Official Congratulatory Message To The New Chairperson Of RAMINBA Abiodun Omolara Kolawole, ESQ. (A.K.A Iya Gani Fawehinmi)
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) International, on behalf of the Global Executive Council and the entire membership worldwide, extends our most profound and highly commending congratulations to our own daughter, sister and Amazon – Abiodun Omolara Kolawole, Esq., a.k.a Iya Gani Fawehinmi – on her historic and well-deserved emergence as the Chairperson of the Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar Association (RAMINBA).
Your emergence is not a surprise to those who know your antecedents. You are a distinguished human rights activist, a passionate child advocate, a consultant to several Non-Governmental Organizations, and a selfless, dogged fighter for justice for the vulnerable, poor, oppressed and downtrodden. You are the embodiment of the true spirit of Gani Fawehinmi – bold, brave, fearless and with zero tolerance for injustice.
We have followed your distinguished journey and service in AWLA with immense pride, where you have served meritoriously as:
– Chair, Publicity Committee, AWLA Nigeria
– Welfare Secretary, AWLA Nigeria
– Alternative Chair, Litigation Committee, AWLA Nigeria
– Publicity, Day of the African Child
Planning Committee 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 AWLA Nigeria Chapter
– Member, International Women’s Day 2016, 2017, 2018
and International Day of the Girl Child Planning Committee 2016, 2017, 2018
Planning Committee 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 AWLA Nigeria Chapter
– Co-Head, Litigation Committee, AWLA International
– Member, AWLA International Conference Planning Committee (ICPC ) 2018, 2024, 2025, 2026
– Secretary, Day of the African Woman 2021 Planning Committee
– Member Research and Documentation Committee AWLA
Your choice as Chair of RAMINBA is a round peg in a round hole. It is a choice that honours legacy, rewards sacrifice, and rekindles hope for the voiceless.
ON YOUR INSPIRING ACCEPTANCE SPEECH – THE “RELUCTANT SERVANT”
We were deeply moved by your acceptance speech. Your words – _”I stand before you, not as a person who lobbied for this chair… to chair RAMINBA is not to wear regalia to events; it is to lose sleep when a citizen is abused at midnight”_ – reveal the humility, depth and servant-leadership that RAMINBA needs at this critical time.
You reminded us that this is indeed *a clarion call for the voiceless, for the legacy.* Your three-fold covenant with the people is exemplary:
1. To lead as a team player and run an all-inclusive executive;
2. To protect the legacy by expanding it through documentation, engagement and advocacy; and
3. To serve transparently as a trust, and to leave the chair better than you met it.
We salute the courage to say _”We have seen your hands pointing at us, and we have accepted. Now point those same hands to work.”_ That is the spirit of Comrade Adeshina Ogunlana and all heroes past whose labour, as you rightly said, cannot die.
We join you in thanking the immediate past National Executive led by Comrade Ayo Ademiluyi, where you served diligently as General Secretary, and the elders of the Bar for the confidence reposed in you. You promised not to disappoint, and we at AWLA know you will not.
To you, our dear Iya Gani, we pray that the Almighty God will grant you uncommon wisdom, strength, good health and divine equipping to carry this heavy but glorious crown. May He separate you for great honour. May your tenure record greater victories for the defenceless and indigent citizens of Nigeria.
AWLA celebrates you. RAMINBA has made the best choice. Nigeria will be better for it.
We are proud of you.
Congratulations, Madam Chair!
Mandy Demechi-Asagba, Esq.
President,
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) International*
Sakinah Adepeju Oduye-Quadri
Secretary General
Fakla Awungnjia Tetchounkwi
Deputy Secretary General II
Yanne Mbiyavanga
Acting Deputy Secretary General 1
For and on behalf of all AWLA Members Worldwide
