NBA Women Forum Abia State Pays Advocacy Visit to Chief Judge of Abia State

In a significant move to strengthen collaboration with the judiciary and promote gender advocacy within the legal profession, the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), Abia State Chapter, on Wednesday, April 3, 2025, paid an advocacy visit to the Honourable Chief Judge of Abia State, Honourable Justice Lilian Abai, at the High Court Complex in Umuahia.

The Honourable Chief Judge, despite a busy schedule, warmly received the delegation led by the State Lead of NBAWF, Ozioma Kennedy-Okadike, Esq. During the meeting, Kennedy-Okadike highlighted the mission and vision of the Forum, stressing its role as a vital arm of the NBA dedicated to promoting gender equality, ethical legal practices, inclusivity, and the empowerment of female lawyers across Nigeria.

She noted that the Forum facilitates seminars, workshops, mentorship programs, advocacy campaigns, and professional development initiatives geared towards enhancing growth and leadership opportunities for female legal practitioners.

In her remarks, the State Lead advocated for the continued support of the office of the Honourable Chief Judge in achieving these mandates, emphasizing the strategic role of the judiciary as a key stakeholder.

In his response, Honourable Justice Lilian Abai commended the Forum for its efforts and acknowledged the importance of such initiatives within the legal community. He pledged his full support to the activities of the NBAWF, affirming the judiciary’s commitment to fostering inclusion and empowerment in the legal space.

The Chief Judge, however, offered a word of advice to female lawyers, urging them to remain conscious of their dress code, especially when appearing in court, as a mark of respect for the legal profession.

The NBAWF Abia delegation included Kelly Ahunanya, Esq. (Isiala Ngwa Branch Facilitator), Prisca Ibeto, Esq. (Ukwa Branch Facilitator), Chibuzo Ehiemere, Esq. (Umuahia Branch Facilitator), Jennifer Nwanju, Esq. (member, Umuahia Branch), and the State Lead, Ozioma Kennedy-Okadike, Esq.

The visit marked a successful step in strengthening the synergy between the Bar and the Bench in Abia State while advancing the Forum's mandate.