The newly-established Surulere Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), officially launched its operations with a glamorous Bar Dinner on Friday, December 6, 2024. The event which was held at The Marquee, Eagle Club in Surulere, Lagos, was hailed as a milestone in the history and evolution of the young Branch.
According to NEWSWIRE Law Events Magazine’s correspondent, the inaugural Bar Dinner – which was billed as an opportunity for networking, camaraderie and the exchange of ideas was graced by legal luminaries on both the Bench and the Bar, as well as dignitaries and professionals from various walks of life.
In his keynote address at the occasion, the Chairman of the Branch, Anene Nwadukwe expressed his gratitude to all who had contributed to the formation of the Branch (and in particular the Branch Actualization Committee) as well as the leadership of the NBA. He also singled out the Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba for commendation, for His Lordship’s role in the creation of the Yaba-Surulere Judicial Division (which, he said, was a crucial step in the process of establishing the Branch).
More than just an occasion for wining and dining, Nwadukwe went on to say, the dinner marked the commencement of the Branch’s engagement with its catchment areas, namely, the surrounding communities and beyond. “We aim to attract lawyers practicing in areas like Surulere, Yaba, Apapa, FESTAC, Amuwo-Odofin, and even Ago,” he said.
From its inception in May 2024, the Surulere NBA Branch has been actively engaged in a number of initiatives, among them seminars for young lawyers (to which senior practitioners are invited to share their experiences), as well as addressing ethical concerns within the legal profession.
The chairman also reiterated the commitment of the Surulere NBA Branch to providing value to its members and the legal community as a whole. He went on to outline a number of ambitious plans, among them the planned acquisition and equipping of an office space, complete with the requisite tools and personnel. In addition, he said, the Branch aims to procure a bus to enable its members to attend NBA functions, and to participate in welfare activities, and so forth.
Stressing the importance of mentorship and collaboration within the legal profession, the Chairman encouraged senior lawyers to support their younger colleagues, and to ensure that they are adequately equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to excel.
To achieve these and other objectives, Nwadukwe said, the Branch needs significant financial resources and equipment to achieve its goals. To that end, he made a passionate appeal to his colleagues and other critical stakeholders to join in the effort of making the fledgling Branch a success.
Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the Dinner Committee, Malizu Iwudoh, stated that the event was meant to provide a platform for lawyers to network, celebrate their profession, and discuss pressing legal issues. Iwudoh also reiterated the Banch’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equity, and fairness, and highlighted the role of lawyers in ensuring that the rights of all Nigerians are protected under the rule of law. The NBA, he noted, has taken proactive steps to address unethical practices in the legal profession – among them the introduction of highly effective lawyer seals to combat misconduct in the profession.
A representative of the aforementioned Chief Justice of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Alogba, who delivered His Lordship’s remarks, emphasized the critical role of the legal profession in addressing the socio-economic and political challenges facing Nigeria, and called on the NBA Surulere Branch, in particular, to champion democratic principles, the rule of law, judicial independence, and social justice.
“As legal practitioners,” the CJ said, “we must strive to … entrench these fundamental principles for the betterment of our people.”
NEWSWIRE’s correspondent reports that the rest of the evening was given over to refreshments against the backdrop of music as members and guests of the new Branch looked forward to the new year, 2025, in anticipation of both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, A man of wide horizons and deep intentions". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-Magazine
