The distinguished public service career of Hajiya Bilkisu Abdulmalik Bashir, pioneer Secretary of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, was celebrated in grand style as jurists, traditional rulers and members of the legal community gathered for the launch of her biography, The Woman I Know.

The book, written by Patrick Oguejiofor in collaboration with I.O. Igwenyi and Musa Azare, offers a blend of personal narrative and institutional history, tracing Hajiya Bilkisu’s family heritage and her 35-year career in public service. It also provides insights into the inner workings of key judicial institutions, including the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, with His Royal Majesty, Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, the Asagba of Asaba, serving as the Royal Father of the Day. Other notable attendees included Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed (Rtd.), former Chief Justice of Nigeria; Hon. Justice Helen Ogunwunmiju, JSC; J.B. Daudu SAN (ably represented by Paul Daudu, SAN); and other jurists and stakeholders in the justice sector.

Also in attendance was Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, who was invited to read an excerpt from the book. In his remarks, Akinboro recalled working with Hajiya Bilkisu during his time at the Federal Judicial Service Commission, where she served as Secretary. He described her as an efficient administrator who managed the secretariat with professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility, particularly in her relationship with staff.

According to him, the cordial atmosphere that existed within the Commission during that period was largely a reflection of her leadership. He read from page 109 of the biography and urged members of the audience to obtain the book for a fuller appreciation of her contributions to judicial administration.

The presentation of The Woman I Know concluded with goodwill messages and the formal unveiling of the book, marking the event as a significant moment in the celebration of a career widely regarded as influential in Nigeria’s judicial system.