LIRAD Joins the Call for Judicial Integrity at C.O. Anah, SAN Memorial Colloquium

LIRAD participated in the 4th C.O. Anah, SAN Memorial Colloquium on judicial independence and human rights. Key insights on reforming Nigeria’s legal system.

On 29th May 2025, the Lex Initiative for Rights Advocacy and Development (LIRAD) participated in the 4th C.O. Anah, SAN Memorial Colloquium, hosted at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Secretariat in Abuja. Themed “Independence of the Judiciary and the Guardianship of Human Rights,” the event was organised by The Anah Center for Social Justice and gathered senior judges, legal scholars, and human rights defenders to examine the crisis facing Nigeria’s judiciary.

The colloquium addressed critical issues such as political interference, unethical judicial appointments, and the growing risks faced by courageous judges. A moving testimony by Hon. Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye detailed threats to his life while presiding over a sensitive case—highlighting the personal cost of judicial integrity. Activist Aisha Yesufu and legal scholars like Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and Prof. Ernest Ojukwu issued bold calls for systemic reform, transparency, and protection for principled judges.

“Judicial independence is not just a legal principle—it is a human right. When it crumbles, so does our access to justice.” — Prof. Chidi Odinkalu

LIRAD’s participation reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting judicial accountability, protecting the rule of law, and advocating for reforms that restore public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

Key Insight: The judiciary must be both independent and accountable—our legal future depends on it.

📩 For legal advocacy partnerships and justice reform collaboration, reach out to us at info@liradnigeria.org

The Place: LIRAD Explores the Power of Art in Advocacy and Healing

The Place – art event in Abuja exploring gender equality and mental health through dance and painting, organised by Institut Français Nigeria

As part of our growing work in mental health and feminist advocacy, team members from Lex Initiative attended “The Place”, a powerful art event held on 20th May 2025 at the Institut Français, Abuja.

The event featured a captivating live collaboration between Bahir Sylla, a dancer from Benin Republic, and Nigerian painter Uche Uguru. Together, they used movement and visual art to tell deeply emotional stories of gender inequality and mental health challenges—shedding light on the hidden struggles women face in society.

Following the performance, a thought-provoking panel brought together the artists, psychologist Mr. Solumbo, and art therapist Miss Sarima, who discussed how creative expression can support healing, challenge stigma, and drive social change.

At LIRAD, we believe that advocacy must speak to both the mind and the heart. Art offers us a language of empathy, resistance, and transformation.

This experience inspires and strengthens our vision for an upcoming Art for Advocacy series that will centre lived experiences, emotional resilience, and intersectional justice through creative mediums.

📩 For partnership or project collaborations, reach us at info@liradnigeria.org