The Lagos AG assured of the government’s continued collaboration and partnership in advancing the cause of women in law and championing the principles of justice and equality for all.
Pedro spoke at the 4th yearly General Conference and International Women’s Day Event organised by the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) in Lagos on Friday with the theme, “Beyond the Balance Sheet: Redefining Success for Women in Law”.
According to him, the theme resonates deeply with the ethos of inclusivity and equality that Lagos strives to uphold in its society.
He said that it is a reminder that true progress can only be achieved when the voices and perspectives of women are fully embraced and integrated into the fabric of our legal system and society at large.
“I am particularly delighted by the emphasis placed on mentorship and networking opportunities for female lawyers through this conference.
“As we all know, mentorship plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent, fostering professional growth, and breaking down barriers to advancement,” he said.
Pedro added that by providing a platform for seasoned professionals to share their insights and experiences with the next generation of female leaders, the groundwork for a more equitable and inclusive legal profession is being laid.
“In a world where the scales of justice often shake, where the voices of the marginalised struggle to be heard, and where the journey towards gender equality remains ongoing, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to join you today.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the critical importance of forums such as this, which provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and empowerment.
“The theme encapsulates the essence of our collective aspirations towards fostering greater economic inclusion and empowerment for female lawyers and women in general.
“It challenges us to look beyond conventional metrics of success and to strive for holistic advancement and fulfillment.
“I express my profound admiration for the NBAWF’s unwavering commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing female lawyers in Nigeria,” declared, adding that their dedication to empowering women through advocacy, mentorship, workshops, and conferences is commendable, and heartening to the legal profession.
The chairperson, the NBAWF, Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha in her welcome address, said the theme underscores the core mission of their forum, which is to empower female lawyers for success.
“We recognise that success in the legal profession goes far beyond mere financial metrics or professional accolades. It encompasses personal fulfillment, societal impact, and the ability to overcome barriers and challenges with resilience and grace.
“As we convene for this pivotal conference, we are reminded of the immense strides that women have made in the legal profession, both in Nigeria and around the world.
“However, we also recognise that there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality and inclusivity within the legal profession,” she said.
The conference, she stated, would engage in thought-provoking discussions, insightful panel sessions, and interactive workshops aimed at exploring new frontiers in redefining success for women in law.
She explained that they would delve into topics such as breaking barriers, leveraging diversity, achieving work-life integration, and empowering the next generation of female lawyers through mentorship and leadership development.
“As we embark on this journey together, let us be inspired by the incredible achievements of women who have paved the way before us and empowered by the collective strength and determination of our forum,” she declared as she welcomed everyone.
Chairperson, conference planning committee, Mrs Folashade Alli (SAN), who stated that their aim was to ignite conversations that inspire, educate and empower female lawyers, explained that the world is in an era where success is too often measured by financial success.
The conference, she said, planned to interrogate what success really means to women.
Her words: “We recognise that success is not confined to billable hours or profit margins but also about the impact we make on lives, the support we render to our fellow colleagues and the lasting legacy we leave behind.”
The first lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun in her remarks stated that women lawyers are uniquely positioned to address the issues that women face every day such as gender pay gap, gender-based violence and other inequalities.
Represented by Elizabeth Oyeneyin, she noted that they are the trailblazers who pave the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
“Women lawyers are not just legal practitioners, they are advocates for justice, equality and fairness.
“The law is a powerful tool that can be used to advocate change, and women lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and passion to drive meaningful change in our society,” she said.
In her keynote address, the founder, BAP Productions and Terra Kulture, Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, charged women to carve a niche for themselves.
He stated that success should not be about the quantum of money one makes, but that which makes you happy and you are at peace with yourself for engaging in it.
She regretted that many women are struggling in the wrong professions because they are focused on wealth, fame and “success”.
“There are many who are lawyers today, who in the real sense would have been better in the entertainment or music industries.
“If you are unhappy with the wig, like I did, drop it and engage in that which gives you joy, that which you are at home with,” she advised.
She recounted how she abandoned law practice, having come from a family of lawyers and faced the entertainment world, ignoring all the criticisms before making impact in the sector as Queen of theatre, producer, filmmaker and a mentor to many artistes.
Other women who made remarks include the Country Vice/National President, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria and President, African Women Lawyers Association, Mrs Caroline Ibharuneafe.
Different sessions featured panelists like chairman, Aluko and Oyebode, Kofo Dosekun; Principal managing partner, George Etomi and Partners, George Etomi; Partner, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, Soibi Ovia; Partner, Johnson & Wilner, Rotimi Ogunyemi; Senior Partner, Law Forte, Ifeoma Ben; Partner, Broderick Bozimo & Company, Isaiah Bozimo (SAN) and Principal Partner, Funmi Roberts & Company, Funmi Roberts.
Others are UN Country Representative to Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong; Senior Partner, Jackson, Etti & Edu, Uwa Ohiku; Judge, high court of Lagos, Atinuke Ipaye and Prof Oluyemisi Bamgbose of the University of Ibadan, among others.
The event featured networking, award/recognition, dinner buffet and goodwill messages from prominent NBA figures like Joyce Oduah, Afam Osigwe (SAN), Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN) and Tobenna Erojikwe.
