…As Magistrate Jideofor Charges them on institutionalised leadership
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BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU
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The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Enugu Branch on Thursday, formally inaugurated its new Executive Committee in Enugu.
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The event which was held at 24b Brown and Brown Road, Independence Layout (Opposite Tehila School), Enugu attracted distinguished legal practitioners and friends of the association in the State.
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In a keynote address, His Worship Dr. Uche Innocencia Jideofor. FICMC, sopke on a paper entitled: “From Advocacy to Accountability: The Legal Profession and the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria”.
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Chief Magistrate Jideofor told members of the AWLA state leadership, “You are not just assuming office, You are assuming responsibility. And that responsibility sits squarely on one of the most urgent justice crises of our time, Gender-Based Violence (GBV).’
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According to her, “Gender-Based Violence is no longer a hidden issue. It is no longer a “private matter.” It is not a family misunderstanding. It is not a cultural inconvenience. It is a constitutional violation, a human rights breach, a criminal offence.
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“A societal emergency a cross Nigeria, women and girls continue to suffer domestic violence, sexual assault, child marriage, economic deprivation, psychological abuse Yet for every case reported, many more remain buried under silence, stigma, poverty, fear, and systemic inefficiency. The tragedy is not merely that GBV exists. The tragedy is that justice often does not follow.”
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She stated, “We have laws, strong laws, but justice must be stronger. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) 2015 expanded the legal framework against violence. Many states, including Enugu State, have domesticated it.
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“The Child Rights Act provides safeguards for minors. This I speak authoritatively as the Magistrate sitting in the Family Court. The Criminal Code and Penal Code, which criminalise various forms of assault and sexual violence.
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“The Constitution guaranteeing dignity under Section 34 International instruments such as CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) and the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women
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On the role of AWLA beyond advocacy, Magistrate Jideofor noted that the African Women Lawyers Association was not created merely to speak, pointing out that it was created to intervene.
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“You are uniquely positioned because:
1. You understand the law.
2. You understand the gendered dimensions of injustice.
3. You understand the procedural weaknesses in prosecution.
4. You understand the courtroom terrain.
This is not accidental. It is strategic.
Your leadership must therefore institutionalise.
Earlier in opening remarks, His Worship Ifeoma Vivian Nwagbara noted, “Today marks not just a transition of leadership but a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to justice, excellence, integrity, and the advancement of women in the legal profession and society at large.
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The immediate-past State Coordinator, AWLA ( Enugu branch) said, “Serving this noble Association has been both an honour and a privilege.
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“Together, we have strengthened our voice, deepened our impact, and upheld the ideals upon which AWLA stands ie promoting the rights of women and children, defending the vulnerable, and contributing meaningfully to the development of our legal system.
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“Leadership is a relay, not a race. Today, we proudly pass the baton to a new team — competent, visionary, and prepared to take this association to greater heights. I have no doubt that under their leadership, AWLA will continue to thrive, innovate, and expand its influence within our state and beyond.
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“To our distinguished guests, we are deeply grateful for your presence. Your support and solidarity reinforce the importance of this association and the work we do. Your being here today is a testament to your belief in the cause of justice and the empowerment of women and protection of children.
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“To the incoming Executive Members, I congratulate you warmly once again. Leadership demands dedication, sacrifice, teamwork, and courage. May your tenure be impactful, purposeful, and marked by unity and progress.
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In an acceptance speech, the State Coordinator of AWLA, Barrister Ngozi Enusobi thanked members of the association for finding them worthy to stèer the ship.
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“For the number of years I have practiced i have done a number of work representing the indigent of the society and most especially women. I want to thank you all for bestowing on me in this office,
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“I know it is not going to be an easy things but I believe that I have a team behind me. Online Enugu is build on trust and dedication to lead the course of vulnerable in our society.
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“I recognize the strength made by women and all the work that still lies on their head. I want to use this opportunity to thank the outgoing state coordinator because she left a footprint that should be followed, she does not sleep when we have issues concerning women before you know it she’s making calls ngozi, Nnenna should we do this, let’s do that, what are we going to do about this woman, what are we going to do about this case, she’s always on it and I thank her effort for that.
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“When you have people like that behind you, be rest assured that your office is going to be easy and just like what Jideofor said justice must follow and this new online is not going to sit and we are going to make sure any case we handle we see it to conclusion.
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“We are going to make all efforts to reduce gender base violation in this Enugu State and we know cases that are similar to that, child trafficking, underage marriage we know all of them and we are not going to sleep in them and any case we handle we are going to finish it, we will must conclude.
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“And we know with help of judiciary, government we are going to achieve all these and to be honest with you I can’t do this alone, having bestowed this office on me we are going to achieve all these purpose.
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Also speaking, Deputy State Coordinator, AWLA, Barrister Chidi Obeke-Okoli commended everyone, especially those who organised the event.
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“I thank you very much and I also thank the past Coordinator, His Wordship Ifeoma Nwagbara. Ifeoma is a person that I love her identity. This is the first association I’m into, it is the work I saw them do, I saw people that their husbands beat and I saw people who accommodate ladies that their husbands beat and I pray God will continue to bless them in Jesus name.
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“When we were asked to contribute money for those things I saw the dedication, people were coming out and it was massive.
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She recalled, “One of the days somebody called me and said there’s a woman that is in her 70s and that woman her husband was chasing her out of her house and she is a Professor and I called and she responded and I saw the power of women that day. The woman had help and I went to the office they were collecting money and I took some video about what happened.”
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Obeke-Okoli further thanked the Magistrate, saying, “It’s been a long time.
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“I was asked why did I call on these friends and they make sure they made everything possible. I thank Jideofor, she’s a philosopher, I want to also thank the legislative a mother, thank you for the messages and everything and I also want to thank the press for such honour, I want to thank the law in Enugu that is not just for justice and the justice here is for women and we will eradicate the problem”, she stated.
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In a goodwill message, His Worship Rose Obanyi urged the association to work hard to sustain the tempo of eradicating injustices in the society.
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“I believe that you people will not lack and having seen some of your elected officials and my learned friend I know her degree of resilience in working hard, she’s hardworking and responsible young lady and looking at these young officers I know them and they can do more.
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“I pray that God gives you the courage because it is not easy to fight bad things because people will insult and fight back and I know you people will excel in Jesus name Amen”, the Magistrate added.
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