Ojochenemi Audu: Beyond the surface

Time flies, and it flies fast. Birthdays offer a chance to reflect on our journey, including the highs and lows that have shaped us. I’ve never been one to celebrate my birthdays. While I appreciate good wishes and congratulatory messages from loved ones, my responses to salutations on my birthdays are usually polite but subdued. That was until I met a lady who radiated excitement on her birthday, which challenged my perspective and sparked a mindset shift.

All the while I had known her, her mien was that of a serious-minded lady (she is). Occasionally, she would let out smiles when we exchanged pleasantries. This time around, she was courteous enough to extend a hug. She was visibly happy and out of curiosity, I asked what informed the excitement. With a smile again, she mentioned it was her birthday. That was a surprising one for me, owing to my disposition towards birthday celebrations.

I’ve realised that we inhabit two distinct worlds: the world of the Ojochenemis and the world of the Joshuas. In Ojochenemi’s world, birthdays are occasions for unbridled joy and celebration. In contrast, those in Joshua’s world, like myself, approach birthdays with a more subdued attitude, merely acknowledging the occasion. This dichotomy reminds us that the world is a complex tapestry, woven from diverse perspectives and experiences. It’s a powerful reminder to be gentle with ourselves and others, recognizing that our differences make the world richer, and more fascinating.

Ojochenemi Audu is undoubtedly in her element, basking in the euphoria of her birthday. This milestone marks a testament to her unwavering hard work and resilience. As a brilliant lawyer and Principal Partner at Chenemi Audu and Co, a reputable law firm specializing in Civil and Criminal litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, she has cemented her reputation. Her bold decision to quit her role as an Assistant Legal Officer at the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) is instructive. She left the assured stability of the nation’s prime exchequer for a private law firm. This is one decision which showcases her fearlessness and readiness to take on new challenges, living life on her terms.

Her academic credentials are equally impressive, underscoring her dedication to excellence. Her educational journey began with a degree in Law and Criminology from Keele University’s Staffordshire Undergraduate Programme in 2006. She then pursued a Legal Practice Course at Staffordshire University in 2007. After completing her law school programme, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009. Ojochenemi further enhanced her expertise with an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Nottingham in 2013. Most recently, she earned an Advanced Master’s degree in International Dispute Settlement and Arbitration from Leiden University, Netherlands, in 2019.

While it is easy to assume that Ojochenemi Audu’s accomplishments are solely the result of a privileged upbringing, her story reveals a more nuanced narrative. Beyond her impressive credentials and professional successes lies a testament to her unwavering dedication and perseverance. Her journey is marked by deliberate decisions she made at pivotal moments, driven by her aspirations rather than circumstances. She chose to excel academically, pursue advanced studies, and take bold career risks, such as leaving the security of the Central Bank of Nigeria for a private law firm. Through it all, consistency has been her guiding principle, propelling her toward the remarkable achievements she celebrates today.

It is Ojochenemi Audu’s birthday and she has every reason to celebrate. I am celebrating with her, not because of the number of years she has spent on earth. Rather, I am celebrating with her the tough choices she has made as a brilliant young professional and how she has embraced her reality with purpose and a determination to be counted among the notables in the legal profession in Nigeria.

For many of us, the chaos of life can be a distraction, causing us to overlook the importance of celebrating our milestones. I, too, have been guilty of merely acknowledging my birthdays in the past. However, witnessing Ojochenemi Audu’s joyful celebration of her special day has inspired me to re-evaluate my approach. I’ve decided to start celebrating my birthdays with renewed enthusiasm. I invite others to join me in embracing this mindset shift and to draw inspiration from her infectious enthusiasm as she marks another year of life, growth, and achievement.

I deliberately omitted her age from this celebration, as the focus is not on the passage of time, but on the mileage she has logged. In adulthood, milestones are not defined by age, but by the strategic decisions we make. Whether it is the pursuit of further education, switching careers, networking, or attending conferences, our choices shape our progress. When preparation meets opportunity, success is inevitable. This principle echoes the biblical notion that our efforts will be crowned with glory, serving as a testament to the power of deliberate decision-making and hard work.

Ojochenemi’s story is one of purpose, resilience, and grit. She shunned the overindulgence availed her by her privileged background opting to chart a course in life with daring and doggedness. She’s an inspiration to many, and her achievements are a testament to her unwavering commitment to her goals. As we celebrate her special day, we’re not just marking another year of life; we’re honouring her courage, her perseverance, and her dedication to making a meaningful impact in her field.

I wish Ojochenemi a happy celebration, acknowledging her commitment and consistency as her driving force. May her story inspire others to embrace their reality with purpose and determination. Here’s to Ojochenemi Audu on her birthday: May this special day mark the beginning of another incredible year of growth, success, and celebration! Well done! The world is indeed your oyster.

Ocheja, a military historian, is an alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy.