Benson Idahosa University FACULTY OF LAW - Benson Idahosa University

FACULTY OF LAW

May 1, 2016

The Faculty of Law took a different dimension as the students and their lecturers as well as invited guest were treated to a dinner. It held at the prestigious Uyi ground hotel situated at the Government Reserved Area. The atmosphere was cozy and laced with soft musical interlude.

The coloures at the venue were deliberately picked to align with the legal dress code in such a way that one could immediately feel a touch of class, excitement and courtesy shared amongst the students, particularly the final year class.  Little wonder the Faculty prides itself as the most prestigious faculty amongst all others.

Speaking during the first course meal, the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. J.E. Idugboe enjoined the students to be committed to their studies, stand out in their academic pursuit, work towards attaining top grades as well as get involved in independent research. He said the essence of the dinner is to create an avenue for staff and students to interact, wine, dine and socialize with one another.  Also speaking, the LAWSA President, Egwuelu Isabella Ifeyinwa called on his fellow students to support the fight on physical and emotional violence against the girl child, while admonishing every girl child to aim high as their male counterparts.

You would however agree with me, that a dinner such as this is incomplete without the voice of a woman. Trust me, they do not just want to be seen, they also want to be heard loud and clear. They go by the acronym,’ FIDA’ (International Federation of Female Lawyers). When it was time for its President to do justice to the issue raise by the LAWSA President, which incidentally was the theme of the Faculty Week dinner, “Violence against Women”, Barr. Iryn Omorogiuwa, identified violence as a behavior intended to hurt or kill. She said the issue of violence against women or the girl child has become hydra- headed as it denies women their right. Enumerating domestic violence, marital rape, widow inheritance, forced marriage, female genital mutilation amongst others. The speaker said that it’s quite unfortunate that society has come to accept violence against women or the girl child as a form of behavour.

Speaking on the effect of violence against women, Barr. Omorogiuwa, called on all, particularly the female folks, to rise up and speak against it. She, however, advocated for the speedy domestication of the violence prohibition law, promotion of gender equality, education of the girl child as well as a change in the laws which denies women right to inheritance.

The role of dignitaries present included: Chief Mike A.A.Ozekhome, SAN, OFR; Chief Magistrate Nosa Musoe; Pastor Ize Iyamu; represented; Dr. M. Oisemoje amongst others. They all called on Nigerians to rise up against violence on women and the girl child.

Climaxing the event was the launching of LAWSA magazine amid the second and third course meals as well as questions and answers.