The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, warmly congratulates Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her swearing-in as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). “AWLA Nigeria celebrates this historic moment and expresses confidence that her leadership will bring renewed energy, inclusiveness, and purposeful direction to the Nigerian legal profession,” a statement from the AWLA Nigeria Country Representative, Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, reads.
“AWLA Nigeria recognizes the significance of her emergence and the opportunity it presents to further strengthen the voice and participation of women within the Nigerian Bar. The Association looks forward to working closely with the new NBA leadership in promoting professional excellence, mentorship, access to justice, gender inclusion, the welfare of lawyers, and the continued advancement of the rule of law.
We are confident that under her leadership, the NBA will continue to serve as a strong institution for lawyers while remaining responsive to the changing needs of the profession and the wider Nigerian society. AWLA Nigeria wishes the new NBA president a successful and impactful tenure and prays for wisdom, courage, and strength as she takes on the responsibilities of leading the Bar.
Congratulations, once again. We wish you a successful tenure and look forward to a stronger partnership between the NBA and AWLA Nigeria.”
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The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) International Inc. is set to hold its 2026 International Conference in Accra, Ghana, with a strong focus on women’s leadership, economic empowerment, access to justice, and sustainable development across Africa.
The conference, themed “Better Together,” will be held from November 18 to 22, 2026, at Palms by Eagle Airport, Accra, Ghana.
The 2026 conference will be hosted by the president of AWLA International Inc., Mandy Demechi-Asagba, Esq., with a further sub-theme: “AWLA Beaming Her Light On: Create, Empower, Prosper, Together in Africa.”
According to the president, the conference is being convened against the backdrop of the need to remove legal, economic, and institutional barriers limiting women’s participation and advancement across the continent.
Asagba noted that Africa cannot achieve Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or lasting prosperity if half of its population continues to be held back by unjust laws, unequal access to justice and systemic exclusion.
The conference will focus particularly on “Economic Power, Political Voice: Accelerating Women’s Leadership and Financial Independence,” with participants expected to examine practical strategies for strengthening women’s participation in leadership, governance, business, and the justice sector.
AWLA described the 2026 conference as a Pan-African, solutions-driven gathering designed to move discussions from policy to practical implementation.
The event is expected to bring together jurists, judges, policymakers, business leaders, technology innovators, traditional rulers, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders committed to advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive development in Africa.
Discussions will focus on dismantling barriers that prevent women from fully participating as leaders, economic drivers, and custodians of justice.
Among the anticipated outcomes are a male champion for the Parity Pledge, a tech-for-justice roadmap, and a Pan-African policy communiqué aimed at contributing to policy discussions at the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations (UN).
She emphasized that the conference is intended to produce concrete outcomes rather than serve merely as a platform for discussions.
The listed co-hosts are H.E. Betty Mould-Iddrisu, founder of AWLA and member of the Council of State of Ghana; Hon. Justice Nkemdilim Izuako (ret.), United Nations Dispute Tribunal Chairperson and International Conference Planning Committee Chairperson, AWLA Ghana 2026; Kristine Lartey, Esq., Chairperson, LOC and Country Representative, AWLA Ghana; and Ziggy Mkusolu McJossy, Esq., Secretary, International Planning Committee, AWLA Ghana 2026.
AWLA said the overarching vision is to build an Africa where women are empowered to create opportunities, lead institutions, contribute meaningfully to economic growth, and participate fully in shaping the continent’s future.
“Because when her light shines, Africa prospers,” the organizers stated. To register, fill the registration form below:
https://forms.gle/34jzH9vKGT38Kxep7
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By Chiweta Nwagbara
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, during her 10th AWLA Parley in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, has called for a renewed commitment to recognizing, supporting, and empowering women to rise above the limitations imposed on them by society.
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, during her 10th AWLA Parley in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, has called for a renewed commitment to recognizing, supporting, and empowering women to rise above the limitations imposed on them by society.
Speaking at Parley and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026, the country representative, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Falilat Orire, said women must be encouraged to understand that their abilities, aspirations, and contributions cannot be defined by societal barriers.
Ngozi Enyosiobi-Abafor, Esq., the Chairperson of the Parley Planning Committee, said the theme, “Women Beyond Limitations,” was particularly relevant at a time when women continue to confront discrimination, stereotypes, and other obstacles capable of restricting their personal, professional, and social development.
Enyiosiobi-Abafor noted that women and the girl child should be treated equally and given the opportunity to realize their full potential, stressing that gender should never be used as a basis for determining a person’s worth, rights, or opportunities.
The president of the African Women Lawyers Association International, Mrs. Mandy Demechi-Asagba, Esq., in her view, said the strength of a woman should not be measured by the limitations placed before her but by her ability to confront challenges, overcome barriers, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Another keynote speaker, Mrs. Ginika Tor, during her speech, said women were not in competition with men but were seeking a level playing ground, support, and partnership that would enable both genders to contribute effectively to the development of society.
Chief Mrs. Oluronke Adeyemi, SAN, further urged women to develop confidence in their abilities and refuse to allow societal expectations, stereotypes, or discrimination to determine the boundaries of their aspirations.
The keynote speaker, Justice S.T. Bello, also encouraged women to look beyond the limitations often used to define them and focus instead on their possibilities, abilities, and achievements.
The male champion amongst the speakers, Mr. Abdulrahman Olawale Sholagberu, Esq., stressed that a woman should be defined by herself, her character, capacity, and accomplishments rather than by the restrictions imposed on her by society.
According to them, a woman desirous of growth should be prepared to confront difficult situations with courage, determination, and resilience, rather than waiting for permission before pursuing her legitimate aspirations.
They noted that being a successful career woman does not mean living without barriers or challenges but possessing the courage and determination to continue moving forward despite the obstacles encountered along the way.
They also frowned at situations where women pull one another down, stressing that women must replace antagonism with cooperation, mentorship, and mutual support if they are to achieve their full potential.
The speakers, therefore, urged women to push themselves beyond limitations, see possibilities beyond barriers, and recognize the strength within them to break through every obstacle standing between them and their aspirations.
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To:
FALILAT OLUWATOYIN ORIRE, ESQ. Country Representative, AWLA Nigeria Chapter & Her Exco.
NGOZI ENYOSIOBI ABAFO, Esq., chair of the 10th Anniversary AWLA Parley Planning Committee / AWLA Enugu State Coordinator and her team
Rivers State Coordinator
ZIGGY MUKOSOLU MCJOSSY, ESQ. Zonal Coordinator, South East Zone
CAROL OJUKWU, ESQ. Zonal Coordinator, South Zone
TOYIN NDIDI TAIWO-OJO, ESQ. General Secretary, AWLA Nigeria Chapter
And to ALL distinguished MEMBERS OF AWLA NIGERIA
My Dear Sisters,
Our Esteemed Male Allies, Partners and Sponsors,
With profound pride and gratitude, I bring you warm felicitations from the leadership of AWLA International on the occasion of AWLA PARLEY 2026.
A SISTERHOOD THAT ENDURES. A VISION THAT IMPACTS.
In 2016, we birthed Parley as a vision, a homecoming, a convergence, a covenant. Ten years on, that vision has not wavered. It has deepened. It has multiplied. It has become a movement.
I commend Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, Esq., our exceptional country representative/national coordinator, and her ExCo for upholding the AWLA banner with excellence, courage, and unwavering commitment.
To our pioneer Founding Members of AWLA from Nigeria in 1997 at the inaugural meeting in Nairobi, Kenya: Amayo Joyce Offiah, SAN; Mabel Agbamuche; and others. Learned Silk Amayo Joyce Offiah was in the Coordinating Committee at the elections that brought in the Pioneer President and the Country Representatives of the various countries at the Inaugural meeting and our subsequent Country Representatives Hon. Justice Lati Folami, Roseline Akinbo, Ronke Sijuade, Mandy Demechi-Asagba, Adepeju Oduye-Quadri, and Efe Etomi. We thank you all for laying the foundation upon which we now build.
To Ngozi Enyosiobi Abafor, Esq., Chair of the Parley Planning Committee; Ziggy Mukosolu McJossy, Esq., South East Zonal Coordinator; Carol Ojukwu, Esq., South South Zonal Coordinator; Bola Animashaun, South West Zonal Coordinator; and Aisha Ado Abdullahi, North West
Prof. Idiat Akande, North Central Zonal Coordinator; Becky Samuel, North East Zonal Coordinator; Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo, Esq., General Secretary, and Rivers State Coordinator; and the entire planning team: your dedication is proof that when vision meets action, sisterhood becomes impact.
AWLA PARLEY 2026
Date: Monday, 24th August, 2026
Venue: Tokyu Grand Hotel, Annex 5, By Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt
Theme: WOMEN BEYOND LIMITATIONS
Chairperson: Her Excellency, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Key Speaker: Hon. Justice S. T. Bello
With a faculty of distinguished resource persons, this parley is poised to deliver insight, strategy, and solutions. Every AWLAN, Male Ally, and guest in attendance will leave transformed. This is one engagement you cannot afford to miss.
The heart of the parley remains unchanged: homecoming, equipping, and networking. It is our annual rendezvous for AWLANs across the 36 states of the Federation, the FCT, and the Diaspora to reconnect, to collaborate, to unwind, and to chart the course for the women and children we serve.
United, we dismantle barriers.
United, we amplify impact.
United, this Sisterhood endures.
This bond will not break. It will grow stronger in purpose, sharper in strategy, and bolder in legacy for our generation and for generations to come
It’s time to rise. It’s time to lead. It’s time to take that critical step.
Join us. Your seat at the top is waiting.
Beyond limits. Beyond borders. Beyond expectations.
See you on the other side! 
We welcome new members, male allies, partners, and sponsors. Law students are specially invited. A dedicated discourse on our theme will equip the next generation to take their rightful place at decision tables and lead. The march to parity demands intentional partnership with our male allies and empowerment of women and girls.
We are already seeing the fruits of that partnership. In the just-concluded NBA elections, history was made. 36 years after the first, a woman has emerged again as NBA president. I heartily congratulate Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on this landmark victory. Let us rally round her and ensure her tenure is a resounding success for the Bar and for women in law.
Port Harcourt 2026 will be memorable, transformational, and futuristic. The future is not something we wait for. It is something we create. We are creating it. We are leading it.
This is not just another event.
This is where limits break.
This is where women rise.
This is where nations are built.
AWLANS! This is our time.
BE THERE. BE SEEN. BE THE CHANGE.
I look forward to seeing you all in Port Harcourt and later in Accra, Ghana, in November at the AWLA International Conference 2026.
With love, solidarity, and an unbreakable sisterhood.
AWLA, Voice For The Voiceless. Force for Justice.
CONGRATULATIONS, AWLA NIGERIA CHAPTER!
MANDY DEMECHI-ASAGBA, ESQ.
International President
African Women Lawyers Association – AWLA
Visionary, AWLA Parley 2016
16th August, 2026
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It is with great pleasure and profound admiration that I extend my warmest goodwill and felicitations to the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria, under the leadership of the Country Representative, Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, Esq., and the entire executives, on the occasion of the 2026 AWLA Nigeria Annual Parley Conference themed “Excellence Wears Heels.”
I also warmly commend the Planning Committee for their commitment, hard work, and thoughtful preparation towards this important gathering.
The theme, “Excellence Wears Heels,” is a powerful celebration of the strength, resilience, intellect, and accomplishments of women in the legal profession and beyond. It is a timely reminder that women can occupy spaces of influence, leadership, and excellence while breaking barriers and inspiring the generations coming behind them.
I commend AWLA Nigeria for its continued advocacy for the advancement, empowerment, and protection of women and for creating platforms that promote professional growth, leadership, and meaningful contributions to society.
As you gather in Port Harcourt for this year’s Parley, I wish the association and all participants a successful, impactful, and memorable conference. May the deliberations, networking, and engagements further strengthen the bonds among women lawyers and produce initiatives that will continue to advance the cause of justice, equality, and professional excellence.
Congratulations and best wishes for a most successful 2026 Annual Parley Conference.
Warm regards,
Rasheedat Hassan-Aribito
Vice Chairman, NBA Ilorin Branch
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It is with immense pride and heartfelt joy that I extend warm felicitations to the country representative of AWLA Nigeria, Ms. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, and her formidable team, as well as to the president of AWLA, Ms. Mandy Demechi-Asagba, the visionary force behind the AWLA Parley, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.
This milestone is not merely a celebration of time but a testament to resilience, purpose, and the enduring strength of sisterhood. Over the past decade, the AWLA Parley has grown into a powerful platform for dialogue, mentorship, advocacy, and collective advancement of women in the legal profession across Africa and beyond. This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication, strategic leadership, and passion that have defined your journey.
I take this opportunity to commend and appreciate all past country representatives and the executive committee of AWLA Nigeria for their exceptional stewardship and commitment to the ideals of the association. Your contributions have significantly strengthened AWLA’s presence and impact and have inspired a new generation of women lawyers to lead with courage and integrity.
To all distinguished members of AWLA across the continent and in the diaspora, I express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifices, your commitment, and your belief in the vision upon which this association was founded. Your collective efforts continue to advance the cause of justice, equality, and empowerment for women and girls.
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, I encourage all members to remain steadfast in the spirit of unity and sisterhood that defines AWLA. Let us continue to support one another, to mentor the next generation, and to work collaboratively towards the realization of our shared goals.
I am also delighted to extend a warm invitation to you all to participate in the upcoming AWLA International Conference scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from 18th to 22nd November 2026. This gathering promises to be a significant moment for reflection, networking, and charting the future of our association.
Once again, congratulations on this 10th anniversary. May the AWLA Parley continue to flourish and serve as a beacon of excellence and inspiration for many years to come.
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The Country Representative of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, has extended warm goodwill and best wishes to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on the occasion of its 2026 Annual General Conference.
AWLA Nigeria congratulates the NBA leadership, members, and delegates as the legal profession gathers in Port Harcourt for the conference themed “Beyond Limits.”
“AWLA Nigeria recognizes the Annual General Conference as an important platform for lawyers to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, and reflect on the future of the legal profession,” Mrs. Orire said in a statement Friday. “The Association AWLA Nigeria Chapter commends the NBA for creating opportunities for professional development, leadership, networking, and conversations on issues affecting lawyers and the administration of justice.”
“It’s our firm belief,” the statement continued, “that the conference will produce meaningful ideas and practical solutions that will strengthen the legal profession and promote justice, professionalism, and institutional development. AWLA Nigeria particularly looks forward to continued collaboration with the NBA in advancing the participation, leadership, and contributions of women in the legal profession.”
“As lawyers from across Nigeria and beyond converge in Port Harcourt, AWLA Nigeria wishes the NBA a successful, impactful, and memorable conference. We urge all participants to use the opportunity to build stronger professional relationships and contribute to a more inclusive and progressive legal profession. AWLA Nigeria warmly congratulates the NBA and wishes all delegates a successful 2026 Annual General Conference.” The AWLA Nigeria leader concluded.
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F.O. Adeleru Moronfoye, Financial Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, and Secretary of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Kwara State Branch, has extended her warmest goodwill and best wishes to the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria on the occasion of its Annual Parley and the NBA Annual General Conference 2026, holding in Port Harcourt from 21st to 26th August 2026.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Moronfoye described the gathering as a commendable platform for intellectual engagement, professional networking, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of issues affecting women, the legal profession, and society at large.
She noted that the annual parley also provides an important opportunity for members of the association to reflect on its achievements, strengthen its collective vision, and renew its commitment to advancing justice, equality, and professional excellence.
Mrs. Moronfoye warmly commended the country representative and the executive council of AWLA Nigeria, under the leadership of Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, for their dedication and commitment to strengthening the association and promoting its ideals.
She also recognized and appreciated the chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee and members of the committee for their hard work, sacrifice, and meticulous efforts in putting together the important conference.
Speaking on the role of women lawyers in society, she emphasized the collective responsibility of women in the legal profession to continue using their knowledge, expertise, and influence to promote justice, empower women and girls, protect human rights, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The goodwill message further expressed confidence that the AWLA Nigeria Annual Parley would be a successful and memorable occasion, characterized by fruitful deliberations, meaningful connections, and outcomes that would positively impact the association, its members, and the wider society.
The 2026 Annual Parley is themed “Women Beyond Limitations,” reflecting AWLA Nigeria’s commitment to encouraging women lawyers to challenge barriers, embrace opportunities, occupy spaces of influence, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of society.
AWLA Nigeria appreciates Mrs. F.O. Adeleru Moronfoye for her thoughtful goodwill message and continued support for the association’s vision of empowering women lawyers, transforming communities, and advancing justice.
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The visit was in line with the need for continuous collaboration with the NBA branch on the need for continuous protection of women and children in the society. The need for continuous legal education and the enhancement of the welfare of both senior and young lawyers of the NBA Enugu Branch.
The visit was led by the State Coordinator of AWLA Enugu State Branch, Ngozi Enyosiobi-Abafor, Esq.; Fidelia Nwani; Augusta Ezeodili; Chidinma Udegbunam; Queendaline Ewo; and Rita Okparake.
The association also stresses the need to work with the human rights committee headed by the vice chairperson of ENGBAR, Perpetual Chime-Okpara, Esq., who is also a member of the AWLA Enugu State Branch.
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GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM
THE CHAIRPERSON EMERITUS, NBA OTA BRANCH
CHIEF AJOSE KELUBIA
Immediate Past Chairperson, NBA Ota Branch
It is with immense pleasure and heartfelt appreciation that I extend my warmest greetings and goodwill to the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, on the occasion of this year’s National Parley and Annual General Meeting and, most especially, the 10th Anniversary of the AWLA National Parley.
Ten years of the Parley are a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration. Over the past decade, AWLA has continued to provide a formidable platform for dialogue, advocacy, professional development, and the advancement of women in the legal profession and society at large.
The theme of this year’s Parley, “Women Beyond Limitations,” is both timely and inspiring. It is a powerful reminder that women must continue to challenge barriers, embrace opportunities, occupy spaces of influence, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our profession, our communities, and our nation.
I commend the leadership and members of AWLA Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to the promotion of justice, equality, professional excellence, and the empowerment of women. Your work continues to demonstrate that when women rise, they do not rise alone; they create pathways for others to rise with them.
As you celebrate this important tenth anniversary, may the Parley continue to grow in impact, relevance, and influence. May AWLA remain a beacon of excellence, sisterhood, and purposeful leadership, and may the years ahead bring even greater accomplishments.
Once again, congratulations to AWLA Nigeria on this remarkable milestone. I wish all delegates, distinguished guests, and members a successful, memorable, and impactful Parley and AGM.
Happy 10th Anniversary to the AWLA National Parley!
Chief Ajose Kelubia
Chairperson Emeritus, NBA Ota Branch
Immediate Past Chairperson, NBA Ota Branch
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