Inaugural Speech of the Chairman, NBA Ikorodu Branch (2018-2020)
“At every turn, every decision made, every act done or not done, every assistance we render, every gift we give and every word said; history is made” – Bayo Akinlade (2014).
I have always believed that in this branch we can only go forward; not through promises of unattainable goals or political rhetoric but by a firm grasp and understanding of where we are now and the attitudinal change required to get to a focused, well researched goal.
My mission still remains: To help institutionalize a vibrant Bar with a positive minded and development oriented membership.
My Visions and Goals are TO PROMOTE:
- A membership that cares about the development of the Ikorodu legal community and the citizenry at large
- A membership that influences policy formulation and ensures that the rule of law is adhered to
- A membership committed to fighting for the rights of the common man
- A membership committed to the development of the Legal profession and the welfare of its members
- A membership that will positively impact the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive at all level and tiers of governance in the State.
- A membership that is more enlightened, exposed to divest fields of legal practice and that develops specialization in certain areas of Law
- A membership that advances in learning through attending seminars, workshops and other continuing legal education programs
We achieve these GOALS by focusing on:
Establishing a fixed Secretariat with the appointment of an Executive Secretary who will be a young lawyer with support Staff
Equipping the Secretariat with all the resources of a standard Law Office
Expanding the capacity of our Human Rights and Pro-Bono Committee
Reducing the endemic spread of corruption within the legal profession and the courts making it difficult for charlatans to thrive
Monthly training programs in evolving areas of law, ethics and other enlightenment programs that will professionally empower our members
Lobbying for Laws that protect the earning capacity of Lawyers
Organizing workshops and forums that will promote a healthy relationship between the Bar and the Bench, The Bar and the Police, The Bar and the Ministry of Justice, the Bar and other government agencies in general and our Branch and other NBA Branches including other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with similar objects as ours
Encouraging the formation of partnership and strategic alliances amongst members (A partnership is better than a sole practitioner-ship)
Ensuring members benefit from the payment of their Branch dues in terms of membership with a Health Services Provider, contributions in the event of death or disability or retirement, contributions in the event of marriage, naming ceremonies or any other celebrations involving a member directly
Setting up an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and A Budget and Planning Sub-Committees
Our success will depend largely on the collective leadership of the Ikorodu Bar as a whole which includes all past, current executive members, committee heads and Elders. However, this will not be sufficient as the Branch members in general will need to be of one mind to achieve the desired results.
I want to encourage a culture of working together despite any personal grievances, supporting each other and focusing on the collective good. We must look beyond ourselves and look to building a strong institution within the Bar that will be sustained for the young lawyers coming behind us.
To this end; my leadership will be that of submitting myself as a SERVANT to bring about the desired results. I will lead only to serve the interest of the members and the NBA as a whole. I will not pursue my agenda to the detriment of any member or for personal glory.
I will listen to what our members have to say and do all that is within my power to lead the Branch in line with the laid down standards and objects as set out in our uniform by- laws. I WILL LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND!
Only a “WE” can work and make this happen. Your support is needed, your financial donations are important and your time is invaluable to the achievement of these desired goals.
To further achieve my vision for our branch; I intend to promote all RELIGIOUS GROUPS WITHIN THE PROFESSION i.e. Catholic Lawyers, MULAN, CLASFON and other registered sub-groupings for the general spiritual and professional wellbeing of our members. I will also gladly partner with these groups in any community initiative they embark on as PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS.
We will also engage other NGOs and CSOs for the purpose of working with them to achieve our own aims and objectives
MY AGENDA FOR THE NEXT 22 MONTHS
Before our first meeting, I would like to propose a few changes and establish a few modules in the day to day operation of our Branch. I want us to consider these ideas and suggestions, digest them and discuss them extensively at our next meeting.
1. MEMBERS’ WELFARE
(a) 50% of our respective branch dues will be used for members’ insurance schemes or to register with a health service provider or both
(b) All members who pay their dues on or before the 31 st of January will have their stamps processed at no extra cost
(c) The first 10 young lawyers to pay their branch dues and BPF before the end of January will get their Stamps for free (issues pertaining to Stamps will be based on the stamp regime at the time. So if it happens that the stamps become free we will come up with another benefit)
(d) 10% of Members’ Branch dues will go into a special account for Branch Social events
(e) 10% will go into the Branch AGC and other related Conference events for members.
(f) A sub contributory account will be made available to members to contribute monies into and the amount contributed stands to the credit of the member i.e. A member can make monthly contributions to the said account and draw from the said account through the Branch Treasurer if a member wants to register for AGC or wants to go on an outing with the branch that requires some additional contribution from members.
(g) Another 10% of branch dues will be used for strictly welfare purposes; like naming ceremonies, emergency loans, gifts to families of deceased members etc……(IT IS YOUR MONEY AND SO MUST BE USED TO YOUR BENEFIT)
2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITAITIVES
(a) Volunteer Programs with: the Office of the Public Defender, Citizens Mediation Center, Violence Against Women and Children Response team, and other establishments needing Lawyers
(b) A letter of introduction will be given by my office to every lawyer who wishes to represent NBA within his community in the CDAs or CDCs. Our Representatives/Liaisons will advise the Branch on the role the Branch ought to play in such communities and plan outreaches to those communities
(c) All Branch Committees must organize at least one community outreach half yearly
(d) At least one lawyer will be stationed at the Ikorodu High Court every day to provide legal support to any indigent. Such Lawyer shall be fully supported and provided for by the Branch
3. BRANCH COMMITTEES
The Following are the Committees of the Branch, please identify where you best fit in and get ready to serve:
(a) Finance and General Purposes
(b) Continuing Legal Education
(c) Welfare
(d) Human Rights
(e) Law Reform
(f) Bar/Bench Relations
ADHOC COMMITTEES: The following additional Committees will be established: (a) Community Relations & Intervention Committee (b) Police and other law enforcement Relations Committee (c) Volunteers Management Committee (d) Social and General Events Planning Committee (e) Religious and Special Groups Relations Committee (f) Alternative Dispute Resolution
Committee (g) Business Development & Practice expansion Committee (h) Women and Childrens’ Special needs Committee
Please NOTE: We shall no longer have a Women’s Forum. ALL FEMALE LAWYERS ARE ENCOURGAED TO JOIN EITHER FIDA OR AWLA. The Branch will fully support all their activities within and outside the Branch
4. YOUNG LAWYERS FORUM
Most of my energy will be focused on the young lawyers with regards to engaging them constructively through our volunteers/mentors program where they can benefit financially and experience wise.
Our Mentors Programs which may entail seconding a young lawyer to go and volunteer his/her time in a big litigation and/or commercial law firm for a month will open up opportunities for them. The Branch will facilitate their remuneration for that period
We will also ensure that there is at least one or two young lawyers that accompanies the Chairman or any other officer of the Branch to high powered meetings to understudy the techniques of dialogue and decision making.
The YLF chair and one other member of the Branch will be given a sit on the Executive as an Observer and they will be invited to Branch Executive meetings to observe as well
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS, PROPOSALS, INFORMATION AND IMPORTANT RULES:
1. Members will be allotted RANKS/STRIPS in relation to their level of financial contribution (which includes their hosting of branch meetings) or volunteer hours donated to the Branch. The Strips will attract the following benefits; (a) A certificate of good standing to be presented at an AGM or at any other special program (If practicable; such certificates will be awarded at an AGC by the President of the NBA) (b) Branch full or partial Sponsorship to any Legal Conference or program within or outside the Branch (c) Priority selection for any opportunity available to Branch Members (d) Any other available opportunities or benefits
2. Members who have businesses will be allowed to fully showcase and market their businesses at meetings and during our outreach programs
3. Members who are engaged in their own personal community development program will be provided with the full support of the Branch Chairman and Branch facility to promote such programs. In this regard; members who are members of Rotary International or similar organizations will be supported by my office if required
4. Members will have the use of the Branch Bus and the Secretariat for purposes that will bring personal recognition and benefit to the member who requires it
5. The Lawyers Cloak room will provide secretariat and business center-like facilities. Members can use the office facilities free or at a discount (Internet, Photocopying and printing facilities)
6. All Committees must provide at least one report within a 3 months window of the activities or programs it has undertaken
7. Any Committee that is not working will be dissolved and maybe reconstituted within any given 3 months period
8. All members are encouraged to participate in one committee or the other and volunteer at least a minimum of 10 hours a month to the branch
9. The Branch hopes to plan field trips for members to neighboring countries to observe their legal system while enjoying a little holiday
10. Branch meetings will commence at exactly 2pm or when quorum is reached and the duration of meetings shall not exceed 2 hours.
11. All important notices and information will be pasted regularly at the court notice board, on whatsApp and other social media handles
I cannot promise anything more than TO DO MY VERY BEST WITH ALL THAT I HAVE AND IS MADE AVAILABLE TO ME TO MAKE OUR BRANCH AND ITS MEMBERS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.
Thank you.
Bayo Akinlade, Esq
Your Chief Servant
NBA Ikorodu Branch
