As part of the Federacion Internacional De Abogadas’ (FIDA) successful Annual General Conference/Annual General Meeting held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, His Excellency, Sir (Chief) Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, hosted the International Federation of Women Lawyers to a dinner at his residence, in promotion of the law profession in Nigeria.
In her welcome address, the country’s Vice President/National President of FIDA, Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje, expressed her delight at the warmth reception presented by the Esama of Benin for providing an avenue for FIDA’s members to relax and unwind after the activities of their AGC/AGM, and for his unwavering support as a philanthropist and a father to FIDA’s goal of empowering women in the legal profession.
“I welcome you all to this dinner that has been put together by the Esama of Benin. The Esama Sir, we know and we recognize that you are a man who is full of hospitality; I am a testimony of that hospitality. Some time ago, a very long time ago, over ten years, I was the Chairperson of the FIDA Abuja branch, we came and held our night meeting here in the City of Benin, the ancient but beautiful City of Benin Kingdom and you hosted us to a reception like this. One of the days, we had breakfast in your house and so we can attest that you are a man, a father, and a grandfather, who is very hospitable. And today we are here for another round of dinner and we are happy to be here,” Mrs Agbaje said.
While stressing the purpose of the gathering and acknowledging the distinguished personalities present, Mrs. Agbaje narrated, “This journey started about a year ago when we had our Annual General Conference in Abuja. We were looking for hosts from our branches and FIDA Edo said they were going to host the AGC/AGM here.”
FIDA’s Country’s Vice President/National President further expressed, “I would like to recognize the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Benin branch; you have been with us all through, thank you. Let me also recognize someone, because I am a mentee of Chief Olufunmilayo Awomolo, I am one of her daughters in law, not daughters-in-law. So, on behalf of the board of trustees, the national executives of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, we appreciate you Sir, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Violet Oghogho Olumese, the Chairperson of FIDA, Edo State Chapter appreciated the Esama of Benin and the guests present and further commended the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki for supporting the FIDA and providing a platform for women and children while protecting their rights in the State.
“I want to thank God for the opportunity to host. When we decided to agree to host, we knew that we would have somebody who would help us, and support us, because the Esama is our grand patron. He is a father and a mentor. So we know that with him, he will help us. And you know, with the government, it was a state function Her Excellency, Mrs Besty Obaseki was wonderful, she took care of our cultural night, she is a mother in the state and she has been wonderful to the cause of women, and children,” Mrs. Olumese stated.
Speaking to the Nigerian Observer, Hon. Barr. Peter Otaigbe, a renowned legal practitioner in Edo State, commended the Esama of Benin’s initiative to recognize and extend his benevolence and philanthropism to women in the legal profession under the platform of the International Federation of Women in Law.
Barr. Otaigbe remarked, “I am one of the old lawyers here now in Benin. I came here to honor Chief Igbinedion who invited me personally, and I am happy that the thing went well. It is a beautiful celebration, the man spent money, he put his time, energy, and money into this hosting and I am happy for him.”
Barr. Otaigbe lauded The Nigerian Observer for the recent rebranding and rebirth and admonished its management to ensure continuous improvement.
“Now that the Nigerian Observer is back, I hope they can return to the old days, to the 60s and 70s. We want to be able to update ourselves just by looking at the Nigerian Observer because it is one of the foremost newspapers in this country after the Daily Times. It competed with Tribune, The Nation, New Nigerian, and The Sun. So we want to see it transform back to its glorious days,” he advised.
FIDA Nigeria is a non-profit, non-political, voluntary association of women called to practice law in Nigeria with its primary role of protecting, promoting, and preserving the rights of women and children in Nigeria and has branches across the 36 states of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The event featured a colorful dance presentation by the Bini Ine cultural dance troupe showcasing the Bini Culture, live band music serenading the guests, and comedians to spice up the event, with lots of exquisite wining and dining leaving the guests in attendance applauding the elegance of the gathering.
