The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria Chapter, led by its Country Representative, Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, has rejected a disclaimer being circulated on social media concerning the 2026 AWLA International Conference scheduled to be held in Ghana in November. The chapter said the publication does not represent its position and urged members, partners and the public to disregard it.
In a statement dated 5 September 2026 and signed by the Chapter’s General Secretary, Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo, AWLA Nigeria maintained that the leadership led by Mrs. Orire remains the recognised Nigerian Chapter of AWLA International. The chapter said the persons behind the disputed publication belong to a breakaway faction being pushed by Caroline Ibharuneafe, who had already been suspended by AWLA International.
The official statement and disclaimer are expressed as follows:
5 September 2026
The attention of the duly recognised African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria Chapter, led by the Country Representative, Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, has been drawn to a disclaimer currently being circulated on social media and other platforms, purportedly issued on behalf of “AWLA Nigeria”, concerning the 2026 AWLA International Conference scheduled to be held in Ghana in November 2026.
We wish to state unequivocally that the said disclaimer does not emanate from, represent, or reflect the position of the duly recognised AWLA Nigeria Chapter.
The persons behind the said publication are members of a breakaway faction which has already been suspended by the African Women Lawyers Association International following resolutions of the international body.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Executive Council and Country Representatives of AWLA International, at its meeting of 25 June 2026, considered the conduct of the breakaway faction in Nigeria and unanimously resolved that the faction led by Caroline Ibharuneafe, together with its executive members and associates, be suspended from membership, recognition, representation and participation in the affairs of AWLA, with immediate effect. The resolution further expressly prohibited suspended persons from representing AWLA, participating in official AWLA programmes or holding themselves out as authorised representatives of the Association.
A formal Notice of Suspension was subsequently issued to Caroline Ibharuneafe by AWLA International. The notice specifically directed her to cease and desist from using the AWLA name, logo, letterhead and platforms and stated that any act or communication purportedly undertaken by her in the name of AWLA would be null and void ab initio and would not bind the Association.
More importantly, the notice of suspension signed by Yanne Mbiyavanga, Acting Deputy Secretary General, AWLA International, and a formal letter dated 14 August 2026 by the AWLA Nigeria Chapter was addressed to the current President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, through the President Emeritus Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, forwarding the resolution and notice of suspension concerning the Nigerian breakaway faction.
That letter was duly received and acknowledged by the National Secretariat of the Nigerian Bar Association on 21 August 2026. The documentary record therefore leaves no basis for suggesting that the NBA National Secretariat was unaware of the position of AWLA International regarding the suspension.
THE RECOGNISED AWLA NIGERIA CHAPTER
We reiterate that the AWLA Nigeria Chapter led by Mrs Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire is the recognised Nigerian Chapter of the African Women Lawyers Association International.
This recognition is not merely a matter of internal Nigerian disagreement. It is affirmed by the Founder of AWLA, Hon. Betsy Mould-Iddrisu, as well as the International President, Mrs. Mandy Demechi-Asagba, and is supported by the recognised AWLA structures and chapters across Africa and the South Americas.
The African Women Lawyers Association was founded in 1997 in Kenya, and the organisation has, over the years, built an international structure comprising recognised chapters across the continent and beyond.
It is therefore deeply troubling that individuals operating under a suspended breakaway structure would now attempt to undermine an institution which has been built over decades and, more particularly, seek to declare unlawful the annual International Conference organised by the international body.
CAN A BREAKAWAY CHAPTER DECLARE THE PARENT BODY ILLEGAL?
As learned professionals, we find it increasingly worrisome that the actions of Caroline Ibharuneafe and her cohorts appear to be moving beyond an internal disagreement into what can reasonably be perceived as a calculated attempt to discredit and undermine the institution itself.
Indeed, this is not the first time such a disclaimer has been issued.
A similar attempt was made in respect of the AWLA International Conference held in 2025 at Cotonou, Benin Republic. Despite the disclaimer and attempts to discourage participation, the conference went ahead and was successfully held, becoming one of the best international conferences organised by AWLA International to date.
It is therefore difficult not to view the repeated issuance of such disclaimers as an effort to frustrate, discredit and ultimately destroy what generations of African women lawyers have painstakingly built since AWLA’s establishment in 1997.
Can a child declare his or her parent illegal?
A constituent or breakaway faction cannot, by issuing a press statement or social media disclaimer, arrogate to itself the authority to invalidate the parent organisation or an official event of that parent body.
The recognised AWLA International remains the parent and governing body of its recognised chapters, and the AWLA International Conference is an official programme of the international body.
THE GHANA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
We therefore wish to make it abundantly clear that the 2026 AWLA International Conference scheduled to take place in Ghana in November 2026 is an official and duly recognised AWLA International event.
It is the annual international gathering through which recognised AWLA chapters and members from across Africa and the global African community come together for professional engagement, networking, advocacy and the advancement of the objectives of the Association.
The conference is not an event organised by the suspended breakaway faction, and its legitimacy does not depend on the approval or participation of that faction.
THIS MATTER IS ALREADY BEFORE THE COURT.
We also consider it important to remind all concerned that the dispute between the contending factions is already before the courts.
It is therefore inappropriate for parties to attempt to determine the substantive issues through competing social media declarations, public accusations and self-serving disclaimers.
The proper forum for the determination of the legal rights of the parties remains the court, and we will respect and abide by the judicial process.
We consequently urge all parties, particularly learned members of the profession, to exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to take its course rather than continually escalating the matter through public pronouncements.
OUR POSITION
Accordingly, the recognised AWLA Nigeria Chapter led by Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire hereby:
- Completely dissociates itself from the disclaimer issued and circulated by the suspended breakaway faction;
2. Rejects any attempt by the suspended faction or its members to represent themselves as speaking for AWLA Nigeria;
3. Reaffirms that Mrs. Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire is the recognised Country Representative of AWLA Nigeria;
4. Reaffirms the recognition of the Orire-led Nigerian Chapter by AWLA Founder, Hon. Betsy Mould-Iddrisu, and AWLA International President, Mrs. Mandy Demechi-Asagba;
5. Reaffirms that the 2026 AWLA International Conference in Ghana is an official AWLA International event;
6. Calls on members, partners, stakeholders and the general public to disregard the purported disclaimer and any communication emanating from the suspended faction purporting to speak on behalf of AWLA Nigeria; and
7. Urges all concerned to allow the court to determine the legal issues in dispute, rather than attempting to obtain judgement through social media or public opinion.
AWLA is an institution that has existed since 1997 and has served as a platform for African women lawyers to promote the rights, interests and welfare of women and children. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us, particularly as members of the legal profession, to protect institutional integrity and resolve disagreements through the mechanisms provided by the Constitution, the courts and other lawful processes.
The attempt to rewrite the history, structure and authority of AWLA through social-media disclaimers cannot alter the reality of the Association’s recognised international structure.
For the avoidance of doubt:
AWLA NIGERIA, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MRS. FALILAT OLUWATOYIN ORIRE, IS THE RECOGNISED NIGERIAN CHAPTER OF AWLA INTERNATIONAL.
THE AWLA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN GHANA IN NOVEMBER 2026 IS AN OFFICIAL AWLA INTERNATIONAL EVENT.
THE DISCLAIMER ISSUED BY THE SUSPENDED BREAKAWAY FACTION DOES NOT REPRESENT THE POSITION OF AWLA NIGERIA AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED.
Signed:
Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo,
General Secretary,
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria
5 September 2026
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The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, Ekiti State Branch, is pleased to announce a Call for Papers for the inaugural volume of its Peer-Reviewed Journal, Volume 1 | 2026.
Under the theme “Beaming Her Light On: Create, Empower, Prosper, Together in Africa,” the journal seeks thoughtful and innovative contributions that examine contemporary legal, social, economic, technological, and governance issues affecting women, children, and communities across Africa.
The publication provides an opportunity for legal practitioners, academics, researchers, scholars, and other professionals to contribute to important conversations shaping Africa’s legal and socio-economic future.
Areas of Interest
Submissions are particularly welcome on the following sub-themes:
- Create: Building Legal Frameworks for the Future
- Prosper: Women Lawyers in Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship
- Together: Cross-Border Collaboration & Legal Practice in the AfCFTA Era
- Beaming Her Light: Women Lawyers as Agents of Justice and Social Change
- Create: Legal Innovation, Technology & AI in African Legal Practice
- Together: Pan-African Solidarity on Constitutionalism, Elections & Democracy
- Together: Cross-Border Protection of Children in the AfCFTA Era
- Equality Before the Law: Ending Discrimination Against Women and Girls
- Together: Pan-African Collaboration on Children in Conflict and Displacement
- Prosper: The Economic Impact of Investing in Children
Submission Guidelines
All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer-review process. The journal is an open access publication, providing wider access to published research.
Manuscripts should:
- Be submitted in Microsoft Word (.docx) format.
- Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, with 1.5-line spacing and 1-inch margins.
- Follow the required structure: Title Page; Abstract; Keywords; Introduction; Discussion; Summary of Findings; Conclusion; and Recommendations.
- Not exceed 7,000 words, including footnotes.
- Use NALT citation style.
- Be written consistently in British English.
- Include a completed copyright agreement from each author.
- Observe the journal’s plagiarism requirements, with a maximum similarity index of 25%.
Submission Deadline: 30 October 2026
Manuscripts and correspondence should be sent electronically to:
ekitiawla@gmail.com
Editorial Crew:
- Dr. Yemi Ogunkorode
- Dr. Olumide Adeniyi – 0903 400 3300
- Mrs. Seun Afolayan – 0703 819 4229
Publication Fee: FREE
Selected papers will be published in the AWLA Peer-Reviewed Journal and may be presented at the AWLA International Conference, scheduled for 18–22 November 2026.
This Call for Papers is published in alignment with the AWLA International Conference.
AWLA invites you to share your knowledge, research, and expertise in advancing justice, equality, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.
Beaming Her Light On. Creating. Empowering. Prospering. Together in Africa.
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The Country Representative of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria Chapter, Mrs Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire, has, on behalf of its Executive Committee, expressed its profound appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the 10th National Parley and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Mrs Orire described the successful gathering as a reflection of the collective commitment, support, and dedication of AWLA members, partners, and friends of the association.
The Nigeria Chapter particularly extended its gratitude to the founder of AWLA, Hon. Betty Mould-Iddrisu, for her enduring vision, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of women in the legal profession across Africa. The chapter also appreciated the president of AWLA, Mrs Mandy Demechi-Asagba; Amb. Bianca Ojukwu; Hon. Justice S.T. Bello; H.E. Amina Oyiza Bello; Hon. Mrs Ginika Tor; Chief Oluronke Adeyemi, SAN; Mrs Hauwa Liman; Mr Abdulrahaman Olawale Solagberu, Esq., MCIArb (UK); and the numerous patrons of AWLA Nigeria for their continued guidance, support, and efforts towards strengthening the organisation and creating platforms for dialogue, mentorship, professional development and collaboration among women lawyers.
In addition, the AWLA Nigeria Chapter recognised the contributions of the entire Executive Committee; the Parley Planning Committee chaired by Mrs Ngozi Enyosiobi Abafor; various AWLA officials; past leaders; and distinguished members whose efforts helped make the 10th National Parley and AGM a memorable occasion. Their commitment, participation, and teamwork were described as “central to the success of the event and to the continued growth of AWLA Nigeria”.
Special appreciation was also extended to partners, sponsors and supporters who provided financial, institutional and other forms of assistance towards the programme. AWLA Nigeria acknowledged that their support went beyond sponsorship, as it demonstrated confidence in the vision of the association and its commitment to promoting justice, equality, professional excellence and the empowerment of women and girls.
The chapter equally thanked the media organisations, journalists, broadcasters, photographers, content creators and other media partners who helped to bring the activities of the Parley to a wider audience. Through their coverage, reports and publicity, the discussions, achievements and messages of the gathering were able to reach members of the legal profession and the wider public.
AWLA Nigeria further expressed appreciation to all speakers, panellists, facilitators, guests and participants who honoured the invitation and contributed their knowledge and experience to the success of the Parley. Their thoughtful contributions helped enrich the conversations around the challenges facing women lawyers, access to justice, leadership, professional development, human rights and the future of women in the legal profession.
The chapter also thanked every individual and organisation that played a role behind the scenes, including members of the planning and organising teams, volunteers, service providers and everyone whose efforts may not have been publicly visible but were essential to the smooth running of the programme. According to AWLA Nigeria, the success of such a major gathering is always the result of many people working together.
As the association celebrates the successful conclusion of the 10th National Parley and AGM, AWLA Nigeria said the gathering has also provided an opportunity to renew its commitment to the ideals upon which the association was founded. The chapter expressed optimism that the relationships, ideas and partnerships developed during the event would continue to produce meaningful results beyond the Parley.
The Nigeria Chapter has also used the opportunity to remind members, partners and friends of AWLA about the upcoming AWLA International Conference in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for 18 to 22 November 2026. The international gathering is expected to bring together women lawyers and other stakeholders from across Africa and the diaspora for further discussions, networking, professional engagement and the advancement of the association’s shared objectives.
AWLA Nigeria, therefore, called on members, partners, sponsors and friends of the association to continue their support and participation as preparations for the Ghana conference gather momentum. The chapter noted that the upcoming international conference presents another important opportunity for members of AWLA to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood, share experiences across jurisdictions and collectively chart new directions for the organisation.
The Nigeria Chapter and its Executive Committee once again expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Founder, President Amb. Bianca, AWLA leadership, members, partners, sponsors, media organisations, speakers, guests and everyone who contributed to the success of the 10th National Parley and AGM 2026.
With the successful Parley now, AWLA Nigeria said the association looks forward to carrying the same spirit of unity, service and sisterhood to Accra, Ghana, from 18 to 22 November 2026, as women lawyers from across Africa and beyond gather once again for the AWLA International Conference.
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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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