In a powerful celebration of resilience and inclusive progress, Bar. Catherine Chinyere Edeh — widely recognized as Nigeria’s first female deaf lawyer — was honored at the Women in Business, Management and Public Service (WIMBIZ) 24th Annual Conference, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The prestigious award, sponsored by the Gates Foundation, recognized four pioneering women who have made historic contributions to Nigeria’s legal profession. The awardees included:


• Dame Priscilla Kuye – First and only Female President of the Nigerian Bar Association
• Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, CON – First Female Senior Advocate of Nigeria
• Hon. Justice Rose Ukeje, OFR – First Female Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria
• Bar. Catherine Chinyere Edeh – First Female Deaf Lawyer in Nigeria

Standing before thousands of professionals, Edeh described the moment as “priceless and deeply emotional.” She reflected on losing her hearing over thirty years ago due to a severe childhood illness — and how that journey shaped her purpose and strength.

“I have been through hell,” she said. “But I chose purpose. I chose to rise. I chose to thrive.”

Edeh expressed heartfelt gratitude to her family, her hometown community in Enugu, the University of Ilorin, the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education, and the Nigerian Bar Association — all of whom supported her through academic, financial, and accessibility challenges, including provision of sign language interpreters during her legal studies.

She emphasized that her success is not a solitary triumph, but a shared achievement:

“I am a daughter raised by society. I never hid my deafness — instead, I walked with it. This award is for everyone who stood with me.”

Edeh dedicated the award to all supporters and to young persons with disabilities across Nigeria and beyond — encouraging them to continue dreaming boldly.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to advancing inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity in Nigeria’s legal and public spheres.

“We will do more for a better, more inclusive Nigeria. God is faithful. I walk in His strength.”

Her message to the world remains:

O.W.N — Own Your Story. Walk in Power. Nurture the Future.