By By Victor Enyinnaya on May 27, 2022

Writing brief preface to cover of the Biography of our pragmatic retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Dame Mary Ukaego Peter Odili JSC, CFR, DSGG, GSSRS (Nee Nzenwa) is a norm to do before this kind is ran. Already, she has a very solid Biography which is previously in the public domain. Of course, this is the most updated.

One obvious thing we must vividly note here is that she is silent philanthropist extraordinaire.

She just retired from the highest Court in Nigeria. Gracefully and gradually, she rose from the Magistrate Court to the Supreme Court, the third woman to ascend to the revered bench of the apex Court in the land since 1963; and you gave your best.

…Mama of the Court rises

Again, on your celebrated retirement as Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. We once again join your genuine admirers nation cum worldwide where most see you as a role model, beacon of light and hope of all sorts in congratulating you for a wonderful service to your country, Nigeria.

The result is that your comportment, your credibility, and landmark judgments stare everybody in the eyes today.  And I am immensely proud of you.

A superb Judge, good mother and great African woman; a gorgeous woman with heart of gold.  Congratulations!

The Court has risen.

And, I wait your next assignment, Honourable Justice Dame Mary Ukaego Peter Odili JSC, CFR, DSGG, GSSRS (Nee Nzenwa) retired Senior Judge Supreme Court of Nigeria. 

 BIOGRAPHY

 JUSTICE MARY UKAEGO PETER-ODILI,

JSC, CFR, DSGG, GSSRS (nee Nzenwa)

Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria

• Judicial Officer with over 44 years of successful experience in civil and criminal procedure.
• The third woman to ascend to the revered bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria since 1963.
• Most Senior Female Judicial Officer in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Recognized consistently for performance excellence, productivity and positive contributions to Nigeria’s judicial system, and proven leadership, operational excellence, and organizational development with keen understanding of Nigeria’s history and socio-cultural context.

 SKILLS

Integrity

Diligence

Forthrightness

Scheduling Proficiency

Criminal Justice Knowledge

Knowledge of Civil procedure

Knowledge of Juvenile Justice System

WORK HISTORY

 3^rd March 2022 – current.

• Vice Chairman, Body of Bencher

          Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, federal Capital Territory

• Elected as Vice to the Chairman of the Body of Benchers which is the highest legal professional body in Nigeria which admits prospective students into the Nigerian Law School.  The body regulates the call of graduates of Law School to the Nigerian Bar, as well as the regulation of the legal profession in Nigeria.

 June 2021 – 12^th May 2022.

• Deputy Chairman, National Judicial Council (NJC)

          Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

• Serving as Deputy to the Chairman (Chief Justice of the Federation) at the nation’s apex judicial commission responsible for the Appointment, Promotion and Discipline of Judicial Officers to ensure the protection and preservation of the sanctity of the Judiciary in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 2021 – 12^th May 2022.

• Chairman, NJC Interview Committee, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
• Serving as Chairman for NJC’s Interview Committee for Appointments and Promotion of Judicial Officers
• Chairman, Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC)

          Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

• Serving as Chairman to the LPPC which is the Committee convened and empowered to award the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to deserving legal practitioners.

 June 2021 – 12^th May 2022.

• Deputy Chairman, Board of Governors, National Judicial Institute (NJI)

Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

• Serving as Vice to the Chairman, Chief Justice of the Federation at the NJI which serves as the principal focal point of judicial activities relating to the promotion of efficiency, uniformity and improvement in the quality of judicial services in the superior and inferior courts in accordance with the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

 June 2021 – 12^th May 2022.

• Chairman, Education Committee, National Judicial Institute (NJI) Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
• Serving as Chairman of NJI’s Education Committee which provides capacity-building and continuing education for all categories of judicial officers to expand and improve their overall knowledge and performances in their different sections of service.

 June 2011 – 12^th May 2022.

• Justice of the Supreme Court, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
• Presiding over civil and criminal court cases with the aim of upholding, enforcing and interpreting the law at the nation’s apex court in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 October 2010 – June 2011.

• Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal Kaduna Division

          Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kaduna Court of Appeal Judicial Division.

• Administrative Head of the Court of Appeal Kaduna Division.

 October 2004 – September 2010.

• Justice Court of Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division

          Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

• As Justice of the intermediate Appellate court, served in the legal review of numerous high court decisions.

 July 1992 – October 2004.

• High Court Judge, Rivers State Judiciary, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
• Reviewed legal documents and memos to make determinations on pre-trial issues, motions and final rulings.
• Awarded compensations for damages to litigants in cases.
• Heard testimony before court to establish case facts and litigations’ arguments.

 October 1979 – October 1981.

• Chairperson, Juvenile Court, Rivers State Judiciary, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
• Heard and deliberated on cases involving juveniles in Rivers State.

 November 1981 – July 1992.

• Magistrate Grade I – Chief Magistrate Grade 1, Rivers State Judiciary, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
• Heard cases at the Magistrate court level and delivered judgement.

 November 1979 – November 1981.

• Magistrate Grade II, Rivers State Judiciary, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
• Heard and deliberated over matters at the Magistrate level.

 December 1978 – November 1979.

• Chairperson, Juvenile Court Benin (Former) Bendel State Judiciary, Benin, Edo (Former Bendel) State.
• Heard and deliberated over matters pertaining to juveniles in the Former Bendel State.

 October 1978 – September 1979.

• Magistrate Grade III, (Former) Bendel State Judiciary, Benin, (Former) Bendel State.
• Heard and deliberated over matters at the Magistrate Court level.

 July 1977 – October 1978.

• Pupil State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Ogun State, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

 EDUCATION

September 1976 – July 1977.

• Barrister -At-Law (BL):  Law – Nigerian Law School, Lagos.

 September 1972 – July 1976

• LLB Second Class Upper Division: Law – University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu Campus.

 February 1972 – October 1972

• Lower 6/Higher School – Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, Anambra State.

 December 1971.

• West African Examination Cert. (Grade 1, 16 Aggregate), Mbaise Girls Secondary School, Ezinihitte, Mbaise, Imo State.

 September 1967 – July 1971.

• Mbaise Girls Secondary School, Ezinihitte, Mbaise, Imo State.

 September 1966 – July 1967.

• Owerri Girls Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State.

September 1964 – July 1966.

• Primary School Leaving Certificate, Our Lady of Apostles Primary School, Yaba, Lagos, Lagos State.

September 1963 – July 1964.

• St. Agnes Primary School, Maryland, Lagos, Lagos State.

 September 1960 – July 1963.

• St. Michael’s Primary School, Umuahia, Abia State.

September 1959 – July 1960.

St. Benedict’s Primary School, Obizi, Ezinihitte, Imo State.

 SELECT KEYNOTE ADDRESSES, SEMINAR, WORKSHOP AND JOURNAL PRESENTATIONS

 Keynote Address at the Conference for Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal on the Role of the Judiciary in the Enforcement of Tax Laws, Abuja 2021.

• Keynote Address at the Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunication, Nigerian Communications Commission, Enugu 2019.
• Sentencing Practice and Procedure under Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Laws; Paper presented at the Refresher Course for Judges, 2019.
• Emerging Trends in the Judicial Interpretation of Section 84 of the Evidence Act, 2011; Paper presented at Workshop on Addressing Issues of Admissibility of Electronic Evidence under Section 84 of the Evidence Act, 2011.  National Judicial Institute Abuja, 2019.
• Asset Tracing, Recovery and Confiscation:  Practice and Procedure; Paper presented at All Nigeria Judges Conference themed Sustaining Democracy through Effective and Efficient Administration of Justice.  National Judicial Institute Abuja, 2019.
• Evaluation of the Judicial Approach to Interpretation of Section 84 of the Evidence Act, 2011; Paper presented at Workshop on Addressing Issues of Admissibility of Electronic Evidence under Section 84 of the Evidence Act, 2011.  National Judicial Institute Abuja, 2019.
• Evolving Economic Dynamics for Nigeria.  International Leaders Roundtable, NAF Conference Centre and Suites Abuja, June 2019.
• Foreword for the Book “Trends in Law and Justice” by Honourable Justice C.M.AOlatoregun, Published March 2019.
• Judicial Ethics, Code of Conduct and Compartment for Judges; Paper presented at induction Course for Newly Appointed Judges and Kadis, National Judicial Institute Abuja, 2019.
• Use and Application of Modern Court Technology for Quick Dispensation of Justice; Paper Presented at the Induction Course for Newly Appointed Judges and Kadis, National Judicial Institute Abuja, 2018
• The Emergence of a New National Attitude and Respect for the Rule of Law: The basic Instruments for Nation Building, Youth Development and National Integration; Paper presented at Annual University of Nigeria SUG Judiciary Summit, Enugu December, 2017.
• Keynote Address at the National Summit on Justice, Sheraton Hotel and Towers Abuja 10^th of August, 2017.
• An Overview of Judicial Information Technology Policy, Paper presented at the All Nigeria Judges Conference, Abuja, 2017.
• Recording Evidence and Judgement Writing: Style and Guiding Principles Paper presented at Induction Course for Newly Appointed Judges and Kadis Abuja 2015.
• International Legal and Institutional Framework for the Protection and Welfare of Refugees at the Refugee Law Paper presented at Annual Judges Conference, National Judicial Institute Abuja, 2013.
• Understanding the Principle and Application of the Best Interest of the Child under the Law, Paper presented at 2013 Founders Day Lecture at Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Abuja 18^th March, 2013.
• Principles and Applications of the Best Interest of The Child Under the Law.

Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Publications, Nigeria 2013.

ISBN 9789788407874.

• Lecture Delivered in Honour of the Chief Justice of Nigeria at National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, July 2012.
• “Women and the Law: Discriminatory Practices” Port Harcourt Law Journal, Vol. 1, 1999, 208 at pp. 211 – 212.

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HELD IN ASSOCIATIONS

• President, National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria (NAWJN) 2018 – 2020  
• Chairperson, Bill Drafting Committee, Human Trafficking and Child Labour eradication under Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) 2002 – 2004 that led to the signing of a Private Bill into Law that enabled the creation of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and mobilized Nigerian Organizations nationwide to establish the Network of Civil Society Organization Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL). The said bill was passed by National Assembly and assented to by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 
• Chairperson, Steering Committee for the 2001 United Nations Volunteers Project in Rivers State. 
• Secretary, Parish Council, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ndoni, Rivers State 1989 – 1999  
• Secretary, Port Harcourt Horticultural Society 1987 – 1992  
• Treasurer, Magistrate’s Association Rivers State. 1987 – 1992 
• Chairperson, Constitution Drafting Committee of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association which produced the present constitution of the national body. 
• Inaugral Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State 1986 – 1988. 
• President, Marine Board of Inquiry into the 1979 Buguma boat disaster 1985. 

FELLOWSHIPS, AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Fellow Dispute Resolution Institute (FDRI), Dubai 2018 
• Awarded “Judicial Icon of the Year”, University of Nigeria SUG Judiciary Summit December 2017. 
• Awarded “Patroness Catholic Lawyers Association” Port Harcourt, Nov. 2017 Role of Law Award by Canon Law Society of Nigeria – Nov. 2015. 
• Awarded the National Honour “Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR)” on the 17^th of September, 2012. 
• Awarded “Fellow Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (FNIALS)” December 2013. 
• Awarded “Dame of St Gregory the Great” Papal Recognition by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Vatican Holy See Award 2007. 
• Awarded “Grand Patron Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria Nsukka” 2007 
• “Award of Excellence, Pediatrics Association of Nigeria” in recognition of role in the reduction of prenatal and maternal mortality in Nigeria. 
• “The Indomitable Spirit Award” by National PDP Women for contributions to Safe motherhood in Nigeria 2002. 
• Initiated the formation of White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood in Nigeria with Rivers State hosting the National Secretariat of the Alliance. 
• “The Nigerian Women Award for Adolescent and Women Empowerment 2002. 
• Awarded the “Benemerenti Medal by the Holy See” during the 6^thConvocation Ceremony of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA). 
• “Pan-African Broadcasting and Heritage Award” 2001 
• Awarded “Best Student in Commercial and Property Law” by Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria Nsukka 1977. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE & DEVELOPMENT

• Founder & Chairperson, The Adolescent Project (TAP) 1999 – Date

Education, health improvement, social rehabilitation, and empowerment services vulnerable adolescent girls.

Skills-building and empowerment of women in entrepreneurship, catering, hairdressing, tailoring, paint-making and other vocational skills.

• Training and empowerment of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in rural communities in the Niger Delta.
• Scaled to include youth of both genders.
• Impacted over 500,000 families till date.

Development Impact of TAP

Adolescent Project Helps Nigerian Teenage Girls. VOA News. October 27, 2009.

Patrick I. Okonta. Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria-Issues and Challenges. African Journal of Reproductive Health.

2007: 11(1):113-124.

The Adolescent Project: A Highly Successful NGO Founded by Mrs. Justice Mary Odili, Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Has Transformed the Lives of Over 30,000 People.New African, August – September 2006.

Dapo Akinrefon. Nigeria:TAP: Restoring Hope for the Adolescents. Vanguard 31 August 2005.

Okon Bassey, Nigeria: For Rivers Adolescents, TAP to the Rescue. This-Day 9 August, 2005.

• After the Bamako Declaration by the First Ladies of African States, TAP Nigeria was the only NGO invited to participate at the Vision 2010 Forum in Abuja to join in setting standards for women and child-friendly services with a view to reducing maternal and perennial mortality in Nigeria.
• The Adolescent Project (TAP) Nigeria won the Global Health Council Award for Safe Motherhood, Washington D.C May 2001.

Hobbies

Gardening, Reading and Dancing.

PERSONAL DATA:

Husband:            Dr Peter ChinweikeOtunuyaOdili, CON, GSSRS, KCSSG, FNMA

Parents:               Late Royal Highness, Eze Barrister Bernard Sunday Chigbu Nzenwa

Late Ugoeze Bernadette Nwatuma Nzenwa

Date of Birth:      12^th May, 1952.

Place of Birth:     AmudiObizi, Ezinihitte – Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State.

Children:

• Ø Dr AdaezeOreh – MBBS FWACP MSc (Imperial) MSc (LSHTM) MMCFM FRSTMH FRSPH
• Ø Hon. Justice ChineloOdili – MICMC ACiArb
• Ø Sir Peter Odili Jnr – KSJI BSc (MMcb) ISTP (KOR)
• Ø Hon. Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme – LLM MCiArb

Siblings:     Four Sisters and Two Brothers.

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted May 27, 2022

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