LAW LADIES DAY 2023
The Law Ladies Day program has taken place in UNILAG’s faculty of law for as long as can be recalled in recent history. It is often one of the most anticipated faculty programs as it always delivers just the right amount of entertainment to keep the faculty buzzing with adrenaline while maintaining the objective of shining the spotlight on women in the legal field. The 2023 Law Ladies Day was no different from previous ones in that it lived up to everything it promised to be (some might say even say it over-delivered).
By 9 am sharp on the 22nd of May, the JF Ade Ajayi auditorium stage was set for a fully packed day. From the beautiful and eager faces of students to the organizers moving around gingerly in their jaw-dropping Ankara styles, the atmosphere was full of anticipation and excitement.
Two very insightful panel sessions thoroughly addressed the theme of the program — ‘Breaking the Stereotypes’. Both panels consisted of distinguished women, both in and outside the legal field, who had a lot of wisdom and experience to share. The panelists of the first session, in particular, captivated the audience with stories of their personal lives and the struggles they overcame to achieve their current positions in their careers. They talked about balancing their careers with their private life, which is an important topic of concern for women, particularly in the legal field.
Popular Nigerian on-air personality, Stephanie Coker, was among the women on the second panel who shared practical tips on living life as a successful woman and breaking stereotypes. Later during the program, she shared a documentary with the audience about Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a serious reproductive health condition that is fairly common in young women.
Omotola Ade Omojobi and Chioma Osagwe were also on the second panel and they talked about women being emotional, men in their lives, managing one’s time, creating time for oneself, setting goals, imposter syndrome, anxiety, the importance of mentorship, personal branding, networking, and self-identity.
As one of the many sponsors of the program, officials of the e-naira were in attendance — the special adviser to the CBN being among them. She talked briefly about the financial competence of the currency.
While these sessions were the educative bedrock of the program, they were interspersed by various entertaining segments that pulled the whole thing together. There were beautiful spoken word presentations by Stephanie and Esosa. There were also spoken word presentations by Tanitoluwa and Zainab Adesina, which left the audience impressed by their oratory prowess. Zara did a beautiful rendition of Bob Marley’s classic hit, No Woman, No Cry, which sounded a lot like Tems’ version. Emmanuela also did a music performance to entertain the audience.
A major highlight of The Law Ladies Day event was when the winner of the innovation challenge was announced. Participants had been charged with submitting a three-minute-long video on an innovative idea benefiting women in male-dominated spaces. Tension was in the air as the winner was announced. With over 50 entries into the competition, Ofojetu Queensley (200l) was announced as the winner, going away with a cash prize and other promised benefits.
The guys in the faculty were certainly not left behind during the program. In the spirit of equality and breaking the stereotypes, they proudly adorned themselves in their Ankara clothes and branded shirts and caps alongside the ladies. There were also musical performances by two guys from the faculty, Ogonna and David.
Soon enough, it was time for the grand finale and most anticipated segment of the program — the pageant. There were three judges, all successful in their own right within the Nigerian fashion industry. There was Harmony Adenipekun — a former student of the faculty, lawyer, influencer, and successful fashion designer, Nonye Udeogu, award-winning fashion influencer and brand owner and Emmanuel Goodnews, acclaimed wardrobe consultant, stylist, and designer. Two 400-level students, Naomi and Tobani hosted the pageant and kept the audience engaged.
The four contestants in the pageant competed for the crown in a series of challenges. They did catwalks and traditional presentations, danced, and showed off their lovely outfits and swag. Eventually, contestant number 1 — Aaliyah (100l), was crowned the beauty queen. True to the theme of defying the stereotypes, Aaliyah’s outfits were dazzling but unconventional. Yet for the judges, she was worthy by virtue of her effort, poise, and grace.
The crowning of the pageant winner was the climax of the program, but some may say it was what came next - the distribution of item 7 (Faculty of Law, duh). The whole day’s event came to a close thereafter, with everyone leaving thoroughly entertained and satisfied. Most would definitely agree that the event was a massive W for law ladies.
The sheer beauty and organization of the program were proof yet again that women can do anything. Honorable mention to the guys in the faculty who worked in hand with the ladies to see the program through. The corporation towards the program’s success was beautiful to see and signaled the beautiful things we are capable of in society when united.
The event was nothing short of a huge success. A huge well done to the outgoing Vice President, Chidera Robinson, and her amazing LLD ’23 team for overseeing the event.
