The Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, Mrs Funmi Falana, SAN, has called on young girls and women nationwide to claim their rightful place in society.
Funmi, wife of human rights activist Femi Falana (SAN), stated that it’s outdated to suggest a woman’s place is in the kitchen. She made this remark in Ado Ekiti at a State Banquet organised by the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice, celebrating new Senior Advocates of Ekiti origin as part of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-anniversary events.
The Senior Advocates of Nigeria honoured at the occasion included Funmi Falana, Chief Lawrence Falade, Mrs Folasade Alli, Mr Adeoye Babatunde, Emmanuel Olayiwola, Ayoola Ajayi, Mrs Oluronke Adeyemi, and Mr Adeola Adedipe.
Falana, expressing gratitude for the honour conferred upon her and other senior advocates by the Ekiti State Government, described it as a wake-up call for younger individuals to aspire to the top.
According to her, “The lesson is that you can still be honoured in your own state. The idea that a prophet is not honoured in his town no longer applies. We are glad that our state has recognised our worth and honour.
“We have been placed in the position of role models for the younger ones, showing them that if you put hard work into whatever you do, you can reach the top.”
The women’s rights advocate added, “My focus has been fighting for women’s rights and defending the oppressed people of Nigeria. That has been my work, and I am sure I received this honour as a result of my contribution to the development of women’s law.
“Women are not where they are supposed to be, which is why those of us who have reached this level serve as examples that the notion of a woman’s place being in the kitchen is outdated.
“A woman can reach the top of her career if she puts in hard work. So, this is a lesson for all women to rise and take their rightful place in society, recognising they are as important as their male counterparts.
“There is no limit for women wherever they find themselves. They should refuse to be marginalised and reject discrimination,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Alli, the eldest daughter of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, appreciated the state government for the honour and congratulated Oyebanji on his two-year anniversary.
Alli described the honour as a testament to excellence, saying, “This is an encouragement to everyone to do their best as an Ekiti person, wherever they are.”
Oyebanji, who presented the awards to the eight senior advocates, congratulated them on their recognition, which he said was due to hard work.
Earlier, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN, said those recognised were among Ekiti indigenes who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession to become SANs.
Apata said, “In 1978, this journey began with Aare Afe Babalola, who was conferred with the SAN title. Today, we have over 50 SANs in Ekiti State.
“It should be noted that we have many of them in Ilawe and Ikere Ekiti, while other towns and communities are following closely.”
