It is with immense pride and heartfelt joy that I extend my warmest congratulations to Mrs. Joyce Oduah on her historic appointment as the first female Secretary General of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU).
This appointment is not only a well-deserved personal achievement, but also a defining moment for women across the African legal landscape. It signifies a bold step toward a more inclusive and progressive legal community—one that recognizes competence, celebrates diversity, and honours the undeniable contributions of women in leadership.
As a woman and a Professor of Law, I am deeply inspired by this milestone. Mrs. Oduah’s elevation reflects not just her brilliance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to legal excellence, but also the collective strides we are making toward gender equity in legal institutions across the continent.

Her appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for PALU—one we believe will be defined by innovation, impactful leadership, and transformational service to the legal profession in Africa.
I wish Mrs. Oduah a successful and inspiring tenure, filled with vision, purpose, and enduring legacy.
Warm regards,
Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson
Chair, Lawyers in Academia Forum
Former 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association
#PALU #WomenInLeadership

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