“Let your voice be strong, your robe honourable, and your conscience firm.”
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025 — In a moment of national pride and personal fulfillment, Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, a revered figure in Nigeria’s legal community, has extended warm congratulations to the latest cohort of new wigs called to the Nigerian Bar.
In his deeply reflective message, the learned Silk described the Call to Bar ceremony as “a sacred rite of passage — not just into a profession, but into a lifelong covenant with justice, truth, and the Nigerian people.”
The Call to Bar: A Sacred Threshold
For the hundreds of young lawyers who stood before the Body of Benchers, donned their wigs and gowns, and recited the solemn oath, the Call to Bar was more than a celebration — it was an affirmation of readiness. Readiness to defend the rule of law.
Readiness to uphold the integrity of the legal profession. And readiness to serve with honour in a society desperately in need of principled advocates.
“Today, you cross over from aspiration to duty,” Ogbole said.
“From the classroom to the courtroom. From lectures to legacy. You now wear the robe — but more importantly, you now bear the responsibility.”
A Message of Hope and Encouragement
While commending their years of diligence and sacrifice, Chief Ogbole reminded the new wigs that the road ahead will demand grit, grace, and God. He called on them to anchor their legal careers in integrity, discipline, and lifelong learning.
“The courtroom is not a stage for vanity, but a sanctuary of truth. Let your words be measured, your practice be clean, and your loyalty lie only with justice.”
He encouraged them not to fear starting small — in pro bono cases, community legal work, or assisting senior colleagues with humility. Every small step, he noted, is part of the journey that shapes great lawyers.
Prayers and Best Wishes from Chief Ogbole
In closing, the learned Silk offered a heartfelt prayer for every new wig:
“May God order your steps, crown your efforts with favour, and preserve your name with honour. May you never lack wisdom in the moments that matter most, and may your voice always stand for the voiceless. I wish you courage in every cross-examination, clarity in every brief, and compassion in every encounter with justice.”
He also assured them of his continued support through mentorship and legal education initiatives aimed at equipping the next generation of Nigerian lawyers.
A Charge for the Future
“You are not just the future of the Bar — you are its present. Walk tall, speak boldly, and act justly,” Chief Ogbole concluded. “The robe you wear is not only a symbol — it is a standard. Rise to it.”
As the Nigerian legal profession welcomes its newest members, voices like Paul Harris Ogbole’s stand as a steady guide — reminding them that while the call may be public, the duty remains deeply personal. And for every new wig, the journey has just begun — not only to become a lawyer, but to become a light.
