Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to prioritize gender equity in its leadership.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual General Conference of the NBA in Lagos, she emphasized the need for a female president to lead the Bar.
Justice Dongban-Mensem noted that it has been over three decades since a woman last held the position of NBA president, with only one female, Dame Priscilla Kuye, serving from 1991 to 1992.
She stressed that the Bar should demonstrate equity and vibrant justice, particularly in terms of gender.
The event, themed “Pressing Forward; A National Posture to Rebuilding Nigeria,” featured prominent personalities, including World Trade Organisation chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the keynote speaker. Other notable attendees included former Ghanaian President John Mahama, Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu, and representatives of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Justice Dongban-Mensem’s call for gender equity in the NBA leadership highlights the need for greater representation and inclusivity in the legal profession.
