Appeal Court President Advocates For Greater Gender Equality
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the President of the Court of Appeal, has called for increased gender equality across all sectors of society. She made this appeal during the 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), where she also highlighted the importance of national unity and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal profession.
Speaking at the conference themed “Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria,” Justice Dongban-Mensem urged collective efforts to drive the nation toward prosperity. She stated, “We must capitalize on this momentum and commit to collective and selfless collaboration to propel our nation forward and up the ladder of prosperity.”
Justice Dongban-Mensem also encouraged lawyers to steer politicians towards nation-building rather than focusing on litigation, which she argued consumes excessive time and resources. She remarked, “We best reflect the ethos of our calling by endeavoring to create a lawful, progressive, and fair society.”
In her advocacy for gender equality, Dongban-Mensem expressed concern that, since its inception, the Nigerian Bar Association has had only one female president, Dame Priscilla Kuye, more than three decades ago. She stressed that “equity and vibrant justice should be fortified and demonstrated in the Nigerian Bar Association.”
Justice Dongban-Mensem also emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria’s legal sector, urging the NBA to invest in AI-driven solutions to foster technological advancements and improve access to justice.
Furthermore, the Appeal Court President congratulated the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on becoming the second woman to lead the nation’s judiciary.
Mrs. Folake Solanke, the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also spoke at the event, underscoring the critical role of law in society and urging legal professionals to uphold high standards within the profession.
