Former NBA Secretary, J.S. Muhammed becomes 26th Ilorin NBA chair

…promises NHIS, relaxation center for members

Following a day of intense online voting, Barrister Jimoh Saad Muhammed, a legal practitioner from the private bar, has been elected as the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Kwara State.

The election results were announced by the chairman of the electoral committee, Professor Yahya Hambali, with Muhammed securing a total of 207 votes, defeating his closest competitor, Barrister Aseru Yewande, who received 73 votes.

In the race for Vice Chairman, Rashidat Abimbola Hassan emerged victorious, achieving the highest score of 138 votes. She surpassed Owoniseola Michael, who obtained 32 votes, and Mistura Abayomi Yusuf, who garnered 110 votes.

Three individuals contended for the position of Bar Secretary: Sekoni Saad Isiaq, who ultimately emerged victorious with 135 votes, surpassing Gideon Osagbemi, who secured 47 votes, and Ridwan Musa, who accumulated a total of 98 votes.

In a conversation with the press following the event, the electoral chairman, Professor Hambali, disclosed that the process was transparent and fair, emphasizing that all complaints were addressed from the control room.

He stated that the voting portal was accessible to everyone from morning until 4 p.m., ensuring that no eligible lawyers were disenfranchised.

The chairman-elect expressed his gratitude to all who entrusted him with their votes, declaring his intention to transform the bar by prioritizing their welfare.

He emphasized the importance of the insurance scheme for the members of the bar, noting that the very elderly members of the association will be given precedence in this initiative.

He vowed to obtain a space from the governor for the association to build a relaxation center for the bar, similar to those of other professional organizations.

“Many of our members cannot afford hospital bills and are suffering from various illnesses. We will implement the NBA NHIS, allowing our members to register for a nominal fee, enabling them to access any hospital of their choice.

“Since the NBA was established about 60 years ago, the bar has lacked a relaxation center akin to those of other professional bodies. During my tenure, we will achieve this. We will engage in discussions with the current government to secure land for us in the GRA.”

“By 2027, we aim to have comprehensive documentation of the Ilorin bar because, by 2026, the NBA will celebrate its 60th anniversary, and we plan to host a grand ceremony to mark this milestone. It will span 60 days,” he stressed.

Brief History of the Chairman-elect

Barrister Jimoh Saad Muhammad is a distinguished legal practitioner based in Ilorin. He graduated from the University of Ilorin in 2008 and attended the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Law School. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar on November 4, 2009.

After completing his NYSC in Osun State, Muhammad joined the Ilorin office of J.S Bamigboye (SAN) for his attachment in 2011.

Following several years with the esteemed silk, he established his private practice, J.S Muhammad & Associates, in January 2020. Two years later, the chamber evolved into INTIMATE Chamber.