Chairman of the NBA Remuneration Committee, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Ph.D., has called on Nigerian law students to embrace integrity, constitutionalism, and active citizenship as indispensable foundations for building the nation Nigerians deserve.
Delivering the Keynote Address at the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN) North Central Convention held at the NBA Secretariat, Abuja, Chief Obegolu ably represented by the NBA YLF National Secretary, Etabor Agbor, described the convention’s theme, “The Republic We Deserve,” as more than an academic subject, but a compelling call to national introspection and collective responsibility.
Addressing the gathering of future advocates, judges, legislators, policymakers, and national leaders, he emphasized that every generation is ultimately judged by the nation it leaves behind. According to him, the republic future generations will inherit is being shaped today through the collective choices, values, and commitment of citizens to justice and nation-building.
Chief Obegolu underscored that the sovereignty of Nigeria resides in the people, as guaranteed by the Constitution, stressing that government exists as a trust exercised solely for the welfare, liberty, and security of the people. He maintained that the republic Nigerians deserve cannot simply be wished into existence but must be deliberately built by responsible citizens who understand both their rights and obligations.
Explaining the true meaning of a republic, he noted that it extends beyond the conduct of elections to encompass constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, accountable governance, strong institutions, and active citizenship. He reiterated that no individual, regardless of status or influence, should ever stand above the law.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Senior Advocate observed that although the country possesses abundant natural resources, entrepreneurial talent, and one of Africa’s largest economies, it continues to face significant challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, corruption, poverty, institutional weaknesses, and declining public confidence. Nevertheless, he urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair but to commit themselves to strengthening national institutions.
Speaking directly to the law students, Chief Obegolu challenged them to see themselves not merely as leaders of tomorrow but as leaders of today. He reminded them that integrity, excellence, discipline, humility, courage, and intellectual curiosity must be cultivated long before admission into the legal profession, warning that character is formed through daily choices.
He further highlighted the unique role of lawyers as guardians of constitutional democracy, defenders of fundamental rights, protectors of personal liberty, and custodians of the rule of law. According to him, the legal profession bears responsibilities extending far beyond courtroom advocacy, influencing legislation, governance, investment, peacebuilding, and economic development.
Chief Obegolu emphasized that strong institutions, rather than strong personalities, remain the bedrock of every successful republic. He called for independent courts, trusted electoral institutions, accountable public servants, and regulatory agencies capable of inspiring public confidence regardless of who occupies public office.
Reaffirming that integrity remains the cornerstone of every enduring republic, he urged the students to build reputations founded on honesty, ethical conduct, and excellence, noting that genuine professional success is inseparable from character.
He envisioned a Nigeria where justice is accessible to all, public resources are responsibly managed, elections genuinely reflect the will of the people, competence is rewarded, diversity unites rather than divides, and public office is viewed as an opportunity for service instead of personal enrichment.
In his closing remarks, Chief Obegolu encouraged the students to study beyond their lecture notes, master the Constitution, embrace emerging fields such as technology and artificial intelligence, defend what is right even when unpopular, and protect their reputations as their greatest professional assets.
He concluded with a powerful reminder that the future of Nigeria is already taking shape in classrooms, conversations, and the daily choices of young people, expressing confidence that the present generation possesses the intelligence, resilience, and courage to build a nation governed by law, strengthened by justice, and united by service.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Ph.D., serves as the Chairman of the NBA Remuneration Committee.
