The conference room was filled with both senior and junior lawyers, some accompanied by their families, while others attended alone. In a special section, there were representatives from international NGOs advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring equal rights, inclusion, and opportunities for those with special needs.
Despite the room not being very large, it accommodated a significant number of attendees. Many were not there just to congratulate her on her new position but were eager to see her in person, to dispel any doubts about her health, as she is a well-known Nigerian celebrity in the disability community. Her name is widely recognized in the media and social networks, and her voice is familiar to many for advocating the rights and dignity of physically challenged people in Northern Nigeria.
Some attendees were there simply because they saw the invitation on social media and were drawn by her popularity. Indeed, she is well-liked by everyone.
The organizations advocating for the rights of people with special needs organized this meet and greet event to congratulate her on becoming the president of the Nigerian Bar Association.
These organizations support her due to her steadfast advocacy for the rights of the disabled in the North, their education, and that of their children, in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and her chosen profession as a lawyer for the underprivileged and physically challenged individuals.
In addition to being an SDG Advocate, she is an independent lawyer focusing on representing the less privileged and those who cannot afford legal representation or have been wronged due to their disability. She is a leading advocate for the rights of the disabled across Northern Nigeria.
When she entered the conference room, elegantly and confidently, holding hands with her partner, they walked slowly to their designated spot. The audience stood up to show their respect, and many who saw her in person for the first time thought, "Indeed, Hauwa, seeing you is better than just hearing about you!"
Even with her dark glasses on, her presence and elegance were unmistakable.
After everyone settled down, she took the microphone and began by expressing her gratitude to all the attendees, her fellow distinguished lawyers, and the organizations that organized this important meet and greet event. These organizations ensure that people with special needs receive support through the Sustainable Development Goals she partially works with. She thanked the organizations for inviting her to be seen by the world on this significant day, as her voice was only known through the media. They requested her to share her story, which could inspire others in similar situations.
The organizations included major disability rights and development groups such as AGILE, Sight-Savers, Action Against Hunger, and PERL (Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn).
She also thanked the media representatives from BBC Radio, led by the BBC correspondent in Kano, and VOA Radio, led by their correspondent Hamza Mustapha Mawonmase.
