Conference on NBA Criminal Justice Reforms Ends with a Bang
After three days of deliberations on the progress made in the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria since the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in 2015, and to chart a course for the future, delegates at the 5th Criminal Justice Reforms Conference in Asaba, the Delta State capital, had the opportunity to let their hair down, as well as honour a number of distinguished stakeholders for their immense contributions to the progress of criminal justice administration in the country.
The Delta State governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, the Right Hon. Festus Ovie Agas – who also doubled as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Asaba Conference.
The event opened on a colourful note with an energetic performance by the Delta State Cultural Troupe – a performance which showcased the rich heritage of the Anioma people. This was followed by a more sedate performance as a band serenaded the assembled delegates with a medley of soulful ballads and rhythm-and-blues favorites.
The welcome address was given by Chief Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN, Chairman of the NBA Committee on Criminal Justice Reforms, while a special dinner lecture was delivered by Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS).
The main business of the day came with the introduction of the awards by Mr. Andrew Odum, the Special Adviser to the Delta State governor on legal matters. Awards were then presented to the following persons and institutions:
– Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, whose award was received on his behalf by the SSG, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas;
– Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud, SAN, president of the Nigerian Bar Association, whose award was received on his behalf by NBA’s 1st Vice-President, Caleb Dajan.
– J. B. Daudu, SAN, a former NBA president, whose award was received on his behalf by Chief Emeka Obegolu;
– Dr. Garba Tetengi, SAN;
– Prof. Deji Adekunle, current director-general of the Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies;
– Mr. Chino Obiagwu, a renowned criminal justice reform advocate;
– Dr. Uju Agomo, Executive Director, Prisoners Rehabilitation & Welfare Action (PRAWA) – a Non-governmental organization aimed at promoting Security, Justice and Development in Africa;
– Prof. Akinseye George, SAN, professor of public law and president of the Center for Socio-Legal Studies;
– Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, former solicitor-general of Lagos State and commissioner for lands;
– The MacArthur Foundation; and
– The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.
In his expression of appreciation, the SSG, Rt. Hon Ovie Agas expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Delta State (the Big Heart) to Nigeria’s community of lawyers for their choice of Asaba for this year’s Criminal Justice Reforms Conference. He also expressed pride in the manner in which his state has acquitted itself, and the wish that it would have the opportunity to host Nigeria’s lawyers in the nearest future. He wished all the delegates a safe journey back to their respective destinations.
The vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Aisha Mohammed, as the event came to an end against the backdrop of fine wine, good food and networking among delegates.
See photos below:
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