2024 PALU Annual Conference Kicks Off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Nigerian Lawyers Applauded for Strong Delegation.

The Pan African Lawyers Union Conference formally commenced today, 16th October, 2024 with an elaborate opening ceremony at the great city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The opening ceremony which was held at the historic Nelson Mandela Hall of the African Union Commission Headquarters, was chaired by the Minister of Justice of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Gideon Timothewos who declared the conference open after his brief remarks. Participants were warmly received and adorned with beautiful mufflers by the Ethiopian Federal Advocates Association upon arrival at the African Union Commission Headquarters.
The opening ceremony was graced by African Regional Lawyers’ Associations, International Lawyers’ representative bodies and other dignitaries. Nigeria was recognised and applauded for the strong delegation at the conference. Over 20 Nigerian lawyers from the public and private sector were present. The delegation includes PALU Vice President for West Africa, Mrs. Joyce Oduah (Principal Partner, Joyce & Okey Oduah LP); the Director -General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isah Hayatu Chiroma and lecturers of the Nigerian Law School; as well as lawyers from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Corporate Affairs Commission, J-K Gadzama LLP, O. L. Udemezue & Co (Lex Divina Law Practice, Solomon Legal Practice and Ad Infinitum Law Firm.The ceremony commenced with an opening statement by the President of the Pan African Lawyers Union, Kari Abdul Bagui. An enlightening keynote address was delivered by Professor Hajer Gueldich, African Union Legal Counsel on the theme “Africa as a Global Powerhouse: Empowering Minds, Enlightening Paths”. The President of the Ethiopian Federal Advocates Association and PALU Vice President for East Africa, Mr. Tewodros Getachew Tulu welcomed the participants. Likewise, the representative of the African Union Commission gave his remarks.The evening came to a beautiful end with a welcome networking reception at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.The Panel Sessions are scheduled to be held on Thursday, 17th October, 2024 and Friday, 18th October, 2024.