FEATURED
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN BAR FORUM (EBF) WELCOME CHIEF J-K GADZAMA
At the canaan city of Calabar, Cross Rivers State, members of the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) comprising 9 States of the old Eastern Region gathered for their quarterly general meeting scheduled for Friday 3rd – Saturday 4th June, 2022.
The general meeting started on Friday, June 3, 2022 with a cocktail at Event 45 Conference Center at the instance of the Honourable Chief Jude of the Cross Rivers State, Hon Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, wherein the members were entertained with a variety of local delicacies and cultural dance.
At the cocktail, the compere recognized and welcomed the friends of J-K Gadzama ably led by Chief Princes Chukwudi Oli.
At the general meeting of the forum on Saturday, June 4 2022, members in attendance deliberated on the business of the day as it affects the forum, the States in the old Eastern Region and Nigeria in tune with their theme “Insecurity and Injustice: Threats to Nigeria’s Corporate Co-Existence”. The Governor of the State, His Excellency, (Sen) (Prof) Ben Ayade was ably represented by the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tanko Ashang, Esq.
In line with the noble tradition of the Forum, all candidates vying for various positions in the Nigerian Bar Association were called upon to address the members.
Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN, who was ably represented by Chief Prince Chukwudi Oli, the Director-General of Vox Populi, spoke to the members of the EBF on the candidature of Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN. He highlighted various capacities Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN have served the Nigerian Bar Association as the pioneer Chairman of NBA – SPIDEL; NBA – SARC; Council Member of NBA-SBL and SLP.
He described Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN as a consummate and quintessential Bar Man and a true detriblised Nigerian. Chief Oli informed the members that Gadzama holds the traditional title of “Okwuluora of Ukpo” in Anambra State which means the mouthpiece of the people in Igbo language, which is a honour well deserved.
Chief Oli stated that the Bar has gone beyond the rhetoric of welfare and what one will do if elected to what one has done to the Bar. He stated that Chief Gadzama is an embodiment of love to all, bridge between the old and the young one, and have passion for the development and welfare of young lawyers. He narrated his experience with Chief Gadzama while under the employment of his firm about 12 years ago and how he impacted his life till date. Chief Oli’s speech threw the members of the forum into thunderous clapping and singing of the songs of acceptance of the candidature of Chief Gadzama.
After the greetings and speech from the representative of Chief Gadzama, some members and supporters converged and took a group photograph where the flex banner of Chief J-K was conspicuously placed at the entrance of the hall.
CHIEF JOE-KYARI GADZAMA, SAN GAILY WELCOMED BY NBA LAFIA – MEMBERS AND EXECUTIVES TO A LUNCH DATE.
On Saturday, June 4, 2022, the friends of Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN in conjunction with the members and executives of the NBA Lafia Bar hosted the Learned Silk, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and his esteemed entourage comprising of Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN(Former. Chairman Abuja Branch), Steve Abar ( Former. Vice President NBA National body, Former. Chairman Jos Branch, Former. National Assistant Secretary), Ganny Ajape (Abuja Branch Elder), Samson Samson Gotom (Jos Brand Secretary), Darlington Onyekwere (Partner,J-k Gadzama LLp ), Jerry Ombugadu Musa ( Financial Secretary Unity bar, Abuja and Junior Partner,J-k Gadzama LLp ), Victor Ehiosun (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp), Love Chukwumerije (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp),
Promise Godwin (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp), Esther Oduh (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp), Ogwuche Roseline (Counsel J-k Gadzama LLp), were gaily received to a lunch date hosted by the NBA Lafia branch.
The Lunch date witnessed the attendance of Bar Leaders from the NBA Lafia Branch such as: Mustapha Sadiq( Chairman), Mohammed Dahiru( vice chairman), Ayuwule Baba Ayuwule ( Secretary), Ovey Yakubu Ezekiel ( Director of Sports), Grace Akatiki Dominic( Chairperson Young lawyer forum NBA Lafia Branch), Emmanuel C.Agoh ( Secretary YLF Lafia Branch).
The welcoming remarks were delivered by Mustapha Sadiq, Esq (Chairman of Lafia Bar) who amongst many other things expressed his gladness to be hosting the Learned Silk. The Chairman also stated that Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN was an exemplary leader and one they were more than happy to be with.
Baba Ayuwule, Esq (Secretary of the Bar) spoke on behalf of the lawyers. In his remarks, the young lawyers were pleased with the good works and contributions of the Learned Silk and welcome every occasion to have interactions with the Learned Silk.
Thereafter, an indigene of Nasarawa State and Junior Partner with the firm of J-K Gadzama LLP, Mr. Jerry Musa Ombugadu spoke to the gathering, describing the Learned Silk as a man of capacity who has consistently contributed to the development of the personal and professional lives of many lawyers in Nigeria. He also reassured all who were present that the Learned Silk is a committed Bar patriot; and not just anyone but one with the rare ability to speak fearlessly on behalf of the Nigerian Bar.
In similar light, the Former National 1st Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Former Chairman Jos Branch, Mr. Steve Abar, addressed the gathering. He referred to the Learned Silk as a man of impeccable pedigree and unbiased character. He said he could attest to this because he had known the Learned Silk since 1997. He said, “be careful of people who come to you to solicit for your support to be NBA President. Ask them this, what they were doing for the NBA in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Thereafter he ended his speech by making reference to a statement made by Hon Justice O.A Adeniyi: “J-K Gadzama rivals the NBA as someone who has shown commitment to the affairs of the profession”.
The Learned Silk was then introduced to address the Lafia Bar. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN expressed delightfully, his commitment to the welfare of the Lafia Bar. He thanked everyone for joining him and welcoming him to Lafia Bar. He stated that being in Lafia is a homecoming for him as he is no stranger to the state and he’s a son of the soil . He described the Lafia Bar as an extension of his family explaining to all who were present that he had several affiliations with Nasarawa State. The Learned Silk reassured the members that the welfare of Young Lawyers will always be his priority and prayed for the young lawyers that they will achieve more and greater things than he has achieved in the profession. He also expressed his commitment to ensuring better access to loans with single digit interest, better access to Lawpavillon and other amenities. In his remarks, he assured the Lafia Bar that as a part of his plan, he was going to set up a structural system that would create more employment opportunities for lawyers. “It is possible to have two legal advisers in every local government in Nigeria under statutory employment. There are many ideas that we have. We have only come to thank you for what you have been doing, what you are doing and what you will do to assist us implement our ideas”.
Thereafter His Highness M.A Sambo (Madaki Kayada), thanked the Learned silk for not relenting in his desire to serve the bar despite his caliber and standing.
J.A Kigbo stated that they are privileged to have the Learned silk in their midst and that the leadership of the NBA requires the boldness of a person who can pull the bull by the horn. Thereafter he asked the learned silk to look into the plight of private legal practitioners such as appointment into the judiciary, remuneration of lawyers. The learned silk in response to him stated that all these things are in his agenda and he will make sure to occasion a change.
Zoe Fuantuam (President of Legal Aid), stated that she was grateful to the learned silk for always recognizing corp members
The Chairperson of Young Lawyers Forum, Lafia, Grace Akatiki Dominic thanked the Learned Silk for the interactive session, assuring him of their unwavering support come rain, come sun. She also thanked all who attended the lunch date.
Darlington Onyekwere( partner J-K Gadzama LLP), expressed gratitude on behalf of Chief J-K gadzama SAN and thank everyone for their warm welcome.
PARTE AFTER PARTE: FRIENDS OF J-K HOST AN AFTER-PARTY FOR THE NBA MAKURDI BRANCH 2022 LAW WEEK DINNER.
On Saturday, June 4, 2022 the NBA Makurdi Branch held its 2022 Annual Law Week Dinner at Benue Hotel & Resorts, Makurdi. The Branch invited Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN to deliver a dinner talk with the theme, “Democracy, Electoral Process & Paradigm of Change in Nigeria”. Thereafter, Friends of J-K hosted an after party for the members of the NBA Makurdi branch in honor of the Learned Silk, Chief J-K Gadzama SAN.
The after-party witnessed the attendance of Bar Leaders from the NBA Makurdi and Gboko Branch such as: J.T Kpakaa, Esq., (Chairman Gboko Branch), J.T Akaazua, (Vice Chairman Gboko Branch), M. Alabar, (Secretary Gboko Branch) B.I Tyiogh, (Social Secretary), R.K. Chia, (Treasurer Gboko Branch), TAR Tombuwua, (Legal Adviser, Gboko Branch) and Jude Nyam, (Chairman, YLF Makurdi).
The Learned Silk opened the dance floor with some great moves and other members of the Bar joined him.
A special highlight of the event was the singing of a composed hymn by some members of the NBA Makurdi Branch amidst gleeful chants of “J-K” and “incoming”.
The after-party was indeed phenomenal, as the bar members danced and had a good time with the Learned Silk with a lot to eat and drink.
MEMBERS OF NBA MAKURDI BRANCH COMPOSE HYMN AND CHANT VICTORY SONGS IN FAVOUR OF J-K GADZAMA, SAN
On Saturday, June 4, 2022 the NBA Makurdi Branch held its 2022 Annual Law Week Dinner at Benue Hotel & Resorts, Makurdi. The Branch invited Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN to deliver a dinner talk with the theme, “Democracy, Electoral Process & Paradigm of Change in Nigeria”.
Thereafter, Friends of J-K hosted an after party for the members of the NBA Makurdi branch in honor of the Learned Silk, Chief J-K Gadzama SAN. The After party hosted by friends of J-K was indeed phenomenal and memorable for the NBA Makurdi branch member and the Learned silk.
The Bar members composed Hymns and chanted them amidst gleeful chants of “J-K” and “incoming”, as Chief J-K Gadzama SAN, was privileged to perform the role of a choir master.
It was indeed a memorable night!!!
UNITY BAR KICKS OFF 2022 LAW WEEK WITH A COCKTAIL PARTY AT HON. JUSTICE S.M.A BELGORE HALL, J-K GADZAMA COURT
It’s the season of law weeks for NBA branches across Nigeria and in this fashion, the NBA, Abuja branch commenced its law week with a fancy cocktail party which was organized by friends of Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
The chairman of the branch, Moses Ebute, SAN and the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama heartily welcomed all the members of the branch who ebulliently attended the event. Mr. Afam Okeke, former secretary of the branch and alternate chair person of the planning committee also expressed his gratitude to the members present and assured them of a good time at the party.
Amid the classic jams being played in the background, members sipped on their drinks and dined on the finest barbeque chicken and meat that were offered at the event.
The Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari Gadzama and other members of the branch utilized the cocktail party as an opportunity to network while dancing and chatting with each other.
Prominent personalities who were present at the event include: Mela Nunghe, SAN, past chairman of the branch; Chief Mrs. Victoria Awomolo, SAN; Chief C.P Oli, Director-General of Vox Populi; Hon. Femi Adeniyi, chairman of NBA, Sagamu branch; Dr. Princess Chukwuani; Adama Mohammed; Mrs. Amaruche Onyedum Anya; Dayo Ashonibare amongst a host of others.
It was a great night as priceless memories were made.
JOE-KYARI GADZAMA SAN DAZZLES MEMBERS OF THE NBA-IKEJA BRANCH
Leading Senior Advocate and Candidate for the Office of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN stormed the monthly meeting of the NBA-Ikeja branch on Monday, June 6, 2022.
Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN – the Honoree of the meeting was given an opportunity to address members of the branch who had eagerly been awaiting his arrival. Amidst the overwhelming rounds of applause, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN remarked that he had been the only lawyer in the country that had been in the foundation of all the sections of the NBA. In particular, he said that he was the Pioneer Chairman of the NBA-SPIDEL, Pioneer Vice-Chairman the NBA-SLP and a Pioneer council member of the NBA-SBL.
The Leading Senior Advocate also promised improved welfare and increased remuneration for young lawyers, female members of the Bar and lawyers with disabilities.
Furthermore, the Learned Silk stated that the Bar and the Country were at a point where they needed leaders that speak truth to power and could only be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that of the NBA.
As the Learned Silk concluded his remarks, members of the branch recited the well-known chant, “J-K is OK” which was anchored by Mr Kunle Ogunba SAN.
As is customary with activities linked with the Learned Silk, members of the branch were treated to exquisite delicacies at the cocktail organized in his honour.
Notable personalities present at the meeting with the Learned Silk were Mela Audu Nunghe SAN – Past Chairman of the NBA-Abuja branch, Hon. Nimi Walson Jack – Past General Secretary of the NBA, Otunba Martin Ogunleye – Past Chairman of the NBA-Lagos branch, Stephen Abar – Past 2nd Vice-President of the NBA and Vice-Chairman NBA-SPIDEL, Mr P.B Ishaku, Samson Gotom – Secretary of the NBA-Jos branch, Mr John Austin – Past Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Rotimi Ogunlade, Onwuka Igwe, Oluniyi Adediji, Lamar Joe-Kyari Gadzama, Subomi Adegbemisoye, Anene Nwadukwe, Obinna Ezeanim, Chioma Ferguson, Chukwu Adimote, Chikasi Madubike, Yomi Fagbayi, Azodo Oluchukwu, Her Worship Roseline Akimbo, Benita Olejeme, Lilian Obwugu, Nora Nwaokoye, Naomi Uko, Florence Duru, Nonso Ejionye, Prince Eddy Njoku, Felicia Oheke, Chinelo Ugwu and many others.
To join our Telegram platform, please click here
COPYRIGHT 2022 CITY LAWYER. Please send emails to citylawyermag@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/City-Lawyer-Magazine-434937936684320 and on TWITTER at https://twitter.com/CityLawyerMag. To ADVERTISE in CITY LAWYER, please email citylawyermag@gmail.com or call 08138380083. All materials available on this Website are protected by copyright, trade mark and other proprietary and intellectual property laws. You may not use any of our intellectual property rights without our express written consent or attribution to www.citylawyermag.com. However, you are permitted to print or save to your individual PC, tablet or storage extracts from this Website for your own personal non-commercial use.
