I am honored to stand before you today to mark the opening ceremony of the Law Week of NBA Portharcourt branch. The Law week, as I understand it, is a celebration of our profession’s commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law.

As members of the legal profession, we have a sacred responsibility to uphold the principles of justice, to protect the rights of the vulnerable, and to promote the public interest. This Law week provides an opportunity for us to come together to reaffirm our commitment to these principles and to celebrate the work that we do.

I am informed that the law week commenced yesterday with a novelty football match and that as part of other programs lined up to celebrate this week, members will engage in various activities, including seminars, workshops, and community service projects. These events are designed to promote legal awareness, to foster a sense of community among lawyers, and to demonstrate our profession’s commitment to social responsibility.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the special guests, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this law week a success.

Let us use the opportunity provided by this law week to reflect on our role as lawyers in today’s Nigerian society, to recommit ourselves to the principles of justice and equality, and to celebrate our profession’s contributions to the public good.

To the members of NBA Portharcourt Branch, I extend my warmest greetings and goodwill to each and everyone of you. May I use this opportunity to reassure you of my commitment and the commitment of the National Executive Committee to uphold our Association as a beacon of excellence, integrity and justice in our community.

May your individual and branch dedication to upholding the rule of law and promoting human rights inspire generations to come.

I will not end this speech without extending our Associations appreciation to the Government and people of Rivers state and to remind them that Portharcourt will play host to over 15,000 lawyers from the 22nd to the 29th of August, 2025. We are all looking forward to a memorable experience in Portharcourt and we are counting on the traditional hospitality of the Government and people of Rivers state to make our conference experience unforgettable.

Finally, let me thank the Chair of the PH branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke and her team for leadership and commitment to excellence. I commend the Chair of planning committee, J. I. Ekwueme, Esq and members of the planning committee for what promises to be a successful law week.

 

Please accept my best wishes for continued success and growth of the branch and members.

Thank you.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN

President, NBA

03/12/24