Gender issues take centre stage as Paul Usoro throws down 2nd #PaulUsoroChallenge
Paul Usoro & Co (PUC) has announced the commencement of the second edition of its Pro-Bono Challenge, a competition where young lawyers are encouraged to share their stories of offering unpaid legal services in order to promote access to justice and encourage a more forward-thinking Nigerian Bar.
The competition will run from today, 9 February to 9 March. A panel of external judges will decide the winners which will be announced on Paul Usoro’s official Instagram handle in April.
The first edition showcased a range of video entries that inspired so many in the Legal space.
Abasiodiong Ekpeyong, Esq won the first edition as determined by an external evaluation committee made up of such leading legal lights as Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN and Essien Udom. According to a statement by Munirudeen Liadi, Head of Chambers at PUC “The decision was made to give a chance to more Lawyers between ages of 1-15 years at the Bar to showcase and inspire colleagues with their touching Pro Bono cases.”
The firm says the initiative is aimed at rewarding the selfless and sacrificial efforts of lawyers who go the extra mile to defend the defenceless, ultimately restoring confidence in and respect to the rule of law in Nigeria.
This second edition will focus on humanitarian issues, with particular attention to brutality by law enforcement agents brutality, gender-related issues, and child abuse. The six most compelling cases will each be rewarded with a ₦100,000 cash prize.
Each participant is expected to create a short two-minute video which could be shared on Instagram, Facebook or via email at puchallenge@gmail.com. All video entries via Instagram & Facebook are required to use the hash-tag #PAULUSOROCHALLENGE for the videos to be discovered.
The firm says entries will be selected on a zonal basis for all six national geographical zones, with a winner emerging from each zone and all supporting documents should be sent to the competition’s designated email address for verification.
