On January 20th 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. Following his swearing-in, he signed several executive orders in line with his campaign promises. Two orders, in particular, raised serious concerns for global health and development efforts:

1. Withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO.
2. Funding freeze on all USAID projects worldwide.

Recognising the global implications of these executive orders, Lex Initiative convened a webinar titled “The Ripple Effects: Understanding the Impact of U.S. Policy Changes on Marginalised Women and Communities”.

Some of the key discussions were on how the WHO withdrawal could impact access to life-saving healthcare for vulnerable populations, the consequences of the USAID funding freeze on women’s rights programs in Africa and strategies for African-based organisations to respond to funding shifts and sustain advocacy efforts.

The webinar outcomes include calls for collaboration among human right groups in order to demand for policy reversals while seeking alternative funding mechanisms.

It was also agreed that there’s need to strengthen local funding strategies and engage African governments to increase domestic investment in social justice programs thereby reducing over reliance on foreign aids.

As these global events unfold, Lex Initiative remains committed to advocating for marginalised communities and amplifying African voices in the global human rights discourse.

The U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: A Crisis in Global Health Governance and the Legal Implications for Marginalised Women in Nigeria.

Read the article here.

In addition to external advocacy work, January also marked a significant milestone for Lex Initiative’s internal growth. We conducted a comprehensive Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) to evaluate our governance, operational structures, and overall institutional effectiveness.

This assessment was carried out by MindsAlive Services, a development expert firm, using an OCA Tool harmonised under the SCALE Project, supported by USAID. The process provided an in-depth analysis of our strengths, opportunities, and areas for growth.

Through the assessment, organisational strengths were recognised with opportunities for growth being identified also. This exercise provided a roadmap for organisational strengthening, ensuring Lex Initiative is well-positioned to scale its impact in the years ahead.

It also reaffirmed LIRAD’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability as we continue to drive human rights and justice advocacy in Nigeria.

On January 17th, 2025, Lex Initiative hosted a Vision Board Workshop in Abuja, with the theme “Shaping the Future for Inclusive Advocacy.”

This workshop provided young female lawyers with the clarity, mentorship, and tools needed to build successful careers and champion women’s rights in Nigeria.

The event featured insightful discussions from seasoned legal, mental health and advocacy professionals such as:

Augusta Yaakugh-Shahin MCIArb – Gave the welcoming address and overview of the Workshop.

Mojirayo Ogunlana Esq. – Spoke on Women’s Rights Lawyering in Nigeria – Building an Inclusive Advocacy.

Sewuese Tofi Esq. – Addressed Career Development for Female Lawyers.

Adaeze Anah Esq. – Led a discussion on “Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession.”

Green Oge-Ali Esq. – Introduced Lex Initiative’s 2025 theme: “Roadmap to Unexclusion” and objectives for the day.

Mr. Francis Onyekwue – Delivered a session on Trauma-Informed Care and Psychosocial Support for survivors of GBV.

The Workshop which had media coverage by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), also received support from learned silks like P.H Ogbole SAN, Dr Ogwu James Onoja SAN, Eko Ejembi Eko SAN and a Goodwill Message from Afam Okeke Esq. the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch.

The workshop concluded with an interactive vision board session, where participants mapped out their career aspirations and advocacy goals. Many left feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to make meaningful contributions to the legal profession and women’s rights advocacy in Nigeria.

Participant Reflection:

“The most valuable part of the Vision Board Workshop for me was the opportunity to engage with and learn from experienced lawyers and advocates. The discussion around the challenges female lawyers face in their careers and the importance of advocacy for women’s rights were particularly inspiring. I gained new perspectives on navigating the legal field as well.” – E. I. David Esq.