By George Ozalla
Happy 59th Birthday to Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, a distinguished academic, human rights activist, and lawyer dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and promoting social justice, human rights, and gender equality. Her remarkable achievements and numerous awards are a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.
Professor Ezeilo’s unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity encapsulate her courageous nature and focus. Despite the numerous challenges she has encountered while rising in her impressive career, she has consistently demonstrated her ability and focus to rise above them all, inspiring countless individuals along the way.
Born in the coal city of Enugu South East, Nigeria in 1966, she obtained her LL.B. from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and later equally obtained her LLM from Queen Mary College, University of London. She also additionally holds a diploma in peace studies and conflict resolution from Uppsala University, Sweden.
As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and professor of public law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Ezeilo has taught law at the university’s Enugu Campus and served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law. Her academic expertise spans human rights, gender studies, and conflict resolution.
Professor Ezeilo’s human rights activism and gender-based issues resonate locally and internationally. She was appointed the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, from 2008 to 2014. She has also worked closely with various international organizations to promote human rights and gender issues.
Professor Ezeilo has received numerous awards and honors for her outstanding contributions to human rights and social justice. She was conferred with the prestigious national honor of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) by the Federal government of Nigeria in 2006. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the BBC 100 Women. She has also received the National Human Rights Award in 2019, the Hon. Justice Taslim Elias Award in 2019, and the Civil Society Award of Excellence by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2022.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
This quote encapsulates Professor Ezeilo’s selfless dedication to serving others. Her commitment to promoting human rights and social justice has inspired numerous individuals to follow in her footsteps, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Professor Ezeilo’s commitment to human rights and social justice has also been recognized through her numerous publications and research papers. She has written extensively on topics such as human trafficking, gender-based violence, and access to justice for marginalized communities. Her research has been extensively cited and has contributed significantly to the development of human rights law and policy.
In addition to her academic and research work, Professor Ezeilo has been actively involved in various human rights organizations and initiatives. She has served as a board member of several organizations, including the revered Nigerian Human Rights Commission and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). She has also participated in various international human rights conferences and workshops, effortlessly sharing her expertise and experiences with other human rights advocates.
Through her work, Professor Ezeilo has inspired numerous individuals to pursue careers in law, human rights and social justice. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of human rights activists and social justice advocates. Her commitment to mentoring and empowering others has created a ripple effect of positive change in Nigeria and beyond.
Professor Ezeilo’s impact transcends beyond Nigeria’s borders. Her work has influenced human rights policies and practices globally, and she has been recognized as a leading expert in the field of human rights. Her contributions to the development of human rights law and policy have been commended, and her legacy will continue to shape the field for generations to come.
As Professor Ezeilo celebrates her 59th birthday, let us continue to honor her remarkable achievements and legacy. We wish her many more years of continued service to humanity.
It was Theodore Roosevelt that once quoted, ” believe that you can and you are half way there”.
The above quote encapsulates Professor Ezeilo’s unwavering optimism and dedication to creating positive change. As we celebrate her birthday, we are reminded of the power of individual action and the impact one person can have that will eventually influence others to act right.
As Professor Ezeilo continues to inspire and empower others, her legacy will only continue to grow. We celebrate her life’s work and look forward to many more years of her tireless efforts to promote human rights and social justice.
*Ozalla is the Managing Editor of Newscount and Vice President Advocacy for Change Initiative (ACI).
