Team

Hon. Justice Rosaline Patricia Irorefe Bozimo, OFR is the Administrator of National Judicial Institute and Former Chief Judge of Delta State. His Lordship attended St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School, Benin City from 1960-1965 and Urhobo College, Effurun from 1966-1967 for a High School Certificate (HSC). His Lordship was admitted to the Law Faculty of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Law from 1970 – 73 and bagged LL. B (Hons.) His Lordship was later admitted to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1974.

His Lordship is a founding partner of the Law Firm of Broderick Bozimo & Co., Warri, Delta State before joining the Bendel State Judiciary as a Magistrate in 1977. Hon. Justice R. P. I. Bozimo, OFR became a Senior Magistrate Grade I in 1983 and rose to become Chief Magistrate Grade I in August 1988. During his Lordship’s Journey in the Judiciary of Delta State, his Lordship was:Member, Personnel Management Board, Senior Staff Judiciary, Bendel State (1989 – August 1991), Deputy Chief Registrar, Bendel State Judiciary, Asaba (January 1991 – August 1991), Chairman, Tenders Board, Delta State Judiciary, Asaba (September, 1991), First Acting Chief Registrar, Delta State Judiciary (Sept. 1991-5th Dec., 1991), Appointed Judge of the high court, Delta State by the Armed Forces Ruling Council (October 31st, 1991 and sworn in on 6th December, 1991), Chairman, Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Effurun Delta State (1994-May 1999), Appointed Chairman, Failed Banks Tribunal, Enugu Zone (March 1998-May 1999), His Lordship was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Justice in October 1991 and later rose to become the Chief Judge of Delta State in March, 2003. Hon. Justice R. P. I. Bozimo was the Chief Judge of Delta State from 2003 till January, 2011 when his Lordship bowed out of active judicial services. The Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, headed by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, having considered the meritorious service of Hon. Justice R. P. I. Bozimo, OFR while in office as the Chief Judge of Delta State, appointed his Lordship as the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute and his Lordship assumed duties at the Institute on 1st August, 2014 and still in charge of the Institute till date, having been appointed for a second term of 4 years starting from 1st of August, 2017

His Lordship is a Life Bencher of the Body of Benchers and an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR.). His Lordship is a member of various National and International Organizations and has attended various National and International programmes. Hon. Justice R. P. I. Bozimo, OFR received the following distinctions and awards: Best Final Year Student in the Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1973), awarded the Nuhu Usman Prize as the Best Final Year Law Student with the Highest Mark in Jurisprudence, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1973). This was the first prize ever in the Law Faculty at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria., AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE by Ministry of Women Affairs and Community Development, Delta State (2002), Outstanding Contributions to the Nation – Urhobo Ladies League (2001), Appreciation Award – Twin Foundation Group of Schools, Outstanding Deltan of the Year 2001 – Delta Indigenes Forum, Honorary Award – 2002 for Outstanding Contributions to the Nation by Otovwodo Agbarha, Warri Community, Certificate of Honour in recognition of Achievement as an eminent Jurist of Agharha – Warri, November, 2002, Women of the Year by the American Biographical Institute of Board of International Research – 2002, Distinguished Nigerian Woman of Merit Award by Complete Success Magazine (2005), Award for Excellence by Soroptimist International (2004), Award for Excellence for Dignity of Labour by St. Thomas Moore Catholic Community, University of Lagos (2005), Red Cross Award for Honour (2005), Millennium Excellence Award by Frontline News (2005), An Icon of Administrative and Judicial Prudence in Nigeria, PAN-AFRICAN Servant Leadership Award of Credence by West African Students Union Parliament (WASUP) (September, 2017), Award of Excellence in Judicial Administration by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Delta State Chapter (2017), Recognition Award for Distinguished Service to Delta State and the Nation by His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta State, Doctor of Laws (LL.D) (Honoris Causa), Commonwealth University, Belize City, Belize, Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Platinum Leadership Award of Excellence as Zinariya Matasan Arewa (Icon of Nation Building) by Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (2017). His Lordship is happily married to Alaowei Broderick Cherima Bozimo, LL. B, B.L, LL.M, ACH, The Tonkepa of Akugbene Mein and the Olukowei of Kabowei Kingdom, Ezon Lands of Delta State, with children. Hon. Justice R. P. I. Bozimo, OFR loves gardening and music at her leisure time and speaks English, Uhrobo, Itsekiri, Bini, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Esan.

Dr Cynthia Chisom Umezulike is a London-based International Human Rights Lawyer, Lecturer in Law, Researcher and Activist. Dr Cynthia provides expertise in human rights due diligence consultation for international organisations, including the UN and is also a law lecturer at the University of Buckingham, where she teaches international human rights law and tort law - working to develop a Fashion and Law module. She is the director of international human rights programs at the Human Rights Centre London, Co-chair of Hon. Justice Innocent foundation and the convener of the annual International Conference on Human Rights, Sustainability and Climate Change. She graduated from Igbinedion University with a Bachelors of Laws degree and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She obtained her first Master's degree from the prestigious Queen Mary, the University of London, focusing on Human Rights Law and a second Master's Degree in 'International Law and Criminal Justice from the University of East London. PG CERT in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (IV) at the University of Worcester. Dr Cynthia holds a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Law from Birkbeck, University of London and is a recipient of the Gilchrist Trust special notation recognising outstanding PhD research across the Birkbeck University of London. 

Dr Cynthia is a prolific activist campaigning for climate sustainability and against fast fashion production, which fuels human rights abuse of garment workers, exploitation, gender-based violence and environmental degradation. She has previously taught Constitutional and Administrative Law, Human Rights Law, Tort Law and Criminal law at Birkbeck, University of London and held key positions as Head of Legal and Governance in one of Europe's most prominent private aviation firms, Diamond Hangar Aviation. A published writer whose research and academic writing interests draw on interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches on climate change as a human rights issue, specifically on the impact of climate change on the socioeconomic welfare and living conditions of human beings. She is a member of UK Human Rights Lawyers Association, International Bar Association and Justice Human Rights Network.

Dr Victor is an international energy consultant and environmental law lecturer, with several years of experience in the global energy industry. Specialised in natural resource and energy law contracts and commercial ventures. His career has spanned Legal Associate roles, Contracts analyst roles, and commercial roles for an energy company, consultancy, and lecturer in law both in England and Scotland.

In his role as Co-chair, Dr Victor helps mould the vision and objectives of the foundation, ensuring the effective implementation and sustainability of all initiatives. He leads the foundation efforts to maintain strategic direction and stays on top of all operational functions including legal, grants and finding long lasting solutions for individuals through charitable initiatives. Dr Victor also leads the foundation’s effort to build and sustain strategic relationship and cross collaborations between global organisations, the government, private and philanthropist to ensure a balanced outreach of resources and awareness. He has worked and still is engaged with several charities, namely CIRUU Foundation, Inspire Partners Through Life, and Street Soccer Scotland whose activities included supporting people with learning disabilities, promoting a positive outlook on life for young people through sports, promoting fundamental human rights, and educating vulnerable minorities in several communities.

Victor is a qualified lawyer and holds a doctorate (PhD) in Energy and Natural Resource law and a Master’s degree (LLM) in Oil & Gas Law from Robert Gordon University, and a Bachelor of Law (LL. B Hons) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a member of the Energy Institute (EI), Fellow Higher Education Academy (HEA), member of Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

Precious Azubike Umezulike is a Chartered Accountant of England and Wales with a First Class Degree in Accounting and Finance from Nottingham Trent University United Kingdom, a Master’s of Science degree in Accounting & Taxation from the University of Exeter United Kingdom and also an ACCA affiliate. His research interest explores ways to proffer sustainable and viable expertise solutions with the purpose of contributing my quota to the acceleration of fiscal growth and improving economic patterns across all sectors including business, public/private practice, governmental or non-governmental organization.

He is dedicated and commitment to actively engage in the best training in the sector which would equip him with necessary skills set to engage in the strategic management, consultation and expertise to navigate the ever dynamic financial, tax and business sector. Precious is currently an auditor at Nexia International and has worked as an administrative consult in various tax departments thereby possessing a holistic and core understanding of the financial working of companies. In his role as the head financial officer of the foundation, his primary responsibility is to manage the foundations finances, overseeing the financial portfolio, budgeting, annual audit, record keeping and financial reporting. Precious is committed to ensuring transparency in financial planning, analysing risk and ensuring the effective dissemination of funds for grants and several other financial initiatives. He ensures that the board is kept apprised of the foundation’s financial situations, ensuring the board regularly sees financial reports and all trustees understand the financial condition of the foundation.

Professor Uche Jack-Osimiri (LLB) graduated from Ealing College (University of West London), Masters of laws from Queen Mary College (University of London, BL (1984-1985 Lagos Law School) and was admitted to practice as a Solicitor in August 1985 and PhD National University of Ireland Galway (2009-2014). He is a veteran Law teacher for over three decades. He started initially at Old Imo State University Okigwe (now ABSU) in December 1986 to 1998 before joining the University of Ado-Ekiti where he was Head of Department Private Law (1998-2000). He was also the Foundation Dean of Law Ebonyi State University Abakaliki (2000 - 2003), Dean Faculty of Law Rivers State University Port-Harcourt (2003-2007), Visiting Professor of Taxation and Business Law (2001-2008) Joint Tax Board Inspectors of Taxes Training School (Lokoja, Akwanga and Kaduna Study Centres) Adjunct Professor (2007-2010) University of Uyo.

He is currently serving in Rivers State University and an Adjunct at the University of Calabar (2016 to date). He has specialists research interests span from Land Law, Conveyancing, Landlord and Tenant, Securities, insurance and maritime, economic crime, money laundering, taxation, investment law etc. A scholar of international reputation, A committed researcher with sterling records of performance – he has to his credit about 100 publications comprising law books (Modern of Law of Landlord & Tenant, Fundamentals of Insurance Law, Law of Real Estates), Essentials of Revenue Law, Conveyancing Transactions Law, Practice and Procedures), technical reports, conference papers and articles in refereed journals in Nigeria, Britain, Australia, India, Zambia, Austria, New Zealand, West Indies, Germany, US and Ireland and was elevated to Professorial position in 1999/2000. A scholar with penchant for details and analysis -his papers appear in notable journals such as Justice, Gravitas, JPPL (University of Lagos), University of Benin Law Journal, International Legal Practitioner Journal of International Bar Association, Journal of Money Laundering international, Journal of Financial Crime International, Journal of Professional Legal Education Australasian, OPEC Review, Zambia Law Journal, European Journal of Legal Education Germany, West Indian Law journal Jamaica, American Journal of Comparative Law and others. He served as a member of the Law Review Committee (1999-2005) which reviewed all the Laws of Rivers State from 1963 to 2005. The extent of his experience and enterprise are vividly demonstrated in his publications with authorities drawn from sources in Nigeria, Commonwealth and other countries.

Professor Epiphany Azinge is the immediate past director general of Nigerian Institute of advanced legal studies. He was called to bar in 1980, after successfully graduating from the faculty of law of University of Lagos in 1979. He took on LLM and a PhD from London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London) in 1983 and 1986 respectively. He started his academic career in University of Benin and rose to the rank of Associate Professor of Law in 1997. In between he was invited to serve as Special Adviser to 3 Attorneys General of the federation and minister of justice. Prof Azinge was appointed substantive Professor of Law by the Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies in 2000.

He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2006, and appointed Director General of Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in 2009. In 2012, he was honoured by Commonwealth University in Belize with Honorary Doctor of Laws (Honouris Causa). In 2014, a grateful nation honoured him with the National Honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). In 2015, he was elected as member of Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal London representing Nigeria and Africa. Professor Azinge is a prolific writer, author, philanthropist, traditionalist and humanist. He is founder of the Epiphany Azinge Foundation dedicated to promoting academic values, educational advancement and pursuit of excellence in our nation.

Ruth Soronnadi is a Lawyer, Chartered Mediator and Administrator passionate about human rights& human capital development with a Master’s Degree in International Law.She is a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) 2018 Fellow- Policy Making & Management Track, an alumnus of Evangelistic Team Leadership College (ELCOL) and has served as the former Deputy Coordinator YALI Network, Anambra State amongst other leadership roles.

Ruth is a Development Knowledge Facilitator particularly committed to seeing that the Sustainable Development Goals 1,2,4 & 16 on no poverty, zero hunger, quality education, peace justice & strong institutions become realities through advocacy & campaign projects personally & in partnership with the government/NGOs.She has interests in leadership, public speaking & advocacy, administration, writing, policy making and analysis, strategic planning, human resource management for governments, regional or international organizations.

His excellency Peter Gregory Obi is a Nigerian businessman, former governor of Anambra State and the vice presidential candidate in the 2019 Nigerian general election with Atiku Abubakar under the People’s Democratic Party's. He was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1980, graduating with a B.A (Hons) in philosophy in 1984. He also attended the Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, Columbia Business Schools programs in business, management and marketing. Other institutions attended include the institute of management development Switzerland (Senior Executive Program, Break-Through Programs for CEOs), Kellogg Graduate School of Management U.S.A (Advanced Executive Programs, Advanced Management Program), Oxford University (Advanced Management and Leadership Program), Cambridge University (Advanced leadership program). Read more. He has held various key positions across multiple sectors and served on numerous boards. Obi was chairman of Next International Nigeria Ltd, former chairman and director of Guardian Express Mortgage Bank Ltd, Guardian Express Bank Plc, Future View Securities Ltd, Paymaster Nigeria Ltd, Chams Nigeria Ltd, Data Corp Ltd and Card Centre Ltd. He was the youngest chairman of Fidelity Bank and in 2015 served as an honorary adviser to the president of finance. He was recognised as the best governor by the Millennium Development Goals Office (OSSAP-MDGs) and the UNDP in the implementation of their programmes in Nigeria. Sir Peter Obi is one of the most decorated and awarded politicians of all time. Notable awards for his social, economic and political contributions include;

• Sun Newspaper's Man of the Year (2007)
• Thisday Newspaper's Most Prudent Governor in Nigeria (2009)
• Champion Newspaper's Nigeria's Most Trustworthy Governor (2009)
• West Africa ICT Development Award for Governor of the Year (2010)
• Zik Leadership Prize (2011)
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Best Performing Governor on Immunization in South-East Nigeria (2012)
• Ezeife Leadership Foundation's Leadership and Good Governance Award (2012)
• Methodist Church of Nigeria's Golden Award on Prudence (2012); Business Hallmark Newspaper's Man of the Year (2012)
• Silverbird's Man of the Year (2013)
• The Voice Newspaper's Award for Outstanding Example in Leadership and Governance (2014)
• Champion Newspaper's Most Outstanding Igbo Man of the Decade (2014)
• Nigerian Library Association's Golden Merit Award (2014)
• Catholic Diocese of Onitsha's Golden Jubilee Award (2015)

Most Revd. Dr. Emmanuel Olisamedualim Chukwuma was born into the family of late Sir Chukwuma Mgbeze in Asaba. He attended Primary and Secondary School in the West. Archbishop Chukwuma taught as a teacher in St. Louis Grammar School, Owo before he obtained Grade II Teachers Certificate in Ife and then taught again in Ayanbeku Grammar School Ile-Ife, Olode Grammar School, Olodo-Ife before he gained admission to read Law at University of Ife but his father rejected the idea because he wanted him to be a Priest and not a Lawyer having been miraculously saved from the civil war. Archbishop Chukwuma then decided and shifted his future career from reading Law to reading Theology at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan in 1978. He graduated in Diploma of Theology and Religious Studies University of Ibadan. Archbishop Chukwuma Emmanuel got ordained by Archbishop T.O. Olufisoye in 1981 and worked as a Curate at Christ Church Mepo Ibadan till 1984 when he was sent to St. John’s College Nottingham U. K. on CMS Scholarship with his wife. There he graduated in L.TH. (Licentiate in Theology). He came to Nigeria and was posted to work at St. James Cathedral Okebola, Ibadan where he also served as Chaplain to the Archbishop of Nigeria, Most Rev. T. O. Olufisoye.

In 1989, Archbishop Chukwuma was posted to be the Vicar of St. Paul’s Church Okebola, Ibadan the then only Ibo Church. It was here that he was made a Canon in 1989 and in 1990 was elected the First Bishop of Missionary Diocese of Bauchi. He was doing another programme in Education (Religious Studies) in University of Lagos when he was elected Bishop. He transferred his studies to University of Jos where he graduated in Bachelors of Arts in Education with Second Class Upper Honours. Archbishop Chukwuma was awarded Doctor of Divinity by Golden State and Honolulu University USA again at Jos University where he graduated with Masters in Educational Psychology/Guidance and Counselling with distinction. He also bagged Doctorate Degree of applied Theology of Commonwealth, University of England. He also attended the Haggai leadership course in Maui and came out as the best student in 1995. Today Archbishop Chukwuma will be remembered for his great work in the development of Bauchi Diocese, which has now given birth to Gombe Diocese. He built the Bishop’s House and the Cathedral in Bauchi and also completed the now Cathedral of St. Peter’s Gombe and planted many Churches among other developments before he was translated to Enugu in 1998 March. He was Bauchi State CAN Chairman for 71/2 years. In Enugu now, he is currently transforming the Diocese. After 29 years of Enugu Diocese he now built a Cathedral and a magnificent Bishop’s Court and Head Quarters with a Petrol Dump that now serves the Clergy and others. He is a charismatic and evangelical Archbishop and loved by everybody. He and his wife Joyce are not doing badly at all despite all odds. They have also established Schools and a Specialist Hospital in the Diocese. Also, Microfinance bank which helps to empower many people with soft loans. Archbishop Chukwuma is the only Son of Asaba both in Anglican and Roman Catholic who is a Bishop. He and his wife are not left out in the general contribution and development of Asaba Diocese. In 2005, the Federal Govt. of Nigeria awarded him national honours of OON. He was also recognized by the United Nation as an Ambassador of Peace. He was the former C.C.N Chairman of Enugu State, Chairman emeritus of CAN South East and presently, the current chairman – Joint Council of Old Province II Anglican Communion. Pro – Chancellor of Renaissance University, Chairman Enugu State Committee for Adoption under Ministry of Gender Affairs. He is highly committed to the Bible Society of Nigeria where he was given an Award of Excellence. He is very much involved in helping the poor and the less privileged. He is an advocate of the masses, a loveable character and lover of children, also senior advocate of the Disable (SAD).