- Commends Nyako’s leadership as president of International Association of Women Judges
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has revealed that Lagos and Kano states have taken the lead in the appointment of women judges and magistrates.
Asserting that she is looking forward to a time when “we’d no longer count the number of women in leadership”, the CJN in her address at the just concluded 25th biennial conference of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJIN) said: “It was noted that while states like Lagos and Kno are now in the forefront and in fact female dominated in terms of appoinments, quite a few states are still lagging behind.”
In addition, Her Lordship said, “No doubt, Nigeria has come a long way, but there is still much work to be done. The journey towards achieving true parity and inclusivity across the country may take some time, but it is certainly achievable.”
“Women have been exceptionally blessed by God with innate skills and the ability to multitask, which can enhance and support nation-building. It is therefore important to recognize the imperative of women in policy making and to strive to ensure their inclusivity in the promotion of policies that are gender sensitive and which provide greater access to justice.”
While acknowledging that the President of the Court of Appeal is a woman, Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is also the second female to serve as Chief Justice of Nigeria, said: “We currently have 20 female heads of courts across Nigeria. This is a remarkable feat but it is not yet Uhuru.
“There are states with only two female judges amongst 15 to 20 male judges. We therefore continue to strive for gender parity, not because we are women but because we are deserving nd qualified.
“That is why we must work harder, be more diligent, show skill and strive for excellence as female judges. We have no excuse to but to excel at what we do to encourage more female participation and appointments. We say kudos to Lagos and Kano states for leading the charge. I look foward to a time when we shall no longer have to count the number of women in leadership positions.
“We…appreciate our own Hon. Justice Binta Nyako for a job well done as the International President of IAWJ from 2023 -2025; for flying our flag high and for successfully handing over to the current President from Morocco.”
