Barrister (Mrs) Lois Hembadoon Adura was among lawyers who were called to Nigerian Bar recently. She told Dominic Akpensuen that the main reason why she read Law is to deal with the injustices that the less privileged go through in the society and to help widows in the country. Excerpts.
Why did you choose Law as a course?
The plight of the less privileged in the country goaded me to read law. I always feel bad when I see people’s rights being trampled upon and they helplessly keep quiet. I read Law to protect the downtrodden. The desire to study Law was born out of my vision to stand for those who cannot get justice. I want to serve as the voice for the voiceless. I will stand for people who ordinarily cannot afford legal service charges to fight injustice in the society. Indeed, my main concern is that of widows, orphans, abused children and the helpless.
Which university did you graduate from before enrolling in Nigerian Law School?
I studied Law at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom (UK), and called to Bar in Nigeria after graduation from Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja.
I obtained my LL.B and LL.M both at the University of Buckingham.
What is the significance of celebrating your call to Bar in the church?
You can see here is Pro-Cathedral in Garki, Abuja. We are celebrating my call to Bar today. Among us here are notable jurists, traditional rulers, clergymen, security experts (serving and retired), friends and family members, among other well wishers.
What does the call to Bar mean to your vision?
I feel greatly satisfied. I feel fulfilled because I am actualising my vision. Entering legal profession had been my childhood dream.
Had any of your family members objected to your reading Law?
My friends and family members did not discourage me from reading Law. In this reception organised in my honour by family members, they appreciated my dogged determination to soar to greater heights. Through dint of hard work, I have achieved my life’s dream.
Why most of your acquaintances greatly eulogized you? Have you started serving them?
Yes. You can hear most people here testifying that I deserved to be honoured and emulated. Some described me as a woman of values and substance who denied myself of comfort in order to invest in people. Some said I had made a giant stride in my chosen career and expressed gratitude to God Almighty for making today a reality. Some said I am a woman with large heart who demonstrate the quality of a true mother, great achiever and one with the fear of God.
My Jamaican-born intimate friend and a sister in Christ, Colleen Marie, testified that my character is extraordinary and unique, loaded with endearing qualities of selflessness and generosity. I am highly honoured. I am happy.
Have all these encomiums reinforced your ideals?
I am a woman set to bring solace to those who are in grief and give hope to children who have lost their parents, and to provide food and shelter to the homeless. I told you I would be voice for the voiceless and ever ready to confront anyone who suppresses others. I pray God to help me in the task ahead.
Has any individual or organisation promised to help you in protecting the poor and the vulnerable?
Some personalities promised to synergise with me to tackle social vices and challenges facing women, particularly in their matrimonial homes. Through this synergy we can fight domestic violence, sexual harassment, child abuse and human trafficking through the instrumentality of legal profession. Just as my bosom friend said, my call to Bar is another historical moment in Tiv land. I will continue with my perseverance, strength of spirit, faith and trust in God. I expressed my profound gratitude to my husband, Dr Peter Terfa Adura, for standing with me in the course of actualising my dream.
