ESQ Legal Practice Magazine JUNE 2014 EDITION | Page 69

The involvement of women in International
Arbitration has been gradual and as Louise
said “we are nearer its beginning than its
end” but women arbitrators are stepping
forward with positive sure footed steps.
celebrate his 100years birthday
on September 21st, 2012 and I
am delighted to have been
invited to write reminiscence
on him. When I was invited to
ICCA, I was the youngest
member, the only female and
the only black person. I must
say that I was received as a
colleague and friend. There
were thirty-five members
representing all regions of the
world. I still remember all my
friends who are still in ICCA
and those who have passed on
with a lot of appreciation,
respect and gratitude.
In my little way, I have shared
69 I EsQ legal practice

knowledge with my colleagues in Nigeria particularly
those members of the
Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators UK Nigeria Branch
which I usually refer to as a
family Branch. I believe
fervently that no one person
has the key to knowledge.
Knowledge is transnational
and trans-sexual. Both young
and old are endowed with the
knowledge and we must
always act transparently and
with humility. Knowledge
shared transmits the world,
scattered like pollen of flowers
and you can never tell where
the winds will transmit it,

either on your shores or
beyond.
I also owe a lot of my success
to the Glory of God and its
Divine direction in bringing
me into the world through
parents who appreciated the
education of girl-child. My
father, Chief James Adebiyi
Adejumo was an educationist
per excellence and my mother
Chief Janet Adebisi Adejumo
believed that Education must
grow with proper up-bringing
with respect not only for
elders but with love to your
neighbours. I am also blessed
with a partner, my husband

Chief. Sunday Oladeinde
Oyekunle who stood steadily
behind me and encouraged
my achievements. God in His
mercies also in addition gave
me 5 lovely children who
grew up strongly along my
working life and continue to
encourage me in my work.
Finally, I say to all my fellow
female colleagues, we should
hold on to our determination
to succeed on our own hard
work. We can do whatever we
are determined to do, God
being our help.

www.esqlaw.net