By Tony Adibe, Enugu
It was a celebration of a life full of worthy achievements as the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Vice President of Malawi, Dr. Jane Ansah, Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, President of Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), and others on Friday paid glowing tributes to the famous legal icon and human rights activist, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (SAN) during her 60th birthday anniversary.
NewsBits reports that the colourful ceremony, which took place at the Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, attracted dignitaries from within Nigeria and the international community. Also, the celebration featured awards, book presentations, panel discussions, drama, and cultural performances.
Governor Mbah, in his remarks, described the renowned legal scholar and human rights crusader, Prof. Ezeilo, as an “icon whose life reflects courage and service.”
The Governor said that Ezeilo’s work as a former United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons and her role in founding the Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), which provided support and protection for abused women and vulnerable groups, were great achievements.
Represented by the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Patrick Ubru, Governor Mbah said that Ezeilo chose “justice over comfort and humanity over silence,” adding: “Her life is a testament to service and sacrifice.”
In her speech, the Vice President of Malawi, Dr Jane Ansah, explained that Ezeilo’s lifelong advocacy for human and women’s rights had transformed lives and strengthened institutions.
Represented by her daughter, Janet Ansah, the Malawian Vice President said that Ezeilo’s numerous legacies shine in the minds of those she has moulded over the years. She said: “Her legacy shines in the minds she has shaped and the hope she has inspired. She remains a beacon for all who believe in justice.”
Also, Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, in her speech, lauded what she regarded as Ezeilo’s “exceptional contributions”, describing her as a “rare personality whose impact transcended borders.”
Ezekwesili outlined the relevance of celebrating individuals who dedicated their lives to service and social transformation. The former Minister said that Ezeilo’s life “embodies scholarship, activism, and humanity,” emphasising that she had “spent years advocating for the vulnerable and using the law as a tool for justice.”
According to Ezekwesili, “She has become a garment for many — wrapping the poor, the violated, and the voiceless in the warmth of her advocacy.” The Chairman of the occasion, R.A. Lawal-Rabana (SAN), described Ezeilo as a globally respected scholar whose achievements span academia, legal practice, and public service.
According to him, Ezeilo’s status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, professor of law, and Life Bencher reflected intellectual integrity and excellence. He explained that her humility remained one of her most admired qualities.
Also, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, commended Ezeilo for her outstanding contributions to society, particularly her advocacy for vulnerable populations. In her response, Ezeilo appreciated the guests who came from across the world, describing herself as a joyful and blessed woman.
She also used the occasion to present her autobiography, “Joy Ngozi Ezeilo: From Local to Global, A Woman on a Mission,” which chronicles her journey from her early life to global advocacy.
L-R: The celebrant, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, 5th standing directly behind the cake, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (3), and other guests watch with admiration as she cuts her birthday cake… Photo Credit: Tony Adibe
