we all play our part in building a better Nigeria for all.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
From all of us @ AWLA
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
President, African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
October 1, 2025
The post AWLA President Message NIGERIA @ 65 A Sober Reflection appeared first on The African Women Lawyers Association.
Women can significantly influence democracy in Nigeria by participating in governance, advocating for their rights, and pushing for policies that promote social transformation.
Here are some key ways women can shape democracy:
Empowering Women in Politics
Increased representation: Women demand equal representation in government positions, which can lead to more inclusive decision-making processes.
Policy influence: Women in politics can advocate for laws and policies that promote gender equality, access to justice, and human rights.
Role models: Female politicians can inspire young girls and women to participate in politics and leadership roles
Female Lawyers’ Impact on Democracy
Advocating for justice: Female lawyers can champion access to justice, equality before the law, and respect for human dignity, which are fundamental to democracy.
Sensitizing the people on their rights and obligations see Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the FRN 1999 as amended sections 33- 46 deals with *Fundamental Rights*. These rights are enshrined in sections 33 to 44 of the Constitution.
Fundamental Human Rights
– Right to Life (Section 33): Every person has the right to life, and no one shall be deprived of life except in execution of a court sentence.
– Right to Dignity of Human Person (Section 34): Every individual has the right to respect for their dignity, and no one shall be subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment.
– Right to Personal Liberty (Section 35): Every person has the right to personal liberty, and no one shall be arrested or detained except in accordance with the law.
– Right to Fair Hearing (Section 36): Every person has the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal.
– Right to Private and Family Life(Section 37): Every person has the right to private and family life.
– Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion (Section 38): Every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
– Right to Freedom of Expression and the Press (Section 39): Every person has the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and receive and impart ideas.
– Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association (Section 40): Every person has the right to peaceful assembly and association.
– Right to Freedom of Movement (Section 41): Every citizen has the right to move freely throughout Nigeria and reside in any part thereof.
– Right to Freedom from Discrimination (Section 42): Every citizen has the right to freedom from discrimination on grounds of ethnicity, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion.
– Right to Acquire and Own Property (Section 43): Every citizen has the right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria.
– Right against Compulsory Acquisition of Property (Section 44): No property shall be compulsorily acquired except for public purposes and with prompt payment of compensation.
The Right to enforcement of your fundamental Human Rights if it is abused
These provisions are designed to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals in Nigeria
The obligations of citizens under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria are outlined in Section 24. These duties include
– Abiding by the Constitution: Respecting its ideals, institutions, National Flag, National Anthem, National Pledge, and legitimate authorities.
– Enhancing Nigeria’s Power and Prestige: Defending the country and rendering national service as required.
– Respecting Others’ Dignity: Living in unity and harmony with fellow citizens.
– Contributing to Community Well-being: Making positive contributions to the community’s advancement and progress.
– Assisting in Law and Order: Rendering assistance to lawful agencies in maintaining law and order.
– Paying Taxes: Contributing to the nation’s development through tax payments.
These obligations aim to promote national unity, stability, and progress, while emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in Nigeria’s development
Challenging discriminatory laws: Women lawyers can push for reforms to address laws and policies that perpetuate gender-based discrimination.
Mentorship: Experienced female lawyers can mentor younger female lawyers, promoting their growth and participation in the legal profession
Legal advisers and representation of Female Aspirants in Court
Social Transformation through Access to Justice
Promoting human rights: Female lawyers can advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, including women and children.
Addressing systemic bias: Women lawyers can work to eliminate systemic bias in the justice system, ensuring equal access to justice for all.
Empowering women: By promoting access to justice, female lawyers can empower women to claim their rights and participate fully in society.
Key Initiatives and Recommendations
National Gender Policy: Implementing policies that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment can help bridge the gap between men and women in governance and leadership.
Women’s participation in peacebuilding: Initiatives that promote women’s involvement in peacebuilding and conflict resolution can contribute to more inclusive and effective governance.
Capacity building: Providing training and capacity-building programs for women in politics and law can enhance their skills and confidence, enabling them to participate more effectively in decision-making processes
Passing the Gender Bills into Law
The National Assembly has several gender-related bills before it,
These bills aim to address various aspects of gender inequality in Nigeria,
including women’s representation in politics, protection against gender-based violence, and equal opportunities for men and women.
These bills include
– National Centre for Women Development Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill*: This bill seeks to repeal and re-enact the National Centre for Women Development Act to enhance women’s development and empowerment.
– Women’s Representation in Legislative Houses Bill: This bill aims to increase women’s representation in legislative houses at both national and sub-national levels.
– Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill: This bill seeks to promote equal opportunities for men and women and eliminate discrimination based on gender.
– Sexual Offences Act (Amendment) Bill: This bill aims to strengthen laws against sexual offences and protect victims of sexual violence.
– Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill: This bill seeks to strengthen laws against discrimination against persons with disabilities.
– Reserved Seats for Women Bill: This bill proposes to reserve special seats for women in the National
Assembly and state houses of assembly to increase women’s representation in politics.
– Affirmative Action for Women in Political Party Administration: This bill seeks to ensure that at least 35% of party executives are women.
– Appointment of Women as Ministers and Commissioners: This bill proposes to ensure that at least 10% of ministers and commissioners are women.
This bill to my mind is a beggarly bill and is contrary to the affirmative action policy and the agenda Parity goal
Conclusion
Women’s influence on democracy in Nigeria is crucial for promoting social transformation, access to justice, and respect for human dignity. Female lawyers, in particular, play a vital role in shaping the justice system and advocating for human rights. By empowering women in politics and law, Nigeria can build a more inclusive and progressive society.
Mandy Demechi-Asagba
President
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA)
October 1, 2025
Paper presented at the Round Table on the Role of Nigeria in Democracy in Africa
Discourse Organised by The International College for Diplomatic Affairs
The post How Women can influence Democracy in Nigeria appeared first on The African Women Lawyers Association.