Eid al-Adha Mubarak!
On this solemn and blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to our esteemed Muslim colleagues at the Bar, and indeed, to all members of the Nigerian Bar Association and the entire legal community.
May the spirit of this sacred celebration bring immense joy, peace, and prosperity to your homes and practices.
A Celebration of Faith and Obedience
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is a profound reminder of the virtues that lie at the very core of our existence: sacrifice, obedience, and compassion.
It commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who, in an ultimate act of devotion, was willing to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail, in submission to Allah’s command.
This monumental act teaches us that true faith often calls for profound personal sacrifice—a willingness to let go of what is dear for a greater, divine purpose.
It is a testament to the power of obedience to a higher calling and the boundless compassion that ultimately prevailed.
Lessons for the Legal Profession
As we reflect on these timeless virtues, it is imperative that we, as legal practitioners, draw deep lessons from them and apply them to the present situation of our noble profession.
The legal landscape, while vibrant and dynamic, faces its share of challenges.
We grapple with issues ranging from ensuring fair remuneration for all—particularly for our younger colleagues—to upholding the highest ethical standards in the face of pressures, and striving for a more efficient and accessible justice system.
The Professional Imperative of Sacrifice
This is where the spirit of sacrifice becomes not just a religious observance, but a professional imperative.
For the legal profession to truly flourish and become a beacon of justice and integrity, we, the current custodians, must be willing to make sacrifices.
1. Sacrifice for Mentorship and Guidance
Senior members of the Bar must sacrifice their time and resources to mentor and guide young lawyers—sharing knowledge, experience, and opportunities rather than viewing them as mere competitors.
This means investing in their growth, ensuring they are adequately remunerated, and providing them with the tools to build sustainable practices.
2. Sacrifice for Ethical Purity
Upholding ethical standards often demands sacrificing immediate personal gain for the long-term integrity of the profession.
This includes adhering strictly to professional conduct rules, such as the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023, which mandates written terms of engagement and sets minimum fees, thereby protecting both clients and practitioners from exploitation and undercutting.
3. Sacrifice for Collective Good
We must be willing to sacrifice individualistic pursuits for the collective advancement of the Bar.
This means actively participating in Bar activities, contributing to legal reforms, and advocating for policies that benefit the entire legal ecosystem—not just a select few.
It involves a compassionate understanding of the struggles faced by those at the nascent stages of their careers.
4. Sacrifice for Justice and Service
Ultimately, our profession is about service to humanity and the pursuit of justice.
This may require sacrificing comfort, convenience, and even financial incentives to ensure that justice is served—especially for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Renewed Commitment and Hope
By embodying this spirit of sacrifice, obedience to our professional calling, and compassion for one another, we can collectively build a legal profession that is not only robust and respected but also truly sustainable and inspiring for the generations of lawyers who will follow in our footsteps.
Let this Eid al-Adha be a catalyst for renewed faith in our shared purpose, unity in our endeavors, and a deeper, unwavering commitment to service.
A Prayer for the Season
May Allah (SWT) accept our sacrifices, forgive our shortcomings, and bless us with wisdom, strength, and guidance to fulfill our roles as guardians of justice.
May He grant us success in all our righteous endeavors and make the legal profession a source of immense good for our nation and beyond.
Eid al-Adha Mubarak!
Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept from us and from you). Amin.
From the Desk of Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara
General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association
