Mrs Chinwe Omoaka was was called to the Bar in 2003. She finds joy in law practice and lives a life of service to humanity. In this interview with the Legal Editor, John Austin Unachukwu, Omoaka says she is passionate about giving back to the society and unhappy about the exploitation of young lawyers and corruption which has eaten deep into the fabric of all strata of society, including the law practice.
HOW would you describe your practice experience?
I will say that it has been rewarding. I am glad I chose this career path. And my husband encouraged me so much to do so. It has provided me with many benefits – ranging from personal fulfillment to being financially rewarding. It has also been intellectually challenging. By this I mean, navigating the evolving legal system, advances in technology, vast bodies of case law and the constant demands of the legal practice apparently creates a stimulating intellectual environment. So, I will say that it has been rewarding and I feel absolutely fulfilled.
What would you describe as the greatest challenge facing law practice?
There are apparently many challenges facing law practice in Nigeria. To me, the greatest of these challenges is the exploitation of young lawyers. This stems from the fact that there is gross unemployment of lawyers with poor welfare. One of the promises made by the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, during his campaign was to seriously look into the problem of welfare of young lawyers. I am very confident in his administration’s willingness and ability to bring succour in this area within the shortest possible time. His administration is obviously leaving no stone unturned in this regard.
There is also the challenge of corruption. Regrettably, this has eaten deep into the fabric of every strata of our society, including the law practice. It comes in different dimensions, which include but not limited to tribalism, nepotism and favoritism
Some people have canvassed that Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR) is the preferred option in resolving commercial disputes. What is your view about this?
I will answer that in the affirmative. Though litigation has the advantage of finality and sanction, but in most cases, it soils the business relationship between the parties. This is just one of the clogs in litigation. It is also more expensive and can drag on for a decade or more. The clogs experienced in litigation led to the awareness and discovery of the advantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms amongst business associates, investors and legal practitioners. Parties to commercial contracts have ADR or arbitration clauses contained in their agreements. Similarly, the courts refer disputing parties to multi-door courthouse attached to the courts to explore settlement through mediation or any other ADR mechanism available at the multi-door courthouse. Section 19 (d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) also confers constitutional guarantee on settlement of disputes by arbitration and other forms of ADR, thus giving ADR constitutional backing.
Why?
It is obvious that arbitration is widely regarded as preferred means of resolving international commercial disputes as it provides a neutral, speedy and expert dispute resolution process. It provides a dependable forum. The preeminence is due to the process being autonomous, neutral, informal, flexible, private, confidential, expeditious, cost effective, specialist, final, binding and enforceable. These 10 ribs actually make this institution particularly alluring and it is gradually taking over settlement of disputes through the traditional method of litigation.
You seem to have passion for NGO work, especially Cancer Awareness Programmes. What informed your interest in this area of work?
I have always known that choosing the selfless path of service to humanity is the greatest. I have always believed that it is in giving that we receive and I was brought up that way anyway. However, after my encounter with breast cancer and the way God saved my life through early detection of the disease, I decided to help other women overcome the scourge of breast cancer through same. After this journey, I realised that breast cancer is actually not a death sentence. Detecting it early and starting treatment immediately guarantee very high chances of survival. In fact, women who are diagnosed at stages zero, one and two of the disease have almost 100 per cent survival rate. Mine was like that, a nip in the bud. I decided to create this awareness to help low income women through our foundation – Worthy Wellness Initiative – with funding for their screening/treatments to help change breast cancer mortality rate to survival rate.We hope that with the help of this initiative, women will have the opportunity of staying with their families longer rather than being stolen away in their prime by breast cancer.
What have you done in this area to help create awareness and proffer solution for the women suffering from cancer?
As they say, there is always a good side of every bad situation. A lot of people believe the lockdown was a horrible time for everyone; but it actually helped me do a lot in this area. I used that period to conduct research on breast cancer foundations, including different ways of sourcing funds towards the cause. I spoke to few individuals who also showed interest in the cause and we formed a team. We did all the preliminaries and background jobs, then we started the foundation. We will be organising different programs ranging from workshops, seminars and free breast screening regularly to create breast cancer awareness and help finance treatments for less privileged women. To be honest, the response has been incredibly amazing. Individuals and corporate bodies have been of tremendous support towards this cause. My desire is for this cause to outlive me.
What is the event about?
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are organising our first free breast cancer screening and awareness event for women of low income, no income. This takes place on October 17, 2020 at BM Empire Multispecialist Hospital in Surulere, Lagos. We are working, in conjunction with the hospital. We advertised the programme in our social media handles and so many women filled the application form. However, 30 women were shortlisted and contacted for the exercise.
Do you have any medical personnel to attend to them?
Yes, consultant radiologists, consultant general surgeons and consultant mental health care specialist will attend to them. Everything is already in place for the free breast screening. Those who may be diagnosed with the disease at the end of the screening will commence treatment through the help of the foundation. As you know, cancer fight is generally a collective fight. Together we will fight the scourge of breast cancer.
The highlight of the event is: Everyone can help save someone. We chose this theme because we believe that everyone can actually help save someone in any little way. It could be through their donations, volunteer work and even advise. The topic of the event is: Free Breast Cancer Screening and Awareness Campaign.
What is your advice to women on cancer- related issues?
My advice to women with cancer related issues is they should remain positive. Embracing the condition with a positive mindset has a huge impact in their healing. They should stay away from any form of toxicity, be close to those who truly love and care for them, those who have only soothing words for them and just remain focus on their healing. Regular checkup will do a lot of good too. And of course, prayer and absolute trust in God.
Do you have interest in going to the Bench or remaining at the Bar? Or do you plan to go fully into NGO work?
Well, I am at the Bar and as I said earlier, it has been rewarding. But then in life, the only permanent reality is change. Having said that, I am ready to embrace any change life brings or throws at me. As regards the NGO, wherever I am, I will live my life in service to humanity. I am passionate about giving back to the society. I am eager to see women fight and survive breast cancer. I am eager to hear that no one dies of breast cancer anymore. I am eager to live an impactful life. The secret of living is giving. Hence, I will still be part of the NGO till I breathe my last.
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