Vice Chairperson Of NBA Onyenucheya-Uko Delivers Speech In Honor Of Late Dr. Hauwa Shekarau.
..... NBA Abuja Branch Hold Special Court Session To Honor Late Chairperson.
Read Speech In Full:
A SPEECH IN HONOR OF LATE DR. HAUWA EVELYN SHEKARAU, FICMC (3RD January 1968 – 15th September 2021)
BEING A SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE VICE CHAIRMAN, NBA ABUJA BRANCH, ON THE OCCASION OF A SPECIAL COURT SESSION IN HONOR OF THE LATE CHAIRMAN, NBA ABUJA BRANCH ON TUESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2021 AT THE FCT HIGH COURT CEREMONIAL COURTROOM.
It was the author, Ernest Hemingway that said, “Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another”.
We are gathered here today to honor a woman who lived a purposeful, impactful and inspiring life. Focused, intuitive, courageous, innovative, resolute, inspiring, dependable, confident, empathic and godly, are words I had always qualified her with.
Dr. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, was of the finest specie of lawyers, an eloquent advocate who embodied and personified the best ideals of the legal profession. She was an epitome of discipline, industry, etiquette, brilliance and versatility.
Called to Bar in 1992, our dear departed Chairman was a woman of many parts. Though having served in peak positions in a number of local and international organisations, she humbly took on the position of Chairman, NBA Abuja Branch, in a clear bid to lend her quota, towards restoring the Branch to its rightful pride of place. And in the about 14 months she was at the helm of the Branch’s affairs, despite battling the challenges of a failing health, serve she did! She really was a people’s General, who courageously led from the front.
Madam Chair, as we fondly called her, rallied the Branch together, reviving the camaraderie that made being a member of the bar, a real delight. She leveraged on her contacts and goodwill, building laudable partnerships with the Unity Bar and many organizations/entities and offices. Even the robust relationship that hitherto existed between the Bar and the Bench was rekindled! The graciousness of my noble lord, the Acting CJ of the Federal Capital Territory, in presiding over this special court session is a huge testament to this.
And yes, I agree with Chuck Palahniuk’s saying which our dear departed Chairman rightly quoted recently, while presenting a speech at an event similar to this, that “…we all die. The goal is not to live forever. The goal is to create something that will”. I can bet that the ideals she lived by, and imparted on all of us younger ones that she mentored, is a worthwhile legacy which will endure for always. And there is no better way to honor her beautiful memory than to ensure that we do all within our means, “marching on until we (NBA Abuja Branch), get to the zenith as the ‘numero uno’ branch of the Nigerian Bar Association”!
May I conclude with these words of Nelson Mandela, “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace”. I can bet, and I am certain many in this courtroom will readily attest that Dr. Shekerau manifestly did her duty to humanity, in every office and position she held, whether it be NBA, FIDA, IPAS or any other, and now we trust that she does rest in peace.
Indeed, our madam Chair lived fully respected, and died sorely regretted!
May her beautiful soul, rest in perfect peace.
CHIOMA ONYENUCHEYA-UKO
Vice Chair, NBA Abuja Branch.
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