SANs, other parents hail their kids on call to Bar, reports Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU
Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and other lawyers whose children were recently called to the Bar have urged them to show passion, diligence and unwavering commitment, as stepping stones to success in the legal profession.
4,425 Nigerian Law School graduates were called to Bar last November 28 and 29.
Of the number, 147 made first class, 741 second class upper division, 2,247 made second class lower division, while 1,321 scored pass mark.
In a chat with The Nation, Chief Arthur Obi -Okafor (SAN) whose daughter Adaobi Oluoma Okafor was one of the success stories, said: “My heart is filled with joy and gratitude to God for this wonderful gift to me and my family.
“My expectations from her in joining the legal profession is that she should make her own contribution to the growth of the legal profession and development of our country, Nigeria.
“It is a privilege to be a member of the legal profession. A lawyer is a leader and therefore, I expect her to serve the society wholeheartedly in an effort to leave the society better than she has found it.”
On the way to the profession’s peak Obi-Okafor said: “My advice to her on how to reach her peak is simple, but two fold: Firstly, she should give her heart to the profession. She must first love the profession if she must climb high. 
”Secondly, she must diligently observe those who have made success in the profession and follow their footsteps. The combination of these two, without relegating God to the background, will guarantee good success as opposed to distorted success”.
Former General Secretary of the NBA, Chief Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) whose son Rolake Akinboro and daughter Adedolapo Akinboro were called together, said: “I am grateful to God for allowing their dream of joining the legal profession come true.
I am also happy and challenged because they must have seen in me and my friends at the Bar something worthy of emulation. As their parents; my wife and I can only rejoice and be ever thankful to God for witnessing such a momentous part of our life as a family.
On his expectations of the new Wigs, Akinboro stated: “ Like people will say, I will expect them to always remember their root; the children of whom they are. I expect them to always be humble, respectful of not only their seniors but also all colleagues.
“The profession requires a lot of discipline and focus and it is only with focus, determination and personal development that they can become outstanding. I know they are aware that success is not hereditary but comes only with hard work and grace of God. I therefore expect them to work hard and pray hard while I wait to receive them at the top.
“My advice to them on how to reach the peak of their chosen career, is to focus on whatever dream they have, avoid distractions be ready to serve and learn, be humble, not to engage in any misconduct in whatever form or manner and ultimately believe in God. There is always space at the top for the focused and diligent”.
Former NBA National Treasurer, Mrs. Joyce Oduah whose daughter Nnenna Margaret Oduah was also called to the Bar the same day said: “ I feel so proud of Nnenna, not only because she was called to the Bar but also because she made a First Class in the almighty Bar finals exams.
“As I watched her and her colleagues file into the hall at the call to Bar ceremony, I experienced great joy as her mother and I am sure her dad felt the same way. To be honest, words cannot aptly describe how proud I am of her.
“My expectations for my daughter is that she strives to be the best she can be. To always make us proud and to always remember that she has a responsibility to herself, the family and the world.
“She must keep the flag flying, remembering that her Call to the largest Bar in Africa is not a fluke. The dedication, hard work, focus and total commitment she brought to bear from the first day she commenced this journey must continue.
“To reach the peak of one’s career is not an easy task, one must be unwavering and committed. I encourage her to hold to her values tenaciously and safeguard her integrity.
Remain true to the oath she has taken and be ready to sacrifice her personal interest for the good of the society. Her Call is one that requires her to work harder, accept leadership responsibilities, act respectfully, contribute to societal development and at all times remain humble.
“This advise is not only for her but to her colleagues also. It is important for them to understand that they are joining the Bar at a time when the society is looking for a voice for the voiceless, a problem solver for the myriads of issues that bedevils our society.
Expectations are high from family members and the society at large as many will look up to them to help prevent and solve their legal challenges.”
Read Also: ‘My call to Bar was my parents’ happiest day’
Immediate past Second Vice-President of the NBA, Monday Ubani’s son Obinna was also called to the Bar
Ubani said: “I am so excited by my son’s call to the Bar because by this feat I have replicated myself. It is a desire of every professional to have his or her child take after him or her.
“My expectations are for him to surpass me and achieve faster and profoundly what I failed to achieve on time in the profession. To start on time to be systematic and strategic in aspiring to the top. He has a mentor in me”.
For the Vice Chairman of NBA Lawyers in the Media Forum (LIM), Mrs. Vera Chinwuba whose daughter Dumebi was also called to the Bar, it was a thing of joy.
Mrs Chinwuba said: “I feel extremely pleased, satisfied and honoured by her call to Bar. It is gratifying for parents to witness the success, development and improvement in their children’s career.
Though Law is the family profession and everyone is living up to that legacy, I am particularly happy about her success.
“I will want her to embrace the legal profession with reverence for the good Lord, honour and integrity. The legal profession remains a noble and prestigious one.”
She said the secret and success of the profession lies in discipline and strict adherence to ethics of the profession.
Chinwuba added: “The period of tutelage is also very critical to young lawyers that really want to climb the ladder of the legal profession. Constant reading and training are the hallmarks of the legal profession.
Now, with ICT, the frontiers of the legal profession and practice are constantly expanding with new opportunities in diverse areas.
“It is offering young and senior lawyers great opportunities to expand the scope of practice in all fields of law. So, I expect my daughter to engage the legal profession bravely and actively and be ready to explore the countless opportunities that abound in the field of practice.
I’m very glad that a good number of chambers are mentoring and offering programmes for young lawyers development which she can explore.
“While I congratulate this set of 2019 I challenge them to make a paradigm shift in their individual and collective approach to issues they may find wanting.
“Of particular note to me, is the issue of improper dressing among lawyers. I urge you all to uphold the elegance that makes the legal profession the envy of other professions. You must appear clean and decent at all times.
I personally admire lawyers that come to court beautifully and decently dressed, especially the learned silks. Also, endeavour to arrive the court in good time and wait for your matter to be called. Say no to coming to late to court.
“Finally, respect your seniors at the bar, be humble enough to adhere to their teachings and seek their guidance. It may be the magic that will lead you to the promise land”.
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