During a recent book launch, literary critics and intellectuals gathered to emphasise the critical need to document and celebrate the substantial contributions of women in the judiciary and other sectors.
They shared the belief that chronicling these achievements plays a vital role in inspiring girls and young women to pursue their own paths in leadership and public service.
The discussions highlighted the importance of biographies in shaping effective leadership narratives.
Critics noted that by reading about the journeys of exemplary figures, the younger generation can gain valuable insights that could inform their own leadership styles and decision-making processes. Such narratives not only serve as inspiration but also offer practical lessons crucial to personal and professional development.
This call for recognition was underscored at the launch of “The Woman I Know: A Biography of Barrister Bilkisu Abdulmalik Bashir.” The biography details the life and achievements of Barrister Bashir, a distinguished lawyer and respected leader whose influence has been profoundly felt among numerous chief justices throughout her career.
Written by 3 brilliant authors, Patrick Oguejiofor, Musa Azare and Iheakolam Igwenyi, the book aims to illuminate the significant roles women have played in shaping the legal landscape, while also encouraging a new generation of women to step into leadership roles and assert their voices in the judiciary and beyond.
The chairman of the occasion, Boss Mustapha, emphasised the book’s significant contribution by highlighting its focus on leadership as an institutional practice rather than merely a personal endeavour.
He elaborated on how the book systematically examines the Federal Judicial Service Commission, noting that effective leadership in this context requires a delicate balance between discretion and rules, as well as between firmness and fairness.
Mustapha asserted that the book illustrates how leadership is a cumulative process, built through consistency, attention to detail, and a commitment to responsibility without the need for personal recognition.
He remarked, “Beyond individual biographies, ‘The Woman I Know’ serves a more significant civic purpose. It enriches Nigeria’s institutional memory by documenting the judiciary’s challenges, internal dynamics, and moments of progress. This book preserves vital lessons that might otherwise fade, fostering learning across generations and inspiring reflection on how our systems evolve over time. Nation-building is influenced not only by landmark events but also by the day-to-day decisions made within institutions.”
The keynote speaker, Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, described the book as more than just a collection of biographies; it is a compass that provides inspiration and serves as a blueprint for understanding the complexities and richness of the Nigerian judicial system.
He emphasised the importance of former Nigerian Presidents, noting that only Olusegun Obasanjo had authored books before taking office. This underscores the necessity for future presidents to document their ideologies, allowing for better assessment of their visions before they assume power.
“It is crucial for our republic that leaders recognise the importance of record keeping. Books like this should not remain solely in libraries; they should be accessible to both the elite and the wider public. Leaders must prepare for their roles not just by familiarising themselves with their offices but by demonstrating intellectual prowess that inspires a generation and shapes expectations for the future, including for our children and grandchildren,” he concluded.
The book reviewer, Dr Liz Ben-Iheanacho, stressed Bilkisu’s competence and high performance as exemplifying a gender-neutral perspective, challenging the societal dynamics that often undermine women in leadership roles within Nigeria.
She noted that Bilkisu’s accomplishments challenge the stereotype that women in leadership are often insecure and overbearing towards their subordinates. Instead, she ensured that promotions, entitlements, and training were fairly distributed to all, demonstrating a commitment to equity.
Ben-Iheanacho stated, “The perception of women in the boardroom often revolves around weakness or indecisiveness, leading to an expectation that they must adopt traditionally male attributes to succeed in corporate environments. The reality is quite different. As secretary of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) for 18 years, Bilkisu modelled her leadership on creating, protecting, and nurturing what she calls the FJSC family.”
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