NBA Surulere Branch Officially Launches With Grand Bar Dinner
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Surulere Branch made its formal debut with an elegant Bar Dinner held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at The Marquee, Eagle Club, Surulere, Lagos. The event marked a pivotal moment for the newly established branch, bringing together legal professionals, judges, and dignitaries to celebrate its inauguration.
In his keynote address, Branch Chairman Anene Nwadukwe expressed profound gratitude to the individuals and institutions that played vital roles in the branch’s creation. He acknowledged the efforts of the Branch Actualisation Committee, the NBA leadership, and particularly the Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, whose establishment of the Yaba-Surulere Judicial Division was instrumental.
“This dinner is more than a celebration; it is an introduction of the NBA Surulere Branch to the communities we aim to serve,” Nwadukwe said. He emphasised the branch’s mission to engage legal practitioners from Surulere, Yaba, Apapa, FESTAC, Amuwo-Odofin, and Ago.
Since its inauguration in May 2024, the branch has launched several initiatives, including seminars for young lawyers, mentorship programs with senior practitioners, and campaigns addressing ethical challenges in the legal profession. Looking ahead, Nwadukwe outlined ambitious plans, such as securing office space, equipping it with modern facilities, and acquiring a bus for members to attend NBA events and welfare activities.
He appealed for support, saying, “We call on our colleagues, family, and friends to partner with us to ensure the success of this branch. Financial contributions and donations of resources are essential to achieving our goals.”
The Dinner Committee Chairman, Malizu Iwudoh, underscored the event’s significance in officially introducing the branch to the legal fraternity and the public. “This dinner was a platform for lawyers to network, celebrate the profession, and discuss pressing legal issues,” he said.
Iwudoh reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to justice, equity, and fairness, emphasising the critical role of lawyers in protecting Nigerians’ rights and ensuring adherence to the rule of law. He also highlighted measures like lawyer seals introduced by the NBA to curb unethical practices in the profession.
Representing Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, Justice Dauda delivered opening remarks that stressed the importance of the legal profession in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and political challenges. He called on the NBA Surulere Branch to champion democratic principles, judicial independence, and social justice.
“As legal practitioners, we must lead the fight for justice and institutionalise principles that benefit our society,” Dauda said.
The event concluded with an atmosphere of camaraderie and a shared commitment to advancing the legal profession. Attendees praised the NBA Surulere Branch’s vision and pledged support for its initiatives.
