In a remarkable show of professional solidarity, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, paid a memorable visit to the Nigerian Bar Association, Zaria Branch (popularly known as The Academic Bar) on the sidelines of his official engagement in Kaduna State.
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Accompanied by his entourage, the Learned Silk was warmly received by the Chairman of the Zaria Branch, Dr. M.T. Jibril, alongside other members of the Branch Executive Committee and a large representation of the branch membership.
The reception was deeply heartfelt and emblematic of the high regard in which the legal community across the country holds Aare Akinboro. The Branch Chairman, Dr Jibril, expressed profound appreciation for the visit, describing it as a historic moment for the branch. He lauded the Senior Advocate’s unrelenting dedication to the advancement of the legal profession, especially his support for young lawyers and his commitment to strengthening the NBA at all levels.
The interactive session between Aare Akinboro and members of the Zaria Bar was characterized by a rich and thought-provoking exchange of ideas, anchored on key issues affecting the legal profession in Nigeria. The dialogue delved into strategic areas vital to the Bar’s growth, relevance, and sustainability, particularly at the grassroots level. Below are the critical points of deliberation:
1. Mentorship and the Future of the Legal Profession
Akinboro emphasized the indispensable role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of legal professionals. He advocated for a structured mentorship framework within NBA branches that would pair experienced legal practitioners with young lawyers, providing them with the necessary guidance, moral support, and career navigation tools.
He noted that mentorship must go beyond court appearances to include values, ethics, strategic thinking, and professional resilience. The members of the Zaria Bar resonated with this call and expressed their commitment to supporting initiatives that deepen mentorship practices within their branch.
2. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) as a Tool for Competence
The conversation further explored the urgent need for regular, practical-oriented Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs. Aare stressed that the dynamism of the legal field requires constant upskilling, especially in emerging practice areas such as technology law, arbitration, regulatory compliance, and international business law.
He commended NBA branches that consistently organize CLE workshops and urged the Zaria Branch to institutionalize CLE as a standing item on their annual calendar. He also emphasized that CLE must align with real-time challenges lawyers face in practice.
3. Welfare of Young Lawyers
A major highlight of the session was the robust discussion on the welfare of young lawyers, a matter close to Aare Akinboro’s heart. He decried the unacceptable level of exploitation, poor remuneration, and lack of job security faced by many young lawyers across the country.
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The Learned Silk reiterated the significance of the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order (LPRO) 2023 and the efforts of the NBA Remuneration Committee—under the leadership of Chief Emeka Obegolu—to ensure full implementation and enforcement. He encouraged branches to sensitize employers of lawyers on the LPRO and advocate for dignified working conditions across all law firms and legal departments.
4. Bar–Branch Synergy and Grassroots Engagement
Aare Akinboro passionately called for a more proactive and responsive Bar–Branch relationship. He noted that sustainable reforms can only occur when there is a vibrant feedback loop between national leadership and branch structures.
According to him, the branches are the soul of the NBA, and leaders at the national level must consistently listen to the aspirations, concerns, and innovations coming from the grassroots. He challenged branch leaders and members alike to be vocal, organized, and participatory in NBA national affairs.
In his concluding remarks, Aare Akinboro underscored the importance of unity within the profession and urged members of the Zaria Bar to stay committed to the ideals of integrity, diligence, and service. He praised the branch for its intellectual heritage and pledged his continued support for their growth and visibility within the NBA structure.
In the course of the visit, Aare Akinboro, SAN, also paid a courtesy call on Honourable Justice Kabir Dabo, the Administrative Judge of Court 1, Zaria Division of the High Court of Kaduna State. Justice Dabo warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the Senior Advocate for his exemplary leadership and continuing efforts to uplift the legal profession.
Aare Akinboro’s stop in Zaria forms part of his broader engagement strategy that emphasizes inclusiveness, bridge-building, and constructive dialogue across NBA branches. His visit to Kaduna State, at the invitation of the Young Lawyers’ Forum of NBA Barnawa Branch, also reflects his longstanding commitment to mentoring and empowering young lawyers across Nigeria.
With every step, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, continues to embody the ideals of professionalism, accessibility, and service that the legal profession so dearly values.
CAPTION:
Moments from Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN’s visit to the NBA Zaria Branch—capturing the warmth and engaging discourse shared with the Academic Bar during the interactive session.
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