Towards A Bold And Audacious Leap For The Bar And The Bench In 2022.

Towards A Bold And Audacious Leap For The Bar And The Bench In 2022.

By: Ogaga Emoghwanre, Esq., AICMC

My Dear Colleagues, 

It is a new dawn, the curtain has been drawn on 2021 and a new year, 2022 has been ushered in.

For most of us, the last few hours must have been spent in self retrospection typical of the time of the year. Indeed, the year 2021 had its moments; some glorious, others, challenging.

But here we are, at the cusp of another opportunity at life and self-expression with the knowledge that the glories of the out gone year were more than motivations to surmount the challenges of the same year.

I give God all the glory for the blessings of life, health, and every other thing that we enjoyed in the year, 2021. I must also acknowledge my indebtedness to my Boss and Leader, Mr. Olumide Akpata, the president of the Nigerian Bar Association, for indeed MAKING THE BAR WORK FOR ALL as planned from the beginning, and for reposing confidence in my capacity to work closely with him. No doubt, working with Mr. President has broadened my horizon.

I also register my gratitude to the chairman of the NBA-Welfare Committee-Mr Y. C. Maikyau, SAN, and indeed, all members of the Welfare Committee, in which I  serve as Secretary for the cooperation, which no doubt has been instrumental to the success of the committee's mandate thus far.

I also wish to appreciate Mr. Pius Oiwoh, the indefatigable chairman of my Branch, the NBA, Benin Branch. The Lion Bar is indeed my backbone and I'll forever be indebted to it.

Let me also at this juncture appreciate the tireless members of the current National Executive whose commitment to the service of the Bar, has improved the quality of our great Association. In the same token, I thank all the 125  Branch Chairmen of the NBA, for working closely with me as Coordinator of the Branches from the OPNBA. The roots of the NBA are located in the Branches, and working with you,  has been tasking, yet, rewarding experience.

This year - 2022 promises to be greater and better, and I enjoin every one of us to strive for the very best and eschew every unwholesome practice, especially as it relates to our solemn duty as ministers in the Temple of Justice.

Let us advance the course of our profession in the New Year to make a positive impact in the ultimate interest of the growth of the Bar and the Bench in particular,  and the nation at large.

The role of the Bar in the Nation building project cannot be overemphasized, and I hope that our Country will be the greatest beneficiary of our resolve to do better in this New Year and beyond.

Our commitment to the service of the Bar remains unflinching. As we enter into a new and resplendent year,  permit me a renewal of this commitment come 2022, as I am indeed willing to serve.

I wish us all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Regards,

OGAGA EMOGHWANRE, ESQ., AICMC

Special Assistant to the NBA President, Publicity Secretary NBA Benin Branch and Secretary, National Welfare Secretary.