Why have you decided to specialise in ADR? What attracted you to this area of law?

I remember the exact moment I heard about ADR, it was in my first year of University, it seemed new, exciting and different from everything else that was being taught in school.  I was intrigued, I started researching about it, I found out all I could and the idea that there is a way disputes could be resolved outside the traditional court system appealed to me a lot and I was convinced it would be an interesting and rewarding career path for me. I was right.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge in your career as a female practitioner in arbitration/ mediation?

Like in any profession dominated by one sex, the sex in the minority has to work 10 times as hard to prove their ability, in fact same can be said for any minority group / class.  In a situation where you can be classified into 3 minority groups using; sex, age, race, then depending on your perspective; you are cursed or you are blessed. 

Although, I choose to see it as a blessing, the challenges associated with being a young, female, African ADR practitioner cannot be denied, there are simply not as many opportunities for practitioners that are like me.

What do you consider as the biggest challenge for the ADR in the future?

The danger for ADR, is losing relevance.  If the disputant see the ADR process as expensive and complex and see the practitioners as out of touch and fail to relate to them, then ADR particularly arbitration may just lose its relevance.

Are there any interesting developments in the field of ADR in the jurisdiction you are based in?

Yes, Nigeria is in the process of reviewing its Arbitration and Conciliation Act and the law when passed would improve ADR practice in Nigeria.

If you had a time machine, what piece of advice would you give to yourself at the beginning of your career in ADR?

Stop worrying so much, you are on the right track!!!

How has a membership with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators benefitted your career?

It has given me a platform like no other.  Apart from the trainings opportunities, exposure and also the opportunity to serve.

Tell us about your interests, hobbies or any out of work activities.

 My interests include travelling, exploring the pleasures of fine dining and re-creating culinary masterpieces. I like making new friends and reconnecting with old ones, listening to audiobooks and watching television.

If you could be a film/book character for one day who would it be and why?

Oliva Pope; her attitude

If you could meet for a dinner a famous person, dead or alive, who would that be?

Michelle Obama