The monthly meeting of the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), took place on Friday 4th of March at the A-Class Parks and Recreation Centre, Maitama, Abuja.

The hybrid meeting (physical and online) which was hosted by amiable Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sir Patrick O. Okolo recorded a large attendance by lawyers from within and outside the Federal Capital Territory.

In the executive report which was read by the branch Chairman, Moses Ebute SAN, it was revealed that two members of the branch have been shortlisted to be elevated as Justices of the Supreme Court.

The Chairman also noted that after meeting with the branch’s building committee chairman, Mr Samuel Zibiri, SAN he had his blessing to add Princess F. Frank-Chukwani (alternate chairman), Dr James Agbonhese and Mr Steve Emelieze as members of the committee. He also disclosed that the long awaited groundbreaking ceremony of the NBA Abuja Branch Bar Centre will take place within the next few months and definitely before the end of this administration. This announcement drew a lot of elated applause from attendees.

Notable among attendees was foremost lawyer, J.K. Gadzama, SAN who spoke to young lawyers on steps to take for career success, under the mentorship series of talks, organised by the branch.

Others included Chief James Onoja, SAN; Alex Ejesieme, SAN; Victoria Awomolo, SAN (online); FIDA Chairperson, Chibuzor Nwosu; former officials of the branch, Desmond Yamah, Dr Agada Elachi (online), Chinedu Obienu, Princess F. Frank-Chukwuani, Mrs Ozioma Izuora, Noah Ajare, Abimbola Kayode, Ajuluchukwu Eze, Afam Okeke, Chidi Udekwe and a host of others.

Another highlight of the meeting was a visit by representatives of the NBA Welfare Committee ably chaired by Yakubu Maikyau, SAN; Messrs Auta Nyada and Henry Barnabas, who came to deliver NHIS GIFSHIP access cards to Unity Bar members who had been selected for the one year free health care insurance pilot phase of the scheme, flagged of by NBA President, Olumide Akpata.

In his remarks, Patrick Okolo SAN, said it is imperative that Lawyers dedicate themselves to serving the NBA which he referred to as a ‘way of life’. According to him, being a member of the NBA is like serving Nigeria, therefore members should be committed.

The meeting came to a close with a prayer by Desmond Yamah, after a plaque of honour was presented to Patrick Okolo, SAN by Chief J. K. Gadzama, SAN, on behalf of the branch.