Rivers AWLA Partners With O.B Lulu Briggs Foundation to Celebrate The African Woman In The 21st Century

The Rivers State Chapter of The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter in association with O.B Lulu Briggs Foundation celebrated the African Woman In The 21st Century in an event to commemorate the Day of the African Woman and flag off of 16 days Activism to end Gender Based Violence.

The event was hosted on the 25th of October, 2023, at the NBA House, Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State branch of the African Women Lawyers Association, also known as AWLA Rivers, is a non-profit, non-governmental association of African Women Lawyers practicing in Rivers State, whose objectives are the protection of the rights and interests of women and children in Rivers State, Nigeria and Africa. The group also advances the rights of women and children through a multi-faceted approach, which includes, advocacy, sensitization campaigns and pro-bono litigation services for women and children.

The event was declared opened by the Chairperson of the occasion – Hon. Justice Augusta Uche. Kingsley-Chuku of the High Court of Rivers State.

Dr. Onuoha Anugbum who was the Keynote Speaker charged all and sundry to stand up for the rights of women in the Society particularly, in politics.

AWLA Rivers State coordinator, Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire, Ph.D, MCArb, during her opening speech said that, the lives of many women were threatened by the myriads of cases of violence, trafficking, forced prostitution, discrimination, many of which would have or possibly could have been avoided if certain measures were taken earlier. With some of the victims paying the ultimate price, regretably.

She was happy that their partnership with O.B Lulu Briggs impacted positively the lives of many widows, women and the girl child.

The guest speaker, Dr. (Mrs) Seinye O.B Lulu Briggs,FloD. the Chairman Board of Directors of the O.B Lulu Briggs Foundation during her speech also emphasized the need for all to come together to eradicate the discriminationsome women especially the widows face in Nigeria and in Africa at large. Being a widow herself, she shared her personal experience as a victim of frustrations and scandalization widows suffer in Rivers State, Nigeria and Africa especially, in the hands of their relatives.
She painfully wondered at the plight of other widows who socially and financially less privileged than she is. It was this her bitter experience, despite her respectable social standing, that motivated her to take more interest in the plight of widows and her desire and determination to helping them to rise above victimization and all forms of persecution.

While speaking with newsmen in the state capital, Dr. Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire, elaborated many challenges that the African Woman in the 21st century faced ranging from discrimination, disinheritance,
sexual violence, spousal battery, rape, incest, forced economic dependence child marriage, which make an African woman not to compete favourably with her male counterparts in meeting her life ambition.

“As we speak now, a woman and a young girl are being violated, a sister has become a mental wreck from psychological trauma, an innocent baby is being birthed by a mother who is also a baby herself. These facts cut to the heart and AWLA Rivers is here to play her part.”, she lamented.
However, she was optimistic that AWLA, in an effective partnership with O.B Lulu Briggs Foundation had come to interface with communities, governments and relevant stakeholders to eliminate these sociocultural infractions.

She appreciated the great support, assistance and cooperation from many judicial officers especially, from the current serving Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, the President of Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ihemnacho W. Obuzor and Hon. Justice Augusta Kingsley-Chuku amongst others.

While celebrating women who have achieved so much in their careers, and are beacons of hope to thousands of women out there, she appealed to men and women of goodwill, and those in positions of authority to join hands to fight for the total emancipation of women. She also used the opportunity to flag off 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls, and colour the world orange from the 25th of November to 10th December, 2023.

Many widows who are beneficiaries of the AWLA O.B Lulu Briggs Widows Project testified to the fact that AWLA/ O.B Lulu Briggs Widows Project brought them respite from their traducers.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of dance drama by AWLA African Queens drama troupe and presentation of distinction awards to deserving awardees. The audience was thrilled by AWLA Rivers documentary, which chronicled the acheivement of AWLA led by Dr. Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire.
A three tier cake representing Day of the African Woman, 16 Days Activism and Valedictory of the current EXCO was cut to mark the event.
Thereafter, the Coordinator took her valedictory speech and group photographs were taken.
Other notable personalities who graced the event are The Traditional Ruler, Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Dandison Douglas Jaja, Jerki V, Treaty King, ably represented by Alabo Chamberlain Dodd Peterside, The President, Customary Court of Appeal, Rivers State, Hon. Justice Ihemnacho Wilfred Obuzor, ably represented by Justice Odiki
Daniel-Kalio,
Hon.Justice T.S Oji, Hon. Justice Deemua, Okey Wali, SAN, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Dr.Nwonyi C. Emeka, Dr.Camelita Agborubere, Director, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr.Tony Francis Agum, NBA Port Harcourt Branch Chairman Victor Benibo, Esq, Jacob James of Trauma healing Institute and a host of other dignitaries.

The awardees includes
O.B Lulu Briggs Foundation, the President Customary Court of Appeal Rivers State,
Hon.Justice I. W. Obuzor,
Hon. Justice T. S. Oji, Afam Osigwe, SAN AWLA Int’l President, Amanda Demechi Asagba, AWLA Nigeria President, Efe Etomi and AWLA South South Coordinator Cordelia Eke, FICMC.

The Organizing Committee Chairperson, Grace Oka Tony-Ogidi, MCArb, gave the vote of thanks, stating that continuous discussion and engagement on the rights of women, widows and children should be encouraged.

See pictures below;