…inauguration holds August 29
Dr. Mobolaji Idris Ojibara, the General Secretary-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has emphasised the commitment of the incoming administration of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN to restore public trust in the association as the new leadership prepares to assume office. Speaking in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Dr. Ojibara acknowledged the growing concerns about the declining public confidence in civil society organizations, including the NBA, and emphasized that addressing this issue would be a priority for the incoming administration.
“Public confidence in organizations like the NBA has regrettably diminished in recent years. However, under the leadership of our incoming President, Mazi Adam Osigwe, SAN, we are determined to reverse this trend. Our administration is focused on enhancing the welfare and professional development of our members while simultaneously working to rebuild the public’s trust in the NBA as a credible civil society institution,” Dr. Ojibara stated.
He further assured that the new administration would actively engage with the public to address unethical practices among some lawyers. Dr. Ojibara urged the public to report any misconduct to the appropriate NBA authorities, highlighting the association’s commitment to upholding professional standards.
“The NBA has a robust Disciplinary Committee that addresses complaints against its members. We encourage the public to bring any issues to our attention, and we will take the necessary actions, which may include suspension or disbarment, to maintain the integrity of our profession,” he said.
Dr. Ojibara noted that the success of the recent NBA elections, conducted through e-voting, demonstrated the potential for further digitization within the association. “Our goal is to ensure that every eligible lawyer, regardless of location, can fully participate in the affairs of the NBA. The introduction of digital platforms, like e-voting, has set a precedent that we intend to build upon. We are also considering the implementation of digital stamps to streamline processes and reduce the administrative burden on our members,” he disclosed.
Dr. Ojibara, emphasized that the introduction of digital stamps would eliminate the delays currently experienced in obtaining these essential items, allowing lawyers to access their stamps online once they have met the necessary requirements.
“We aim to make the NBA more responsive and accessible through digital innovations. By embracing technology, we are positioning the NBA to better serve its members and the public,” he added. The General Secretary-Elect therefore, underscored the importance of educating members on these new digital tools, ensuring a smooth transition to a more modernized and efficient NBA. He concluded by expressing the incoming administration’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the association’s operations.
“We are inspired by the practices of global associations like the International Bar Association (IBA), where operations are seamlessly managed online, regardless of physical location. Our vision is to bring the same level of efficiency and accessibility to the NBA,” Dr. Ojibara concluded.
Meanwhile, the formal inauguration of the newly erected Executive Officers of the NBA will take place on the 29th of August, 2024 in Lagos at the end of the association’s forthcoming Annual General Conference.
