 |
| Justice Monica |
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, has called for increased gender equality across all sectors of society.
Speaking at the 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, she also stressed the importance of national unity and the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence in the legal profession.
During the conference, themed “Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria,” Justice Dongban-Mensem stated, “We must seize this momentum and commit to collective and selfless collaboration to propel our nation forward and up the ladder of prosperity.”
She urged lawyers to encourage politicians to focus more on national development rather than litigation, which consumes excessive time and resources. “We best reflect the ethos of our calling by striving for a lawful, progressive, and fair society,” she said.
Advocating for gender equality, Dongban-Mensem noted, “It is disheartening that since the association's inception, only one female, Dame Priscilla Kuye, has served as President, and that was over three decades ago.” She emphasized that “equity and vibrant justice should be fortified and demonstrated within the Nigerian Bar Association.”
Justice Dongban-Mensem also highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence for Nigeria’s legal landscape, urging the NBA to invest in AI-driven solutions to foster homegrown technological advancements and improve access to justice.
Additionally, she congratulated the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on becoming the second woman to lead the nation’s judiciary.
Similarly, Mrs. Folake Solanke, the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, underscored the crucial role of law in society and urged legal professionals to uphold high standards in the profession.
