In a demonstration of unity and solidarity, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) paid a courtesy visit to Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN on *Thursday, 27th February 2025. The visit was part of the branch’s tradition of standing by its members during significant life events—whether moments of joy or times of personal loss.
The Unity Bar delegation was led by the Branch Chairman, Mr. Steve Emelieze, FCIArb, accompanied by Mr. Afam Okeke, a respected former chairman of the branch, and other distinguished members of the branch executive. The purpose of the visit was to express the branch’s heartfelt condolences to the Learned Silk and to reaffirm their unwavering support during this time.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Emelieze conveyed the collective sympathy of the branch, emphasizing that Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN is not only a respected legal luminary but also a valued member of the Unity Bar family. He reassured the Learned Silk that the branch remains committed to providing moral support and will continue to uphold the core values of the NBA—fellowship, empathy, and professional solidarity.
In his response, Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Bar Association and particularly to the Abuja Branch for their show of love and support. He remarked that the visit had brought him immense comfort and reinforced his belief that the NBA is more than a professional association—it is a family. He commended the Unity Bar for their thoughtfulness and acknowledged the enduring spirit of unity and compassion that defines the branch.
A Tradition of Compassion and Solidarity
The courtesy visit to Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN echoes similar visits made by the NBA Abuja Branch to members in times of celebration and bereavement. Notably:
- In 2024, the Unity Bar, led by Mr. Steve Emelieze, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Aliyu Musa Dattijo, expressing their commitment to pursuing justice regarding the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
- In October 2024, the branch leadership extended support and solidarity to the family of the late Mrs. Joy Inikpi Achi, a member of the NBA Women Forum, following her tragic passing in a mishap along Njaba-Orlu Road.
- The Unity Bar has also made celebratory visits, including congratulating members elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as well as honoring those appointed to judicial and public offices.
Through these consistent acts of kindness and fraternity, the NBA Abuja Branch continues to demonstrate that beyond legal practice, the association is a pillar of support for its members—ensuring no one faces life’s highs and lows alone.
As the visit concluded, Mr. Emelieze reiterated the branch’s open-door policy, assuring Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN that the Unity Bar stands ready to assist in whatever way necessary. The courtesy call further underscores the NBA’s enduring commitment to fostering a community of care, camaraderie, and professional excellence.
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