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CJN: All You Need To Know About Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun

by Women Times on

Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun is a serving Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She is the 5th and youngest female to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. This article examines the early life, education, and notable achievements of Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun.

Justice Kekere-Ekun was born in London, the United Kingdom on 7th May 1958. Her parents were both indigenes of Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the eldest of eleven siblings from both parents. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, was a fervent Muslim and a very dedicated family man of noble lineage. He belonged to at least 3 Royal Families in Lagos. He was a legal practitioner and very active in politics. Throughout his career, he worked for many years as a Crown Counsel in the old Western Region of Nigeria. He also became the Town Clerk of Lagos City Council (similar to being the Mayor of Lagos). In 1975, at the age of 56 years, he retired voluntarily from the civil service. He subsequently became a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1983. His tenure was however brought to an abrupt end with the overthrow of the Alhaji Shehu Shagari-led civilian government in a military coup in December 1983. He was also an author. He died at the age of 99 on 31st March 2019.

Her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), is a devout Christian. She studied nursing in the UK, where she qualified as a Public Health Nurse before returning to Nigeria in December 1965. Upon her return to Nigeria, she built her career in the civil service of Lagos State and retired years later, at the age of 60. Mrs. Ogundimu is currently the head of a large and prominent Lagos family, the Savage Family.

Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, and Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu both remarried when K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun was still young. K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun grew up in a polygamous home with her father, stepmothers, siblings, and other relations. One of her stepmothers, who greatly influenced her life, was a teacher. She was brought up in an extremely strict and disciplined environment at home, where she was taught lasting values such as hard work, integrity, contentment, and the ability to get on with most people and to cope with most situations. It was always a full house with extended family and other school children spending their holidays, to earn extra tutoring and a disciplined upbringing.

K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun was privileged with quality education. She attended private primary schools before proceeding in 1970 to Queen’s College, Lagos, which was the best Federal Government College for girls in the country at the time. She studied Law at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, from 1977 to 1980 and obtained her LL.B in 1980. Following this, she attended the Nigerian Law School from 1980 to 1981 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981. From 1981 to 1982, she was engaged in the compulsory National Youth Service at the Ministry of Justice, Benin City, Bendel State (now Edo State). Afterwards, she proceeded to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) where she obtained a master’s degree in law in 1983.

After qualifying as a lawyer and obtaining a master’s degree in law from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), she worked in private law practice for a few years. As a result of the toll of the demands of private practice on her domestic responsibilities, she decided to join the bench to be able to enjoy more predictable work hours. She applied and was appointed by the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in December 1989. This marked the beginning of her career on the bench. She was subsequently appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on 19th July 1996. In September 2004, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal. As a Justice of the Court of Appeal, she served in five different Divisions across the country. She was the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal and also served as the Presiding Justice of the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal before her elevation to the Supreme Court on 8th July 2013. She is currently a member of the Supreme Court Rules Committee and Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Litigation Department of the Court.

K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 till May 1999, when the Tribunals were abolished. The constitution of the Tribunal included one Police officer and one Military officer. In the process, the Police officer gained significant insight into the requirements for conducting effective criminal investigations and prosecutions. He was subsequently posted to the Police College (where recruits are trained) as a lecturer and was able to share a lot of what he had learned from his participation in the Tribunal hearings. In recognition of her reputation for integrity and hard work, she was one of 3 Judges of the Lagos State High Court first selected to try offences relating to financial crimes and money laundering under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004 and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Furthermore, in 2003, K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun served as a member of the Ethics Curriculum Planning Committee of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), in collaboration with the Department for International Development (DFID) and UNODC. This committee produced the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. She also chaired the Public Complaints and Training Committee that was part of the UNODC pilot project on strengthening judicial integrity and capacity in Lagos State. This was from February 2003 till July 2004. The Public Complaints Committee investigated complaints against magistrates in the performance of their official duties and became pivotal for the reform of the justice delivery system in the magistrate courts. Moreover, she served as a supervisory judge in charge of the Apapa Magisterial District in Lagos State from October 2002 till July 2004. She also served as a member of the committee that drafted the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004 from April 2002 till December 2002. The new Civil Procedure Rules introduced innovations in case management such as the front-loading concept, pre-trial conference, and the application of ADR mechanisms for the speedy dispensation of justice. The innovations have also been adopted by most states of the Federation and have proved particularly helpful in the speedy dispensation of electoral disputes.

From December 2001 till December 2004, she served as a member of the Steering Committee of the Lagos State Multi-Door Court House, the first court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution centre in Africa. At the Court of Appeal, she served on the Information Technology Committee, which was to facilitate the computerization of the Court. Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun is a recipient of prestigious awards. She was a recipient of the Merit Awards of the Lagos State Judiciary, in December 2003 and in September 2013. Again, she was twice awarded the Distinguished Trailblazers Awards by the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (August 2012 and 2014). She belongs to several professional associations and groups, including the National Association of Women Judges; International Association of Women Judges; Body of Benchers – Life Bencher W.E.F. 8th February 2018; Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (Fellow); and International Dispute Resolution Institute (Fellow). She is also a member of the Ikoyi Club 1938. Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun has been married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, since December 1983. His work ethic and integrity have been a great motivating factor for her. Their union is blessed with three children who are all graduates and excelling in their chosen fields. K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun is passionate about self-examination, being the change that one wants to see in the world and setting your standards early, starting every endeavour in the same manner as one means to carry on. These have been her guiding principles in her personal and professional life.

 

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Profile

Nashaira Belisa-Unveiling Miss World Curacao 2024

by Women Times on

Nashaira Belisa Balentien Morales, affectionately known as Belisa, is a dynamic individual whose roots extend from the vibrant culture of Curaçao to the colorful landscapes of Colombia. Born into a close-knit family, Belisa is the proud daughter of a Curaçaoan father and a Colombian mother. She shares her life with two beloved brothers and her cherished French Bulldogs.

Embracing a life full of diverse experiences, Belisa has ventured from her Dutch and Colombian citizenships to immerse herself in the beauty of the African continent. Since 2021, she has made Nigeria her home, finding inspiration and joy in its rich cultural tapestry.

A woman of many passions, Belisa has a deep love for fine dining, savoring culinary experiences with loved ones. Her leisure time is a blend of athleticism and intellectual pursuits, as she engages in tennis, workouts, and continuous self-education. Always hands-on and with a profound appreciation for family values, Belisa actively adds value to the lives of those around her.

Entrepreneurship:
In the realm of entrepreneurship, Belisa is a trailblazer. The founder and manager of House of Royals, a business development company, she exemplifies leadership, innovation, and business acumen. As the co-owner of the beauty hub ‘Callix NG’ and the visionary behind a rooftop restaurant in Lagos (opened in 2022), her expertise in hospitality shines through, rooted in her earlier studies in the field during junior college in Curaçao.

Belisa’s journey began at the age of 13, working her way up from a salesgirl to managing sales and marketing by the age of 21, all while pursuing her education. Her unwavering commitment to success and resilience has been a driving force throughout her entrepreneurial journey.

Humanitarian Work:
Belisa’s heart for philanthropy started at the tender age of 15 with Beautiful Helping Hands in Curaçao. Over time, her charitable endeavors expanded to Colombia and the African continent. She emphasizes sustainable aid, ensuring that support not only provides immediate relief but also empowers individuals for long-term progress.

Her impactful work includes workshops for young girls, donations of essential utilities, and focused efforts on supporting single mothers. Through partnerships with organizations like Lions Group Curaçao, Red Cross, Love Foundation, and Elsja Usman Foundation, Belisa strives to create lasting positive change in the lives of those in need.

Educational Background:
Belisa pursued a degree in International and European Law at The Hague University of Applied Science in the Netherlands. Complementing her academic journey, she engaged in executive courses on Principles of Leadership, Marketing, and Project Management. She firmly believes in the importance of education and continuous self-development.

Leadership Skills:
Colleagues and staff describe Belisa as a respectful, intelligent, and energetic leader. She is known for leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of her goals, always ready to lend a helping hand in her unique way. Her innovative projects extend to consulting for various companies, contributing to their improvement and growth.

Industry Recognition:
Belisa’s excellence has been recognized with awards for Woman of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year, underscoring her impact in both business and charitable endeavors.

Passion for Social Change:
A passionate advocate for social causes, Belisa channels her efforts into creating opportunities for clean water access. Her mission is to reduce the devastating impact of unclean water and improve overall health and well-being.

Professional Development:
A fervent believer in professional growth, Belisa actively seeks opportunities to stay abreast of industry trends. Through her companies, she not only creates jobs but also nurtures the careers of individuals on a full-time or part-time basis.

Networking Skills:
Belisa possesses strong networking skills, evident in her collaborations, partnerships, and community connections. Her expansive network amplifies her ability to make a positive impact in both business and humanitarian efforts.

Adaptability:
Demonstrating adaptability and resilience, Belisa learns from challenges to fuel personal and professional growth. Her ability to navigate change has been a cornerstone of her success.

Tech-savvy:
Proficient in relevant technologies and platforms, Belisa leverages digital tools to enhance business operations and outreach.

Public Speaking:
An effective communicator, Belisa showcases proficiency in public speaking through presentations, talks, and panel discussions. Her eloquence and passion resonate with audiences.

Global Perspective:
Belisa exhibits a global perspective through her involvement in international projects, collaborations, and initiatives. Her commitment to contributing to a broader impact underscores her dedication to making a difference on a global scale.

In the dynamic intersection of business, philanthropy, and pageantry, Belisa Balentien Morales stands as an exemplar of a modern, empowered woman making waves and creating positive change in the world.

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Profile

IWD 2023: Celebrating The Women Making Magic Behind And In Front Of The Cameras

by Women Times on

Every year, we celebrate women – their achievements, gifts, and unique talents on International Women’s Day. Despite shifting cultures and more women taking on new roles, jobs, and challenges, it’s still essential to spotlight women making extraordinary strides.

In the global film industry, women are stepping up and taking on roles as directors, producers, writers, and actors. Interestingly, in some cases, some women have tried all of these roles in one project. This article spotlights five Nollywood women who have taken on the roles of directors, producers, writers, and actors, either on single projects or in different films.

Biodun Stephen always loved telling stories, first as a writer when she was younger and then as an actor in her early years, appearing in popular TV projects such as Emerald and Spider. She took a break from the industry and worked as a Radio Presenter at Star FM and a Copywriter for an advertising agency. In 2010, she left her posh job in advertising to become a Nollywood filmmaker and finally put out her first film – The Visit – in 2014. The film received two nominations at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

It’s been 13 years since she made the bold move to return to the industry, and she’s still going strong. With several made-for-TV and cinema films like Picture Perfect, Ovy’s Voice, and Joba, she’s unarguably one of Nollywood’s most prominent female filmmakers. This year alone, she’s premiered one Africa Magic original, Smokescreen and has two more premiering this March. She’ll show her brilliance as an actor and filmmaker on The Last Days of Lola Sampson and A Night Alone on the 11th and 12th of March at 9 pm and 9:30 pm, respectively.

Diane Russet is a fascinating name to make this list as only a few year’s ago, she was coming into the spotlight on Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem. She has since gone from the quiet 24-year-old viewers saw in 2019 to a fiery producer. She dipped her toes into filmmaking with short films – Bayi, The Therapist, There Is Something Wrong With The Bamideles, Mo X Mel, and Storm. She then shot her first web series Ricordi, which has become a fully-expanded TV series on Africa Magic Showcase. She’s appeared in most of these projects as an actor, producer, and director. Her most recent project, Ricordi, airs a new episode every Monday at 9 pm on Africa Magic Showcase.

Funke Akindele is the quintessential woman meant for a list like this. She’s had decades of acting since her feature on I Need To Know and charted a path few could dream. She’s appeared in English-speaking movies and Yoruba films, refusing to be caged into any corner of the industry. She had her first lead role and producer experience in Ojo Ketala.

A few years later, she wrote Jenifa, her first screenplay and took on the role of ‘Jenifa’ in the 2008 movie that changed her life completely. Since Jenifa, Funke has acted in over 50 films like Dwindle, Isoken, Maami, Moms At War and more. She has produced films like Omo Ghetto, Double Trouble, and Battle on Buka Street. In 2015, she converted Jenifa into a series in which she scored producer credit. Twenty-three seasons later, the show is still airing on Africa Magic. She’s also created another series – My Siblings and I – for the channel. The comedic family drama series airs on weekdays at 8:30 PM on Africa Magic Urban (DStv ch. 153). She made her directorial debut in Your Excellency in 2019.

Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman is another unlikely name to appear on this list. To most people, she’s just an actress, who had her big break on Tinsel, and still faithfully appears on the show. However, she’s grown her portfolio and is now a filmmaker. After Linda’s breakout role as ‘Bimpe Adekoya’ in Tinsel, she featured in the highly acclaimed The Meeting, earning a ‘Best supporting actress’ nomination for her performance. She has appeared in films like Chief Daddy, Heaven’s Hell, and Flat 3B. She’s currently starring as ‘Millicent Erhu’ in Africa Magic’s Covenant. She also has producer credits on one of the Africa Magic original films featured in the channel’s ‘March Movie Madness’ campaign – Logline. The film will premiere on Africa Magic Showcase on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 9 pm.

Lota Chukwu is one of the many young people Funke Akindele has helped to make famous. However, Lota has become a talented actress, brilliant writer, and dedicated filmmaker since she first broke out on Jenifa’s Diary. Since her days as ‘Kiki’ on Jenifa’s Diary, the former MBGN contestant has appeared in films like The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, The Arbitration, and The Perfect Plan. She has also appeared in the Africa Magic series – Enakhe and Ajoche.

She started her filmmaking career in 2020 with the short film Small Bant, which she wrote, directed, and acted in. In 2021, she got directorial credit for David. Then in 2022, she took things up a notch, writing, directing, producing, and acting in her short film, 37 To Go, alongside Daniel Etim-Effiong. The film won her ‘best actress’ and ‘best original music’ and received an honourable mention for her directing at the New York Movie Awards. Her 2022 documentary, I’m Not Fine, has also impacted many young Nigerians with mental health issues. Then earlier this year, she made her feature film writer, director and producer debut on the Africa Magic original film, Now That We Are Married. The film aired on AM Showcase on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at 9:30 pm.

These women, at different levels in their profession, have done and will continue to do excellent work. While Biodun Stephen and Funke Akindele have exceptional careers built on years of hard work, the other ladies have only just begun. They embody what it means to have a strong vision, be hardworking and chase dreams. They are inspirations to younger people and are worthy of celebration!

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Women of SubstanceProfile

WIMBIZ lauds and Celebrate 20 Trailblazers at Legend Balls

by Women Times on

Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) held its iconic Legends Ball in recognition and celebration of twenty female living legends in Nigeria.

The exclusive evening-gown event, to mark WIMBIZ’s 20th Anniversary, held on October 30th in Lagos. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Lady Maiden Alex Ibru, Prof. Ibironke Akinsete, Onyeka Onwenu, Chief Mrs Kofo Olawoye; Dr Sarah Jubril, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye and Chief Dr Onikepo Akande, OON, CON were among the recognized female pioneers, who through sheer audacity have broken barriers for women and achieved incredible feats in their different endeavours.

Speaking about the legends, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, Chairman, Board of Trustees, WIMBIZ said: “We are celebrating female legends who dared to challenge the status quo when nobody else could and succeeded.”

In addition to recognizing the female legends, Mrs. Ighodalo emphasized that WIMBIZ has built an institution that is beyond its trustees. “As a founding trustee, I am excited to see younger women take on leadership roles within the WIMBIZ community, 10 years ago, having mentored and worked with our current leaders, we passed on the baton of leadership to them and its been graceful watching them flourish.”

The WIMBIZ Legends Ball is one in a series of pre-conference events leading to the 20th WIMBIZ Annual Conference set to take place on November 4th and 5th, 2021. Confirmed speakers for the Conference are Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Economist and Founder, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Atedo Peterside, CON; former Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Ibukun Awosika, as well as Founder, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (now GTCo) and FATE Foundation, Fola Adeola

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Profile

Kemi Fabusoro – There is need for stringent advertising framework

by Women Times on

The Director/Executive Secretary of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) Kemi Fabusoro has stressed the need to include in the regulatory body’s operation, terms for violation and penalty for offenders, arguing that such inclusion will help it to achieve an effective, result-oriented advertising framework.

She stated this while giving her assessment of Nigeria’s advertising ecosystem during a one-on-one interview with MARKETING EDGE. In her view, such framework, if achieved, will help to consolidate the industry to an extent, as the need for improvement is long overdue. She noted that the AAAN has been pushing for the updated framework for a while now, explaining that the updated framework once approved for operation, will capture all activities within the advertising industry.

“With the updated framework, we will be able to capture everything that we have ever wanted to push as an association and we will also protect our members. Once we are able to do that, I believe the future of advertising is very bright.”

The marketing communication expert went further to add: “You know there are things we say we don’t do, but there are no penalties attached to them. The issue of the framework will also look at these other things. We noticed that there are some gaps, but we will ensure that the updated framework capture every aspect freely, so that when people go against these things, there will be severe penalties for it.”

The first female director of the AAAN continued: “We are also going to the point where non-members of the association should not go for pitch with clients or any government-related business. Those are the things that are in the pipeline, but have not been signed on. Implementation is very weak at the moment, but we will continue to work with what we have to help our members stand out.”

The advertising expert, while expressing her passion for the industry, also pointed out that the association is advocating for the inclusion of pitch feecode into the framework to enable agencies work accordingly.

“The issue of pitch fee is one area that I am also extremely passionate about. For us, the pitch fee is another cause we have been championing and it is something that we know we have to put in the framework. Aside from creating laws, which people can abuse overtime, we want it to become the code in which if violated, there can be a penalty.”

Mrs. Fabusoro also mentioned that in the bid to promote agency-client relationship, there is urgent need for stakeholders’ engagement. “We want to create a stakeholders engagement or forum where we will have client/agency engagement to discuss and also educate clients on how to deal with pitches, to make the situation a lot easier. It will create a platform where everyone bares his or her mind on issues bothering them and then we will be able to grow the industry together and have mutual respect for one another.”

Source: Marketing edge.ng

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Special ReportProfileWomen of Substance

Times 100 names Okonjo-Iweala as one of its 2021 World’s Most Influential People

by Women Times on

TIME100 franchise that recognizes 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future of entertainment, health, politics, business and more, has named Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

According to Time’s Editor-in-Chief and CEO, Edward Felsenthal, the magazine chooses its most influential people by looking for “extraordinary leaders” who strive to make a better future.

“They are disrupters, fixers, doers, iconoclasts, problem solvers, people who in a year of crisis have leaped into the fray,” Felsenthal wrote in the magazine.

Commenting on her win, Okonjo-Iweala said it’s a privilege to be on the cover of Time Magazine.

Her social media post read: “Honored and privileged to be on the cover of Time Magazine and to be recognized as one of the world’s Most Influential leaders! Profound thanks to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their kind words. All Glory to God.”

Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, wrote in the post accompanying Okonjo-Iweala’s selection: “What will it take to vaccinate the world? Unity, cooperation and leaders like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.”

Other Nigerian activists, advocates and philanthropists fighting for equality and justice on the list are: #EndSARS activists Feyikemi Abudu, Odunayo Eweniyi, and Damilola Odufuwa.

Source: Time100

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Profile

Jesulade Broke 21 Years Records and Graduate with A First Class

by Women Times on

Female First Class  Graduate of Ladoke  Akintola University of Technology,Ogbomoso in the department of Biochemistry  Mary Jesulade Oyindamola, has taken to her LinkedIn page to narrate how she broke a 21-year-old jinx in her department.

She stated that getting admission into the university was not an easy one for her. Mary revealed that right from the registration point, people said her department of biochemistry is a difficult one.

The lady said that since the department was created in 2000, there has never been a first-class graduate.

While people were trying to discourage her from going to the department, the lady told herself: “People will always air their opinion on subject matters, but it’s left to you to manage these opinions the best way you can and prove them right or wrong.”

The young Nigerian lady revealed that she also told herself that she would do the unimaginable with God. She beat the odds and had first class at 100 level. She made it!

Some senior colleagues who saw her result asked her to switch if she does not want her result ‘axed’ but she stayed. Despite the fact that her CGPA took a hit along the way, she bounded back and coasted to victory in her final year with a first-class.

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