The 12th edition of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Law Ladies’ Day brought together legal practitioners, business executives, creatives and students to champion women’s empowerment, leadership and professional excellence, with speakers urging young women to pursue success through consistency, mentorship and service.

Held under the theme, “Her Win, Our Win,” the event featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, awards, pageantry and entertainment, all reinforcing the message that every woman’s achievement creates opportunities for others.

Delivering the keynote address, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs Funmi Falana, traced the evolution of women’s participation in the legal profession, recalling that women were excluded from legal practice in England before 1919. She also highlighted landmark legal victories against discriminatory policies affecting women in Nigeria, stressing that individual achievements often become collective victories.

“Every generation inherits unfinished work. Yours is not only to enjoy the opportunities created by others but to create greater opportunities for those who will come after you,” she charged the audience.

Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), described Law Ladies’ Day as a defining tradition within the faculty, noting that excellence transcends gender and remains the hallmark of legal education.

Vice President of the Law Students’ Society, Aaliyah Rahman, encouraged students to embrace leadership through service, while Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, underscored the importance of mentorship, noting that every successful lawyer benefits from guidance and support.

Speaking during the first panel session, Chief Legal Officer at Oando Plc, Mrs. Efuntomi Akpeneye emphasised that excellence should become a lifelong habit rather than an occasional achievement. “You cannot be excellent today, and careless tomorrow because perception is powerful, and once broken, it is hard to repair,” she said, adding that credibility is built through preparation long before opportunities arise.

Founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Mrs Amina Oyagbola, urged young women to actively seek mentorship and sponsorship while embracing volunteerism as a pathway to leadership. She challenged participants to support one another, stressing that collective progress depends on women lifting other women.

Partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, Mrs Seyi Bella, encouraged participants to balance strategy with execution, while Partner at Olumuyiwa Ayinla LP, Mrs Folashade Oluyadi, highlighted resilience as an indispensable leadership quality.

Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mrs Tolu Alero Ladipo, stressed the importance of consistency in building professional credibility, while Principal Partner at Cedrus Chambers, Mrs. 

Adenike Oluwafemi, and Head of Corporate Communications at NTEL, Mrs Ariyike Akinbobola, encouraged participants to cultivate an ownership mindset in every organisation they serve.

The second panel explored career diversification beyond traditional legal practice. Fashion and intellectual property lawyer Eleojo Unwuchola Peace encouraged students to embrace emerging sectors, describing law as a profession that intersects with virtually every industry.

Actor and wellness advocate Angel Anosike advocated intentional self-care, noting, “I want you to understand that rest is not a reward you earn after working yourself to exhaustion. It is part of being productive. The small promises you keep to yourself every day are what help you avoid burnout.”

Award-winning actress Omowunmi Dada emphasized, “visibility is not vanity; it is legacy. If people cannot see your work, they cannot experience your impact. There is a Yoruba saying that the sky is wide enough for every bird to fly without colliding with another. I believe that reminds us there is room for every woman to thrive without seeing another woman’s success as a threat.”

Media personality Stephanie Coker also encouraged participants to focus on impact and legacy, describing community building as the true essence of the event’s theme.