The Clerk/Head Legislative Service, Imo State House Of Assembly, Chinelo Adaora Emeghara, Esq, has pledged to continue to align with the progress, welfare, development and empowerment of female lawyers in Imo State.
Mrs. Emeghara gave the assurance on Thursday, 16th May, 2024, when she received in audience the members of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum, NBAWF, Imo State Chapter, led by their State lead, Chetachi Success Udeh, Esq, who paid her a courtesy visit in her office at the Imo State House Of Assembly complex, Owerri.
The Clerk, who felt honoured by the visit, expressed delight that the visit was an open endorsement by women groups supporting the progress of their fellow women in leadership positions and public offices.
‘I welcome you all to my office. I feel honoured, and I am very proud of this Association. Your State lead has always kept me informed about the activities and progress of this noble forum. I will continue to align myself with female lawyers, particularly, this group”, IMHA Clerk stated.
Mrs. Emeghara, while assuring the group of her assistance and continued support, accepted their request to be the Special Guest in the forthcoming Health Week workshop for female lawyers, scheduled to take place in the third week of June 2024.
Earlier in her address, the State lead of Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum, NBAWF, Chetachi Success Udeh, Esq, informed the Clerk that the purpose of the visit was to formally congratulate her for being the first substantive female Clerk of the Imo State House Of Assembly, *”whose sterling leadership acumen has left an indelible mark on the annals of the State legislative history”.*
The State lead disclosed that the Women forum, an arm of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, was established under the provisions of Eight Schedule of the NBA Constitution 2015 (As Amended) in 2021 and is led by an Executive Committee headed by Mrs Chinyere Okorocha, along with Committee Heads, State leads, Branch facilitators and Six esteemed council members, made up of eminent professional and legal luminaries.
While describing the Clerk’s exemplary leadership qualities as *”one characterized by a rare blend of competence, compassion and commitment to excellence, and which have not only distinguished her in her role but have also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female leaders across the legal community and indeed women in all other professions”,* the State lead, Chetachi Success Udeh, Esq, highlighted some of the objectives of NBAWF to include :
1. Addressing matters of interest to female lawyers in Nigeria.
2. Encouraging efficient and impactful networking among female lawyers.
3. Serving as an influential voice for female lawyers in Nigerian society and beyond.
4. Establishing a platform to foster a global outlook, perspective and reach among female lawyers.
While appealing for assistance in their listed areas of need, the State lead of NBAWF formally requested the Clerk/Head Legislative Service to be the Special Guest during the health week workshop of the forum coming up soon.
The highlight of the visit was the decoration of the Clerk as a full fledged member of the forum.
While Barrister (Mrs) Chinaka Sunday-Iherue (Owerri Branch Facilitator) gave the vote of thanks, Barrister (Mrs) Nnenna Eronini said the closing prayer.
Other members of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum, NBAWF, present during the courtesy visit included :
1. Barr. Mrs Lilian Ugoanyanwu.
2. Barr. Chika P. Egwunwoke.
3. Dr. Faith Amarachi Okpara.
4. Barr. Amaka Nwameme.
5. Barr. Chikaodi Onyeanwuna
6. Barr. Nkechi Obioha
7. Barr. C. A. Iyk-Ohaegbulam.
8. Barr. Judith C. Inyeka.
9. Barr. Nneoma Iwu
10. Barr. Amarachi I. Aguocha
11. Barr. Ijeoma C. Adinnu.
12. Barr. Chinenye Akah
13. Barr. Gloria Egwuagu.