University of Uyo, having won the National rounds of the Annual International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot competition, represented Nigeria at the All Africa IHL Moot competition.
Nigeria emerged the FIRST RUNNERS UP at the 15th All African Moot competition held in Arusha, Tanzania between 15th – 22nd November, 2015, and produced the BEST SPEAKER in the finals.
It was a very memorable and wonderful week for us as team and representatives of our country NIGERIA, at the 15th All Africa Moot Competition held at Arusha,Tanzania and organised by the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross). We had the opportunity during the finals to have a live court session in the ICTR (International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda) in front of ICTR And UN-MICT (United Nations Mechanism For International Criminal Tribunals) judges, this was a once in a life time experience especially bearing in mind that the ICTR officially closed on the 31st of December, 2015, and currently has its operations run by the United Nations Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (UN-MICT).
Firstly, I give thanks to God Almighty for the wisdom and strength to achieve this feat. I also acknowledge the support given by my lovely parents and siblings through prayers and encouragement.
Secondly, a big thank you to ICRC (The Nairobi Delegation) for this wonderful opportunity to learn a lot about International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and also to meet SMART, WONDERFUL, INTELLIGENT and AMAZING people from all parts of Africa, this experience made me realise that if our generation is well taken care of and if our leaders focus more on the younger generation than themselves, Africa would be a ‘better place’.
A very special thank you to my teammates Ubong Ebong and Kelechi Sunday Ibe for being extra-ordinary all through this exercise and to our coaches Barr. Idorenyin Eyo and Barr. Gabriel Udoh for moulding each of us to reach this height.
Note
During the competition, University of Uyo, Nigeria, in her first appearance became the first West African team in 15 years to make it to the finals of the competition but emerged first runners up.
Philip, Sechie Solomon emerged the best speaker in the finals and would be doing an internship with the United Nations Mechanism for International Tribunals (UN-MICT) in 2016 becoming the first Nigerian to achieve this in the history of the competition.
Written by Sechie Philip