CONDOLENCE MESSAGE BY THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) IN HONOUR OF LATE MRS. RANTI DAUDU

“. . . An Amazon and advocate of the vulnerable . . .”

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regrets with shock and a heavy heart  the passing on of Mrs. Ranti Abosede Daudu; who reportedly died after a brief illness in a Kaduna Hospital. Late Mrs. Daudu, popularly called “Gimbiya” an Hausa parlance for “Princess”  by her admirers was a humble, virtuous, loving, kind, and caring learned colleague, wife, friend, and mother; graceful in mien, urbane in character, polished in personality,  beautiful in spirit/heart, and committed to her family, faith, legal profession, protection of human rights, and service to vulnerable persons especially children.

She was a lawyer and mother of lawyers, a Bar Activist, human rights and civil society crusader, a public and selfless servant, a community leader, a devout Christian, and the wife of the Past President of NBA, Joseph B. Daudu, SAN (25th President of the NBA).

As a lawyer she was a committed member of the NBA and was in practice for many years until her death. As a mother and wife, she was married until death to a Past President of the NBA, Joseph B. Daudu SAN. The marriage was blessed with six (6) wonderful children two of whom are lawyers. Her first son, Mr. Paul Daudu was the Chairman of NBA Young Lawyers Forum (2012-2014).

As a Bar Activist, she was an active member of the Kaduna Branch of the NBA and served meritoriously on many NBA Committees both at the local and national levels. She was  also a Bar leader, who at various times served on the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NBA. Her diligence and resourcefulness were made manifest in standard work ethics and efficient service delivery to the benefit of the Bar.

Then came her appointment as a member representing the NBA on the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). True to type while in service of the Federal Government in the NHRC, she used her position to champion the protection of human rights.

As a devout Christian and a woman of deep faith in God, late Mrs. Ranti Abosede Daudu used the social media to spread words of God and wisdom. She regularly tweeted under the Redeemed Christian Church of God column as follows: “Before you talk, listen; before you react, think; before you give up, try again”. Such was the level of her devotion to God and humanity.

As a selfless human rights and civil society crusader she founded an NGO, called “All Children Charity International Foundation”, which she served for decades as the Executive Director. Her NGO advocated for the socio-economic welfare and human rights of vulnerable persons in general and disabled children in particular. This late legal Amazon

and advocate of persons with disabilities fought many human rights cases for the poor pro bono. Late Mrs. Daudu made Pro bono cases attractive to many lawyers as she endeavoured to see that Pro Bono does not bear and bare its arid and austere meaning  on the lawyers who handle such cases.

Mrs. Ranti Daudu was a woman for whom selfless service was an article of faith. She lived a worthy life and championed worthy causes. All she desired was to serve God, humanity, the Bar and our country Nigeria. This service she provided to the best of her  ability without expecting commendation or reward in return. She did many good deeds even when no one was watching. She was an unsung heroine. For her it was all about giving and service. She gave her money, time, energy, and skills without expecting any reward or commendation in return.

The NBA is of the view that even though death has dealt a debilitating blow on the family, yet death has not been able and cannot obliterate the invaluable contributions of Mrs. Ranti Daudu to God, her family, the Bar and humanity.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on behalf of the entire Bar, expresses its deepest condolence to its past President, Joseph B. Daudu, SAN and the entire Daudu family on the demise of a great wife, woman, leader, selfless servant, human rights and civil society crusader, advocate of the disabled, beloved wife and mother. He wishes to further state categorically that, as a body we shall continue to pray for the repose of her soul and also pray that God Almighty will grant her family, friends, the Bar and the vulnerable children for whom she cared very much the fortitude to bear this huge loss.

In view of her very significant participation in the affairs of the Kaduna Branch of the NBA, the President of the NBA has directed the Chairman of the Kaduna Branch to coordinate with all the other branch Chairmen in Kaduna State, viz Barnawa, Kafanchan and Kaduna to liaise with the family of the deceased on the burial arrangements and funeral rites and report to the Office of the President of the NBA on the role to be played by the NBA in giving this Amazon a most befitting burial.

May the gentle soul of late Mrs. Ranti Abosede Daudu rest in perfect peace. Amen.

DATED THIS 7TH  DAY OF JULY, 2017

ISIAKA ABIOLA OLAGUNJU GENERAL SECRETARY

NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) NATIONAL SECRETARIAT:

NBA House, Plot 1101 Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District,

Abuja, FCT - Nigeria. info@nigerianbar.org.ng Tel: 234-07098211663

www.nigerianbar.org.ng