Edemanwan Ossai

Edem is a Lawyer and Development Practitioner. She has worked for over 6 years in areas spanning human rights and justice sector development, general litigation as well as community civic initiatives and media practice. In 2012, she co-established a radio-based, legal help desk with the management of the University of Ibadan Campus radio Station, (Diamond 101.1 fm) for vulnerable groups and indigent women. In 2011, Edem founded MAYEIN -Mentors Assistance for Youths & Entrepreneurs Initiative, a registered non-profit organization, which provides trainings in leadership, civic processes engagement and enterprise development for youths in Nigeria. Over 500 youths and high school graduates across Oyo State, have received motivation and training through MAYEINs training workshops and mentoring initiatives. Edem currently serves as an Analyst on matters of Law and governance at Splash FM radio Station, in Oyo State, Nigeria. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Lifebuilders, an NGO based in Oyo State which promotes youth and rural women development. She also volunteers her time conducting citizen enlightenment on existing and new legislation for professional and community groups as well as training in aspects of civic engagement for programme participants at the American Corner in Ibadan, Oyo State. In February 2015, Edem served as the youngest member of panel of the Oyo State public Gubernatorial Debate towards the 2015 elections. Edem gained a law degree in 2007 from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008. She received a Commonwealth prize in 2013 for her Essay on the role of women in leadership and entrepreneurship.

"We are not women simply because of our unique physiology and reproductive system...no! Womanhood is an essence uncovered by an enquiry of self and purpose. It is a glorious person-hood discovered through a realization of inherent and distinct abilities. Womanhood is a state of mind, of glory and of purpose which we only discover when we give in to the power of who we are and are uniquely capable of being" ...(Edem D. Andah)