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The role of state consent in international law and the us strikes on Nigerian soil, by Prof M.T Ladan

Ex-Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and distinguished legal scholar Professor M.T. Ladan highlights that state consent is the primary determinant in whether nations comply with or violate principles of international law, as interpreted by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He also examines the potential avenues for accountability and remedial measures moving forward.

1. Context:

The December 25, 2025, U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto were officially framed by both nations as a collaborative counter-terrorism effort with Nigerian government consent, which is central to the legal analysis of territorial sovereignty The core legal debate under international law and Nigerian constitutional law revolves around whether genuine, constitutionally-compliant consent was granted and the nature of the operation itself.

●Nigerian Consent to the U.S. Operation, When, and How Granted?:

Nigerian officials, including the Foreign Minister and Director of Defence Information, stated the operation was a “joint operation” conducted with the “explicit approval” of President Bola Tinubu and “in coordination with Nigerian authorities”. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) corroborated this, stating the strikes were conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities.”

●Source of Launch: The strikes were reportedly launched using Tomahawk missiles from a U.S. Navy warship in the Gulf of Guinea, rather than a fixed U.S. military base in Nigeria itself, as Nigeria has historically opposed the establishment of foreign bases on its soil.

●Constitutional Compliance: Nigeria’s constitution requires specific procedures for external military operations on its territory. The debate focuses on whether presidential “approval” is sufficient or if legislative oversight (such as National Assembly approval) was required, particularly as the action was a direct foreign military intervention. Critics argue that the government’s belated and differing public statements (compared to the U.S. President’s immediate announcement suggests a lack of full, transparent compliance with national protocols, potentially undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty.

2. Compliance Or Violation of International Law and ICJ Principles:

●The legality of the U.S. action is primarily assessed under the UN Charter and customary international law regarding the use of force, specifically the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and self-defense.

●Territorial Sovereignty and Non-Intervention Principles: Under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, all states must respect the territorial integrity and political independence of other states. The core ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Nicaragua v. United States case (1986) established that any intervention by one state in the internal or external affairs of another is a violation of international law.

●Application (With Consent): Valid consent from the host state makes a foreign military operation lawful, as it is no longer an “intervention” in the prohibited sense. If Nigeria’s consent was legitimate and constitutionally valid, the U.S. action would likely be compliant with international law, provided the operations adhered to international humanitarian law (targeting only combatants and minimizing civilian harm).

●Application (Without Consent): If Nigeria’s consent was absent, invalid, or merely a diplomatic cover, the U.S. strike would constitute a direct violation of Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty and the ICJ principles outlined in the Nicaragua case.

●Self-Defense Principle: Article 51 of the UN Charter permits the use of force in collective or individual self-defense against an “armed attack.”

●Application: The U.S. framed the strikes as counter-terrorism efforts against an ISIS affiliate. For the “collective self-defense” argument to hold up, there must be an armed attack on Nigeria, and Nigeria must request assistance.

●The “pretext of protecting Christians” narrative, which some sources suggest, was a domestic U.S. political framing rather than a legal justification could complicate this if it implied a unilateral, uninvited intervention.

●International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
Principle: Even in a lawful operation, IHL (e.g., Geneva Conventions principles) requires distinction between combatants and civilians, proportionality, and precaution.

●Application: Reports of debris falling in civilian areas (Jabo and Offa, Kwara State) and questions about the precision of the strikes raised concerns about potential IHL violations, which would carry serious legal implications regardless of Nigerian consent.

●Nigerian and US military officials stated that the operation was intelligence-driven, targeted specific militant camps, and reportedly resulted in no civilian casualties, indicating an intent to comply with IHL.

●Hence, the key determinant of a violation or otherwise lies in the legal validity and scope of the Nigerian government’s consent under both domestic and international law.

3. LEGALITY BY CONSENT: Under international law, a sovereign state can consent to another state conducting military operations within its territory to address threats like terrorism. This consent negates the argument of a violation of sovereignty.

●Official Framing: Nigerian officials consistently framed the action as a “joint operation” or “precision hits on terrorist targets” to protect all Nigerians, contradicting the U.S. President’s focus on protecting only Christians.

●If the Strikes Were Unilateral (Without Consent) or had the U.S. conducted the strikes without Nigerian government consent, it would have constituted a clear violation of key international laws and principles, based on the following core ICJ rulings:

●Violation of the UN Charter: Article 2(4) of the UN Charter generally prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Unilateral military action in another country’s territory is a breach of this fundamental rule, unless authorized by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII or done in self-defense (neither of which was the public justification here).

●Breach of Territorial Sovereignty: The principle of state sovereignty is foundational to international law. It grants every state exclusive control over its territory, free from external interference. The ICJ, in cases like the Nicaragua v. United States (1986) case, affirmed that the unauthorized presence and military action of foreign forces on another state’s territory is a violation of its sovereignty and a breach of the principle of non-intervention.

●Violation of the Principle of Non-Intervention: This principle, a well-established rule of customary international law, prohibits states from coercively interfering in the internal or external affairs of another state. The ICJ in the Nicaragua case held that “coercion…forms the very essence of prohibited intervention”. Unilateral armed intervention, even for purported humanitarian reasons or to protect a specific group without host-state consent, is considered an illegal act of coercion in international law.

●Pretext of Protecting Christians: While the U.S. President announced the strikes were in response to the “slaughtering of Christians,” the motive does not, in itself, provide a legal justification for bypassing the requirement for state consent in international law. Intervention for the sake of protecting a specific religious group, without Security Council authorization or an invitation from the host nation, lacks a clear basis in the UN Charter framework and could be seen as selective interference.

4. ANY EVIDENCE OF HARM and Accountability Measures:

●There are conflicting reports regarding the impact of the strikes as at 30th December 2025.
Official claims: Both U.S. and Nigerian officials stated that multiple ISIS militants were killed in the targeted areas (primarily the Bauni forest axis of the Tangaza Local Government Area) and stressed that no civilian casualties or harm to civilian objects were recorded.

●Lack of independent verification: There is little publicly available evidence beyond official statements to substantiate claims of success or verify the exact number of terrorists killed or the extent of any civilian harm, which has led to calls for transparency from local groups and opposition parties.

■ACCOUNTABILITY AND REMEDIAL MEASURES:

Given the conflicting reports and the official stance of a joint operation, options for accountability and remedial measures would likely follow these paths:

●Against the Nigerian government , potential domestic legal mechanisms exist:

• Affected individuals (if any are confirmed) could potentially seek compensation through the Nigerian courts if they can prove negligence or improper targeting by the Nigerian military during the joint operation, although this can be a difficult process. On government compensation, the Nigerian Air Force has historically compensated victims of past accidental airstrikes. If civilian harm is officially acknowledged, similar ad-hoc compensation might be available. Remedial Measures could include official apologies, investigations, disciplinary action against personnel, and potentially reparations or compensation for victims and their families if harm is confirmed.

● The key area for potential accountability lies in the adherence to IHL and the verification of civilian casualties, with potential remedial measures involving compensation if harm is proven.

● Against the United States, available Diplomatic/State level measures may be explored. Any formal action against the U.S. would typically need to be pursued by the Nigerian state.

• The first step would be a joint U.S.-Nigeria investigation (or potentially an independent international body) to verify on-the-ground impacts, particularly concerning local claims of non-terrorist targets being hit or property damage.

•Remediation: If civilian harm is verified, accountability and remedial measures could include:

Apology and Official acknowledgement of harm by the U.S. and Nigerian governments.
Compensation: Financial compensation for affected civilians and for the repair of civilian objects damaged during the strikes.

Policy Review: A review of intelligence and targeting protocols to prevent future incidents.

•Why/How: Accountability would be pursued through diplomatic channels and existing bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Nigeria, rather than the ICJ, which typically only hears cases between states and requires both states to consent to its jurisdiction.

•The operation was executed as a collaborative security effort, thus avoiding a direct legal challenge to sovereignty that a unilateral U.S. attack would have entailed.

Kwara Government House Attack: Womanifesto demands arrests, answers, and action

In a shocking escalation of state-related violence, women protesting peacefully at the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin were brutally attacked, sparking outrage across Nigeria.

The protest, organised by women seeking urgent action over the worsening insecurity in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, targeted the abduction of their husbands and children—some held captive for months without intervention.

Eyewitnesses and widely circulated video footage show men armed with canes emerging from the Government House premises to beat and chase the protesters. Police officers present allegedly failed to intervene, leaving women vulnerable in front of a government facility where protection should have been guaranteed.

“These women were not criminals or political agitators. They were mothers, wives, and caregivers demanding safety and justice,” said Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Co-Convener of Womanifesto, in a statement.

While Governor AbdulRazaq publicly distanced himself from the attack, Womanifesto insists that condemnation without accountability is insufficient. “If hoodlums are allowed to get away with this violence, women will become increasingly afraid to speak out,” the group warned.

The activist group has issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding:

  • A public explanation of why the women were attacked
  • Identification, arrest, and prosecution of all assailants, regardless of status
  • A detailed report from the Kwara State Police Commissioner explaining the failure to protect the protesters
  • Transparent updates on efforts to rescue abducted persons in Oke-Ode
  • Clear commitments to prevent recurrence and protect vulnerable communities

Womanifesto stressed that the trauma endured by these women is unacceptable in any democratic society. The organisation pledged to escalate advocacy if the government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe.

“The brutalisation of women seeking help is unacceptable. Silence is not an option. Accountability is non-negotiable,” Dr Akiyode-Afolabi said.

The attack has renewed scrutiny of women’s safety in Nigeria, highlighting persistent gaps in law enforcement, gender protection, and government accountability.

Nigeria’s primary health centres are dying—and communities are paying the Price

From Akwa Ibom to Sokoto, Nigeria’s health clinics are becoming death traps

Residents of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State say their only public health facility has become a danger to life rather than a place of care, underscoring a deepening crisis in Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.

The Mathew Udo Ekpo Memorial Health Centre, which serves thousands across several communities, is in an advanced state of decay, according to findings by civic technology platform MonITNG. The group says the facility has been effectively abandoned despite repeated government claims of heavy investment in the health sector.

The building is visibly dilapidated, with a leaking and partially collapsed roof, cracked walls, broken windows and no electricity. During rainfall, water reportedly pours directly into wards and corridors, exposing patients and health workers to extreme weather and the risk of falling debris.

“The risk of injury or death from structural failure is real and constant,” MonITNG warned, describing the centre as a public hazard.

The health centre’s doors are often locked, not for security reasons but because it is barely functional. There are no safe wards, no power supply and no environment suitable for treatment. As a result, residents say they have been cut off from basic healthcare.

Pregnant women in labour, sick children, accident victims and the elderly are forced to travel long distances to the local government headquarters for care. For many families, the journey is expensive, exhausting or impossible due to poor road networks and lack of transportation. In emergencies, residents say the delays often determine who lives and who dies.

Some households are forced to sell personal belongings to pay for transport and medical bills. Others resort to self-medication or unqualified local care. Many simply stay at home and hope for survival.

MonITNG said the situation in Etim Ekpo reflects a broader pattern across Akwa Ibom, where many primary health centres remain abandoned or non-functional despite billions of naira allocated annually to the state’s health sector. Necessities such as electricity, clean water, hospital beds, essential drugs and trained personnel are often missing.

The platform also questioned the real-world impact of federal interventions, including the recent release of ₦32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to strengthen primary healthcare nationwide.

“While commendable in principle, this amount—shared across 36 states and the FCT—falls far short of addressing decades of neglect and systemic failure,” MonITNG said.

A similar picture has emerged in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where the Labsani Health Post has been abandoned since 2018, leaving an estimated 10,000 residents without access to basic healthcare.

According to a report by Orodata Science, the facility has no functional areas—no pharmacy, waiting area, toilets or power source—and lacks even basic medical supplies such as syringes, bandages and gloves. Although nine Community Health Extension Workers are officially assigned to the centre, none are on-site.

There are no immunisation services, no nurse, no midwife and no doctor. Residents must travel long distances or go without care entirely.

“It’s not just a building to us. It’s supposed to save lives,” a community member told Orodata. “Now we don’t even bring our sick here. There’s no point.”

The situation in Labsani, the report said, is emblematic of the collapse of rural healthcare in Nigeria—facilities that do not merely fail but erode trust, turning hope into scepticism and forcing communities to fend for themselves.

These local failures sit within a grim national context. Nigeria has more than 34,000 Primary Health Centres, accounting for over 85 percent of all health facilities in the country. Yet assessments suggest only about 20 percent are functional.

The World Health Organization reports that just a quarter of PHCs have even 25 percent of the minimum equipment required to operate effectively. A 2023 federal review found that only 463 of more than 25,000 assessed PHCs had skilled birth attendants—less than two percent.

The consequences are severe. Nigeria continues to record one of the world’s highest maternal mortality ratios, with many deaths occurring because women give birth in ill-equipped facilities or at home without professional care. Preventable child deaths remain widespread, while secondary and tertiary hospitals are overwhelmed by cases that should be handled at the primary level.

Chronic infrastructure decay, staff shortages, drug stock-outs, weak financing and poor governance have combined to hollow out the PHC system. Although recent federal initiatives promise refurbishment and funding, observers warn that cosmetic upgrades will not be enough without staffing, supplies and accountability.

“The state of centres like Mathew Udo Ekpo and Labsani is a stark symbol of governance failure,” MonITNG said. “Healthcare is not a privilege. It is a fundamental right.”

Here’s a polished version of your paragraph with smoother flow and tighter phrasing:

From Akwa Ibom to Sokoto and beyond, Nigeria’s health clinics are increasingly seen as death traps, even as political leaders continue to seek medical care abroad. This trend delivers a damning verdict on the nation’s healthcare system and exposes a troubling indifference to the millions who rely on underfunded facilities at home.

Despite repeated pledges by successive administrations to curb medical tourism and improve local hospitals, the practice persists. Past presidents and senior officials have spent vast public funds on overseas treatment, further eroding public trust and confidence in domestic healthcare. Meanwhile, communities on the frontlines say what they need is simple: functioning clinics, present health workers, and care that does not require a long, risky journey to survive.

Gambia names university faculty after Akinwumi Adesina in rare pan-African honour

In a rare Pan-African tribute, the University of The Gambia has renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in honour of former African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi Adesina, cementing his legacy as a continental icon.

Adesina was honoured in recognition of his contributions to agriculture and food security in Africa.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Victor Oladokun and made available to journalists on Thursday in Lagos.

The University of Gambia

President Adama Barrow unveiled a plaque on Wednesday formally designating the faculty as the Dr Akinwumi Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the honour celebrates Mr Adesina’s leadership during his tenure as AfDB President from 2015 to 2025, when the bank implemented wide-ranging reforms that advanced economic development across the continent.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mr Barrow said the renaming reflected The Gambia’s appreciation of Mr Adesina’s “visionary leadership and lasting contributions to Africa’s agricultural transformation.”

Under Mr Adesina’s leadership, the AfDB rolled out the High 5s development agenda, which includes Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa and Improve the Quality of Life of Africans.

This, according to bank data, impacted more than 535 million people.

During the same period, the Bank’s capital base grew from $93 billion to $318 billion, the highest in its history, while the institution retained its AAA credit rating and won several global awards.

NAN reports that Adesina also spearheaded the Feed Africa Strategy, which provided food security for more than 104 million people and strengthened agricultural productivity across the continent.

In The Gambia, the AfDB under Mr Adesina financed the Senegambia Bridge, a landmark project that has significantly reduced travel time between The Gambia and Senegal and boosted trade and regional integration.

The decision to rename the faculty was conveyed in a letter dated 27 November 2025, by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez.

“Your tenure as President of the African Development Bank has been transformative, driving economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development across Africa,” Mr Gomez said.

He added that Mr Adesina’s leadership in launching the Feed Africa Strategy and the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative had “revolutionised agricultural productivity and food security.”

The university stated that the gesture was intended to inspire students to emulate Mr Adesina’s vision, determination, and commitment to Africa’s development.

In a letter of appreciation to President Barrow, Mr Adesina described the honour as exceptional.

“It is with great humility and deep gratitude that I express my appreciation for the renaming of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in my honour,” he said.

NAN recalls that President Barrow, in 2023, conferred on Adesina The Gambia’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in recognition of his contributions to the country and Africa.

NAN

Good Samaritan or Suspect? He tried to save a life. Police nearly ruined his

When Tomi Wojuola rushed a collapsing stranger to the hospital, he believed he was doing the right thing. Instead, he says, the decision nearly destroyed his life.

According to Wojuola, the man died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Acting responsibly, he asked staff to inform the police. What followed, he claims, was intimidation, extortion, and a murder accusation.

Wojuola said officers at the GRA Police Station in Asaba accused him of killing the man, despite confirmation from the family that the deceased had an underlying medical condition. He alleged that the Divisional Police Officer threatened him for “acting like Jesus” and vowed to make him regret intervening.

“It was only the grace of God,” Wojuola wrote, crediting the intervention of a senior government official for saving him from prosecution. He added that police still collected bail money, leaving him nearly penniless.

His story struck a nerve online, reinforcing why many Nigerians film emergencies rather than intervene.

Wojuola’s experience echoes a far darker case that has resurfaced on social media. Chinedu Eze, a former Abuja-based driver, says he lost 14 years of his life to wrongful imprisonment.

In a viral video interview, Eze recounted how a routine assignment turned catastrophic in 2005. Tasked with driving a client’s vehicle from Abuja to Sokoto, he was stopped at a police checkpoint in Ilela.

What began as a dispute over documents escalated into violence. Officers allegedly beat his client, then detained Eze. The next day, police reportedly misled his employer into handing over the vehicle’s logbook. Eze was taken to court without a lawyer.

He was charged with culpable homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy.

“I cried when I heard the charges,” Eze said. “That’s when I knew my life had changed.”

He was remanded to prison. His fiancée waited, then moved on. His infant daughter grew up without him. For years, Eze said, he never saw a judge. His case passed between prosecutors. No witnesses testified. No evidence was produced.

At one point, he said officers pressured him to falsely accuse a police escort of murder. He refused.

That refusal, he believes, sealed his fate.

After 14 years in custody, Eze regained freedom through the intervention of a non-governmental organisation. His story has since become a symbol of what many Nigerians describe as a justice system that protects power while crushing the powerless.

Human rights advocates say arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and fabricated charges remain widespread. For many citizens, encounters with law enforcement now inspire fear rather than trust.

As Wojuola and Eze’s stories circulate, they underscore a troubling reality: in Nigeria, trying to do the right thing can come at an unbearable cost.

No Integrity Test, No Blacklist: NJC slams viral judge appointment report


The National Judicial Council has dismissed a viral report claiming that 34 lawyers failed an “integrity test” and were dropped from the Federal High Court bench race.

In a statement dated December 31, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, the Council described the report as inaccurate and unauthorised.

According to the NJC, the events cited in the report occurred solely at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
It stressed that the Council itself has not decide on any of the candidates mentioned.

The NJC explained that some applicants were discontinued by the FJSC due to adverse findings from petitions.
Others exited the process simply because they failed to meet the qualifying score to advance further.

“The report is inaccurate and does not reflect what transpired at the FJSC level,” the Council stated.
It added that no integrity screening or elimination was conducted by the NJC.

The clarification followed media reports alleging that 34 nominees, including a police officer, failed integrity checks.
Those reports claimed only 28 of 62 applicants passed the screening after a computer-based test.

Saleh warned that speculative reporting could mislead the public and unfairly tarnish candidates’ reputations.
He said participants engaged in the process in good faith and deserved fair representation.

The NJC also disclosed it had launched an internal investigation to trace the source of the unauthorised statement.
Appropriate steps, it said, would be taken to protect the credibility of judicial appointments.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and due process.
It urged journalists to verify sensitive information through authorised channels before publication.

FIDA Abuja celebrates and rejoices with her distinguished patron, J. S. Okutepa SAN, on his birthday

Beloved esteemed Learned Silk,

On this special day, we celebrate not just the anniversary of your birth, but the remarkable journey of resilience, service and excellence that defines your life and career.

From humble beginnings to the prestigious pinnacle rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, your story is an inspiration to us, and to all lawyers who dare to dream and serve with heart and courage. 

As our beloved Patron of FIDA Nigeria – Abuja Branch, your generous support, steadfast commitment to justice, and deep compassion for the vulnerable and oppressed continue to uplift our mission and strengthen our impact. 

Thank you for your constant commitment to ethical leadership and unwavering dedication to the cause of justice.

May this new year of your life be filled with good health, abundant joy, continued influence, and enduring legacy.

Happy Birthday, Sir!

We celebrate you!

With utmost gratitude, and on behalf of all of us of FIDA Abuja Family,

CHIOMA ONYENUCHEYA-UKO

Chairperson,

FIDA Nigeria – Abuja Branch

From Late Start to Lasting Impact: Celebrating Chief Jibrin Samuel Okutepa at 66

Some lives read like quiet miracles. Chief Jibrin Samuel Okutepa’s is one of them.

Born on January 1, 1960, Okutepa began primary school at an age when many peers were already in university. At 17, he sat among seven-year-olds, unashamed and determined. Learning, once tasted, had become irresistible.

His father opposed Western education. Yet young Jibrin learned secretly, borrowing books and listening to neighbours’ lessons. Eventually, he enrolled himself. The backlash at home was severe. Though promoted, he dropped out and ran away.

What followed was survival by skill. He apprenticed as a motorcycle mechanic, worked as a fireman, drove taxis, and made furniture. Still, he studied. In 1982, he passed his GCE O’Levels as an external candidate.

The climb continued. He attended the School of Basic Studies, studied law at the University of Jos, and was called to the Bar in 1991. By 1993, he co-founded a law firm that grew into J.S. Okutepa (SAN) & Company.

His elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria crowned a journey he calls “grass to grace.” It was earned through grit, patience, and faith.

Life tested him again in 2025 with the loss of his daughter, Ojochide Charity. His response was profound trust, not bitterness. He chose gratitude over despair.

As a lawyer, Okutepa is fearless. He speaks plainly against judicial compromise, forum shopping, and ethical decay. For him, justice is not a speech. It is a duty.

At 66, Chief Okutepa stands as proof that beginnings do not define destinies. Courage does. So does character.

From all of us at Law & Society Magazine, happy bithday sir!

2026, Under My Umbrella: The year of being a lifter

By Kirsten Okenwa

As the calendar has flipped to 2026, I find myself reflecting not on what I want to achieve but on the legacy I hope to leave in the lives of others. This year, I have decided to make being a lifter my personal mission. By “lifter,” I mean someone who uplifts, encourages, and supports others, not occasionally, but as a lifestyle.

Imagine a world where every act of kindness, every gesture of encouragement, becomes part of the rhythm of life. A world where talents, material gifts, and time are shared generously, where people come under our umbrellas, not as a rare favour, but as a natural extension of how we live. It’s not about showy displays of wealth or talent. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported. Too often, I see workplaces and communities where excellence goes unnoticed, where effort is ignored, and where staff feel diminished instead of appreciated. I have witnessed firsthand the difference it makes when someone chooses to see you, believe in you, and invest in your potential.

My journey toward understanding the power of encouragement began early, through my family and the mentorship of a few amazing individuals. I remember Mrs. Ronke Aladesuru, a top pharmacist then at PZ Industries, Lagos. This brilliant scientist helped chart my path in the industrial chemistry sector.

I met another remarkable “encourager” in 2005.  I was a young social entrepreneur navigating the tricky waters of running a printing business.  It was a small operation, unique in its offerings, with the competition fierce and orders unpredictable. Every day felt like walking a tightrope, balancing ambition with the stark realities of starting out. During those challenging early years, one client became more than just a source of income; she became a teacher in generosity, encouragement, and human kindness. Mrs. Tola Thomas ran a beautiful boutique in Ilupeju, Lagos. She was an influential woman, known and respected in her circles, yet she never treated me as “just a small vendor.” She would often place orders I knew she didn’t really need, paying for services wholeheartedly. The cash was essential, yes, but the message was priceless: someone believed in me, someone wanted to see me succeed.

Even more remarkable was her willingness to invest time. She would pause her busy day to chat about life, dreams, and sometimes just the ordinary joys and struggles of running a business. I was always amazed that someone with her influence could make space for a small-time entrepreneur like me. Those moments, though seemingly small, became foundational in my understanding of what it means to lift someone.

Fast forward twenty years. This past December, I found myself in the same city, and I happened to meet Mrs Thomas again. She did not recognise me at first; understandably, twenty years is a long time. But the moment I introduced myself and reminded her of our past interactions, the connection reignited. We hugged. We laughed, and yes, we cried. Her friend looked on, astonished at the emotional reunion.

I thanked her profusely for the encouragement, the orders, and the time she gave me two decades ago. It was a moment of pure realisation: small acts of kindness, repeated over time, create ripples that last a lifetime. And now, looking back, I see that her generosity, and that of others divinely placed in my path, did more than help me financially. It shaped the lens through which I view the world, taught me the value of uplifting others, and became a guidepost for how I want to live.

In 2026, I am making it my priority to be a blessing to someone every day. If I can extend help to more than two people consistently, I will consider it a triumph. I want to create umbrellas under which others can find shelter, not from rain or the scorching sun alone, but from doubt, discouragement, and the weight of life’s challenges.

Being a lifter doesn’t require wealth or fame. It doesn’t require grand gestures. It begins with attention, acknowledgement, and intentional acts of encouragement. A kind word to a struggling colleague. A note of appreciation to a hardworking employee. Sharing knowledge with someone trying to navigate a difficult path. Offering mentorship, a listening ear, or even a smile to someone who feels invisible. These gestures, small as they may seem, are the building blocks of a culture of lifting.

There is power in presence. When we show up for others, even in ways that seem insignificant, we send a signal that they matter, that their efforts are seen, and that their dreams are valid. I have seen it happen in my own life; people I encouraged, even in minor ways, have gone on to achieve remarkable things. And I have experienced the transformative effect of others believing in me when I had doubts about myself.

As 2026 unfolds, I invite readers to consider their own umbrellas. Who do you have the opportunity to lift? Who is waiting, perhaps quietly, for recognition, encouragement, or a small act of generosity that could change the trajectory of their year or their life? It could be a student struggling to find their path, a colleague drowning in unacknowledged effort, a neighbour carrying burdens silently, or even a stranger you meet on your daily journey.

The beauty of this lifestyle is that it multiplies. When one person is lifted, they, in turn, lift others. One act of encouragement can cascade into a chain of support, hope, and inspiration. Imagine if each of us committed to being lifters in our own spheres. The world would not just be kinder; it would be stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient.

So, I write this not as a manifesto, but as an invitation. An invitation to step into 2026 with a commitment to elevate, encourage, and enrich the lives of those around you. To make giving back a daily practice, a habit, a way of life. To celebrate excellence, to acknowledge effort, and to ensure that no one feels invisible under your watch.

This year, I will carry my umbrella high. I will ensure it shelters more than myself, more than my immediate circle. I will seek out those whose spirits need lifting, whose talents need recognition, and whose potential needs nurturing. And in doing so, I will hope, once again, to experience the quiet joy that comes from lifting another human being, just as Mrs Tola Thomas and others did for me all those years ago.

Let 2026 be a year of lifting, a year of umbrellas large enough to cover as many souls as we can reach. Let it be a year of generosity, encouragement, and intentional kindness. Let it be a year where we remember that the greatest wealth we can offer the world is not measured in money or status, but in the lives we touch, the hope we inspire, and the love we share.

This is my commitment. This is my hope. And this, I pray, can be yours too.

I want to spend my life mending broken people

I want to spend my life removing pain

Lord let my words, Heal a heart that hurts

I want to spend my life mending broken people   –  Mike Murdock

–

Kirsten Okenwa uses industrial chemistry and food science to drive agrifood innovation, social enterprise, and peacebuilding in rural communities.

A New Year message to our readers

A new year offers a rare and necessary invitation: to push back. To reject self-defeating narratives. To refuse the lie that our worst moments are our truest identity.

As the year unfolds, may we be defined by courage, to seek truth, and to act with purpose.

At Law & Society magazine, we begin the year with gratitude for our readers and confidence in the values that bind us: accountability, compassion, and moral clarity.

May the year ahead bring wisdom in judgment, courage in advocacy, and the quiet assurance that growth remains possible.

From all of us at Law & Society Magazine, Happy New Year!

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