Protocols
The Chairperson of the Women Forum,
Distinguished Honorable Judges and Learned Colleagues,
Executives and Members of the Forum,
Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening.
It is a pleasure to be here this evening with so many distinguished judges, outstanding lawyers and dedicated leaders at the Annual Dinner of the Women Forum. Thank you Chair Huwaila for your exemplary leadership and the kind invitation and opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. I asked the planning committee Chair Aisha how long I have to speak this evening and she said; “Speak for as long as you like; but we’re closing by 9pm.”
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Honoured by NBA Eti-Osa Branch for Outstanding Contributions to the Legal Profession
Albert Einstein used to go to dinners where he was invited to give a speech. One day, on his way to one of those dinners, he told his chauffeur (who looked exactly like him) that he was dead tired of giving the same speech, dinner after dinner.
“Well,” said the chaffeur, “I’ve got a good idea. Why don’t I give the speech since I’ve heard it so many times?” So, Albert’s chauffeur gave the speech perfectly and even answered a few questions. Then, a professor stood up and asked him a really tough question about anti-matter which the chauffeur couldn’t answer, he responded: “Sir, the answer to your question is so easy that I’ll let my chauffeur answer it!”
While contextualizing this dinner speech, “Enhancing Access to Finance, Promoting Entrepreneurship, and Expanding Economic Opportunities for Women in Law and Beyond.” within the theme of the conference, my sixth sense is that I was nominated to present this speech because being both a lawyer and the leader of the Organized Private Sector in the FCT, I should have a few relevant things to say about finance, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities woven around women in law.
Let me therefore congratulate the leadership of the NBAWF for bringing this issue to the front burner as the community of the legal profession continues to expand the frontiers of opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.
This topic could not be more relevant. As we stand at the crossroads of economic transformation, it has become increasingly clear that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the full participation of women in all sectors—particularly in business, law, and leadership.
Women in law business
Women lawyers in business
Enhancing Access to Finance
One of the greatest barriers facing women—especially women in law and entrepreneurship—is limited access to finance. Despite their potential, many female-led ventures struggle to grow due to a lack of capital, collateral, or banking support.
I speak of this from first-hand experience as the son of a woman in law business who is also a woman lawyer in business.
The Remuneration Order 2023 is a tool with vast potentials to enhance access to finance if all lawyers comply with fidelity
There was a time when a lawyer was one of the best paid professionals; but that is no longer the case. I called an Estate Agent out the other day and he charged me 10% agency fees.
I said, “10% of the value of the land?, my Solicitor doesn’t charge that”
He said, “I agree, I didn’t charge as much as that when I was a lawyer.”
Promoting Entrepreneurship
The legal profession is not only a noble service; it also holds vast potential for entrepreneurial growth. Whether operating a law firm, offering consultancy, or venturing into new business spaces, women in law must be supported to think and act entrepreneurially.
This support can come through:
Stronger mentorship networks between established professionals and emerging women entrepreneurs,
Continuous capacity-building programs on business management, leadership, and innovation,
Encouraging participation in trade exhibitions and economic missions to expand market reach and visibility.
Networking opportunities reminds me of Three men of different religious orientations who meet up for networking dinner. After dinner they’re talking about how they divide up the collection from the congregation between the God and themselves. The first man says, I draw a circle on the ground and throw all the money up in air.
Whatever falls in the circle I keep and the rest goes to the religion.
The second man says, I do something similar. I too draw a circle on the ground and throw all the money up in air. Whatever falls in the circle I give to the religion and the rest I keep for myself.
The third man says, I too do something similar. I throw all the money up in the air and whatever God wants he keeps.
Expanding Economic Opportunities for Women
Economic empowerment requires more than access—it demands an ecosystem that nurtures growth and sustainability. Women must be seen and supported as key players in the economy, not only in law but across all sectors.
To expand these opportunities, we must:
Continue advocating for gender-responsive policies that ensure fair participation in economic activities,
Support women’s integration into emerging specializations such as technology, modern-agriculture, and creative industries,
And encourage environments where work-life balance is possible, especially for women juggling multiple roles.
Talking about businesses and the law, I remember the young lawyer, defending a businessman in a lawsuit, feared he was losing the case and asked his senior partner if he should send a gift to the judge to curry favor. The senior partner was horrified. “The judge is an honorable man,” he said, “If you do that, I guarantee you’ll lose the case!”
Eventually, the judge ruled in the young lawyers favor. “Aren’t you glad you didn’t send those gifts?” the senior partner asked. “Oh, I did send them,” the younger lawyer replied. “I just enclosed my opponents business card with them.”
Conclusion
Distinguished guests,
As we reflect on the discussions from this conference, I urge us all to remember that women are not just participants in the economy—they are innovators, builders, and changemakers. It is our collective responsibility to create space, break barriers, and amplify their potential.
At the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we understand the urgency of this issue. Through our various platforms, we engage in policy advocacy to push for a more inclusive financial system that is responsive to the needs of women.
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry remains committed to championing women’s advancement and we look forward to building collaborations with NBAWF that will foster real and lasting impact.
I was reminded to keep dinner remarks short, as everyone is looking forward to enjoying the rest of the dinner. So please allow me to conclude by sincerely thanking all of you once again for your many efforts and commitment.
My Lords, Distinguished Colleagues, I appeal that after all has been said and done in this conference, let more be done than said.
God bless you all.
Emeka J. P. Obegolu, SAN
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN Bids NBAWF 2025 AGC Farewell with Stirring Message of Action and Inclusion
