*Legal Profession has moved away from a male-dominated to diversity & gender-balanced one — Paul Usoro, SAN
*The partnership, a progressive & milestone event— Prof. Bamigbose
*NBA will give all necessary supports to women under my watch—Olumide Akpata
*NYSB Women In Law Section will advance the interest of women through the MOU— Chair, NYSB Women in Law Section
*Strengthened relationship with Africa largest Bar is vital & critical—Carlos Ramos-Mrosovsky
*MOU, pathways to gender equality—Ayotola Jagun
The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) and New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Women In Law Section have signed a memorandum of understanding partnership.
This was signed at the virtual ceremony held on 13th day of August, 2020.
Meanwhile, the virtual ceremony witnessed the attendance of NYSBA President, Scott M. Karson; NBA President, Paul Usoro, SAN; NBA President-elect, Mr. Olumide Akpata; Chair, NYSBA-Women In Law Section, Terri A. Mazur; Chair, NBA Women Forum, Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN; Senior Vice-Chair, International Section of NYSB, Mr. Carlos Ramos-Mrosovsky; Mrs. Ayotola Jagun; Sheryl B. Galler amongst others and moderated by Dr. Foluke Dada, Head, Advocacy Committee, NBA Women Forum.
However, the moderator noted that the virtual occasion is “truly historical and one worth the ceremony” being done, while she called on the President of NYSB to give his opening remarks.
In his opening remarks, President Scott M. Karson stated that “it is a honour and pleasure to join in the wonderful event” and on behalf of the 70,000 members of New York State Bar, he welcomes everyone to the virtual ceremony.
In addition, he described the virtual event as an “historical occasion” and stated that it is hoped “this will lead to a further future engagement”. Also, he described the Coronavirus pandemic as one that has changed the way we view the world noting that the forecast of scientists has been very true about the pandemic. Hence, the need to embrace technology in order not to allow all matters grounded, an example of the virtual ceremony being held.
Furthermore, he noted that New York “has a preeminent state in the world stage” and also, with “an unparalleled reputation in the world arena”. Thus, New York State Bar has managed for have a strong network base across the globe. This, he said, is driven by one of its key initiatives by opening membership to Lawyers across the world and thus, “we urge others to join us”, he said.
Meanwhile, he stated that the MOU recognizes the importance of women in the Legal Profession and he applauded the “women colleagues” in the giant stride achievement.
He also noted that for more than 30 years, the Women In Law Section of NYSB has been the largest and one of the best-driven section of the Association. Therefore, he stated that when the report was submitted on the proposed partnership, he took into cognizance several things.
“Our world is in uncertain times” as a result of the pandemic and “we believe Lawyers in this time are more important and meaningful than ever”.
Finally, he urged that Lawyers in this trying times take up pro bono cases and access to justice initiatives.
In another development, President of the Nigeria Bar Association NBA, Paul Usoro, SAN , equally gave his opening remarks and congratulated the 121st President of NYSB and stated that “hope to reach out to the Atlantic” and have a “handshake”.
In addition, he gave a brief background of Nigeria and stated that it is the largest economy in Africa amongst others.
Similarly, he gave a brief account of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) and Nigerian Bar with 125,000 qualified Lawyers as members.
Furthermore, he noted that the profession has moved from a male-dominated profession to one driven by inclusiveness, “diversity, gender-balance & encourages our women”. With this, he cited the example of the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar stated to be one of the most brilliant mind produced and equally, he alluded to the President of the Court of Appeal, a testament of women participation.
Besides, he noted that Prof. Bamigbose, SAN is one of those examples, having attained the apogee in practice of Law and academics. Thus, the reason why she was selected to head the NBA Women Forum by him.
Meanwhile, he stated that Nigeria and a world he envisages or visualizes is one driven by women participation across board.
Finally, he wished the NBA & NYSBA “greater successes in this endeavor.
In addition, Prof. Bamigbose, SAN extends her cordial appreciation and describes the ceremony as “progressive and milestone event”.
She introduced the NBA and noted that several committees were established by President Paul Usoro, SAN for a better and efficient service delivery.
Thus, she expressed her delight that the virtual ceremony is being held projected at the welfare of the women in the two Associations.
In another development,the NBA President-elect, Mr. Olumide Akpata expresses his great delight and thanked the incumbent President, Paul Usoro SAN for providing the NBAWF an opportunity to thrive.
He stated that in all his life, he has been “gender-blind” and therefore promises women colleagues that he “will support NBAWF and other elected officials will collaborate” to ensure that all supports are given to them. He equally stated that he believes in capacity building and finally on the event, he noted that he is “proud of NBAWF”.
Furthermore, the NYSB Women In Law Section Chair, Terri A. Mazur equally expressed her delight and noted that the section has been driven by effort to take care of domestic violence against women, child abuse amongst others.
Meanwhile, he noted that the Association has many committees saddled with different responsibilities like Legislative Affairs Committee , Programming Committee amongst others.
She stated that they shall strive to attain the goals stated in the MOU for the advancement of women. Thus, she concluded that “we look forward to a national collaboration.”
Also, Carlos Ramos-Mrosovsky noted that the International Section of NYSB has over 2,000 members and geared towards capacity building through webinars, internships etc.
In addition, he noted that a strengthened relationship with Nigeria is vital and critical being the largest Bar in Africa.
Finally, he stated that the MOU is a fantastic step.
Furthermore, Ayotola Jagun gave her remarks on the expected outcomes of the partnership.
She noted that there are several benefits of the MOU driven by gender equality advocacy. Also, she stated that the MOU is geared at deployment of knowledge exchange, networking opportunities, promotional support and introduction to experts from diverse fields from both Associations.
Besides, she noted that the partnership is timely and a coordinated one meant to expand the pathways to gender equality. Meanwhile, she noted that the implementation of the MOU is a successful collaboration which is key to the alliance.
Finally, the MOU was signed by the NYSBA President, Karson together with Tom Richard and one other as witnesses. He promises to ensure that the goals of the MOU are met.
In addition, Prof. Bamigbose signed on behalf of the NBA President, Paul Usoro, SAN who promised to sign later as a result of unavailability.
Meanwhile, it was witnessed and signed by Mrs Ayotola Jagun, Head, NBAWF External Relations Committee and the Secretary of NBAWF, Mrs Aideyan.
Equally, Sheryl further congratulated the both Associations.
Finally, the vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha, Vice Chair, NBAWF who described the virtual ceremony as “iconic, historic and fulfilling session”.
