From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nnewi branch has concluded its annual law week in Nnewi with the theme “A knowledge-driven legal practice: tool to nation building” which attracted both senior and junior lawyers in the industrial community and beyond.
Resource persons at the event were the Vice Chancellor of Rennanssence University, Enugu State, Professor Thadues Ezeh who delivered the keynote address; a senior lecturer at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, Dr Chinwe Iloka and the immediate past NBA Chairman of Enugu State, Mr Ezegwui Ifechukwu.
The occasion which had the administrative Judge of Nnewi, Hon Justice Agbata as its Chairman came alive during presentations and subsequent interactive session to justify or criticize the positions of the paper presenters.
The keynote speaker, Professor Ezeh laid emphasis on the need for lawyers to acquire digital skills to enable them fit in their practice that had always, according to him, remained dynamic.
He told them that being digital savvy would help them in their research efforts and to be more relevant in the legal practice.
In her presentation, Dr Iloka took a long drive into the discussion of her topic: “the role of women in rebranding the legal profession in Nigeria for national development.” She said that the number of women in legal profession had grown tremendously over the years.
She noted that this growth in female population of law graduates necessitated more enrolment of them into the Nigeria Law School and argued that they needed equal opportunities with their male colleagues in all areas and opportunities in the legal profession.
”Many women now kick to become members of the branch, hold positions in associations and and some to work as diplomats. They have opportunities to contribute to national development.
“But over the years women have been relegated to the background even when they play critical role in economic, social and political development of the country. For any society to survive women have important roles to play. Women have played important roles in peace-building and fight for social justice. We have examples like Dr Ngozi Okonji Iwuala; late Professor Dora Akunyili, Ndy Onyiuke, among others. They are noted for their critical roles in social justice, political and economic development of Nigeria.
“The role of female lawyers for the overall development of Nigeria cannot be overemphasized; there can’t be any meaningful development without the contribution of the female lawyers. Women lawyers should be helped to reach their potential, “she said.
She cited practices she described as harmful to women including female mutilation, girl-child discrimination in property inheritance, even though Mojekwu Vs Mojekwu as cited was there as a remedy which is said to be further interrogated.
Dr Iloka said the legal profession should provide a more supporting environment for female lawyers and that they should be given more leading roles in chambers. She indicated that the number of women Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) was very low in Nigeria citing intimidation and discrimination in hiring as among the problems facing the female lawyers.
Hon Justice Agbata who reacted to Dr Iloka’s submissions said the problems were there, without doubt. He, however, said that the legal practice is competitive. He said he frowned at unhealthy competition, in any case, adding that women should be encouraged to do better. But he insisted that standard should not be lowered to favour women.
Other responses came from the lawyers with analyses in support or in argument against a presentation which took a greater part of the event.
Speaking to journalists, the Nnewi branch Chairman, Sir Ifeanyi David said the branch had fostered peace and unity among its members which he said would be among the legacies his administration would bequeath.
“God has blessed us with a home-grown Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in the person of Chief Osaeloka Osigwe. The family bar is now one and sense of unity now prevails amongst us. My administration will be leaving a legacy of peace and unity, “ he said.
He said his leadership had planned to complete the Bar Center which foundation he said had already been laid. He also mentioned replacement of the association’s bus for which he disclosed that an appeal had gone to Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State for help.
He promised that his administration would leave the branch better than it saw it before the end of his tenure a few months ahead.
Events that coloured the annual law week included health walk, football match and annual dinner. The guest of honour was the Nnewi Crown Prince, Charles Obi Orizu.