The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Anambra State, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, shared insights about her career, accomplishments, and personal life in an exclusive interview with Oghenovo Egodo-Michael.
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Prof. Ifemeje began the year actively, appearing at the Court of Appeal in Enugu as early as 9 a.m. on a recent day. She highlighted her dedication to ensuring that 2025 is marked by innovative projects in the legal sector.
Inspired by female lawyers and her mother’s encouragement, Prof. Ifemeje pursued law against the odds, gaining admission to study the discipline in 1983. Her passion for justice and governance has shaped a career that spans academic excellence and public service.
As one of only four female Attorney Generals in Nigeria, Prof. Ifemeje acknowledged the gender biases she has faced. She overcame these challenges by excelling in her role, handling high-profile cases, and championing the establishment of specialized courts for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Balancing her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, and public servant, she attributes her ability to juggle responsibilities to divine guidance and effective time management. Prof. Ifemeje prioritizes family, ensuring her professional commitments do not overshadow her personal life.
Under her tenure, the Anambra State Ministry of Justice has seen significant reforms:
- Digital Transformation: Full automation of the justice sector, covering all 31 high courts in the state.
- Virtual Hearing Facilities: Deployed in correctional centers and courts to decongest facilities and expedite cases.
- Infrastructure Improvement: Renovation of four outstation offices and provision of laptops for judges to enhance judicial efficiency.
- Specialized Courts: Established to handle SGBV cases, ensuring speedy trials and justice for victims.
A professor of law with over 60 scholarly publications, Prof. Ifemeje specializes in gender rights, family law, and evidence law. She takes pride in mentoring future leaders, including current Attorney Generals and academics.
Prof. Ifemeje is committed to modernizing the Nigerian legal system, emphasizing the need to update obsolete laws to reflect current realities. Notable ongoing initiatives include a new criminal code and homeland security law to address security challenges in Anambra State.
Encouraging young women to embrace public service, Prof. Ifemeje emphasizes the importance of hard work, commitment, and balancing family with career ambitions.
Success, according to her, is about contentment and making meaningful contributions. She aims to leave a legacy as an innovative legal scholar, an advocate for justice, and a mentor to future leaders.
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