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Tag: NBA

  • NBA agrees to invest $9b on Niger Basin

    Member countries of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) have adopted a $9 billion investment plan to sustain the resources of the basin which has 130 million inhabitants, the federal government disclosed yesterday.

    Leaders of the regional body adopted the billion dollars plan from 2008 to 2027.

    The government also revealed adoption of another $7.2 billion as its operational plan (OP) while $3.11 billion would be spent on its Climate Resilience Investment Plan (CRIP).

    Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, disclosed these at the 36th Ordinary Session of the NBA, which in Abuja on Friday.

    The NBA is an intergovernmental organisation in West Africa aimed at fostering co-operation in managing and developing the resources of the basin of the River Niger.

    It is made up of nine-member countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire.

    Adamu, who is also the Chairman, Council of Ministers of the NBA, noted the degradation of the environment in the basin and its pact on natural resources remained a major concern to member countries that required cooperation within the NBA to address.

    According to the minister, water within the basin that flows over the nine member countries needed to be preserved, protected and well managed for everyone’s well-being.

    The minister said: “I am pleased to note that despite all these difficulties, in recent years, thanks to our own political will and the active support of our development partners, our organization has made significant progress.

    “The adoption of a Sustainable Development Action Plan (SDAP) of the Niger Basin with a 2008-2027 investment Programme for a total cost of 6.3 billion euro, which is $9.335 billion US dollars broken down into three-five years plans;

    “The adoption of the 2013-2024 Strategic Plan and its 2016-2024 Operational Plan incorporating the Investment Plan of Strengthening Resilience to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (CRIP).

    “The total amount of the OP is $7.2 billion, including $3.11 billion for the CRIP.

    “As for us member countries of the authority, despite the significant efforts made in the payment of contributions, we must recognize that we still have much to do to follow suit with our development partners, by honouring our commitments to our Joint Organization regularly and in due course.”

    He said that the combined phenomena of climate change and population growth as well as irrational and abusive exploitation of natural resources had been having adverse consequences on the social-economic activities in the basin.

    Adamu urged them to pursue programmes such as the implementation of major integration projects and the Silting Control Programme in the basin, among others.

    Executive Secretary of the NBA, Abderahim Hamid, said the regional body had launched a $300-million-dollar fund with the African Development Bank (AfDB) for technical and environmental studies to protect the basin from the consequences of climate change.

    The project, which is the Programme for the Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC), would promote the adaptation of mechanisms to manage the depletion of the basin.

    Hamid said that it was important for member countries of the authority to make additional efforts through contributions and strengthening of human capacities towards improving the people’s livelihoods.

    Hamid said: “We have started the preparation of the programme for the development of resilience to climate change in the Niger Basin with the World Bank for a total of $350 to 500 million that will start as from 2019 over a period of five years.”

  • NBA Ikorodu holds law week

    Activities marking the 2018 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) , Ikorodu Branch commenced yesterday with lawyers partaking in the Jumat service at the Majolape Mosque, Ebute, Ikorodu.

    A church service will also take place tomorrow at the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Overcomers Parish, Pashoku, Ikorodu ,

    The Chairman of the branch, Mr Levi Adakwaone disclosed this during a press conference to announce activities for the Law Week.

    According to Adakwaone, members of the branch will on Monday hold the Bar and Police Forum during which they would visit the Area N Police Command and other police formations under the command with a view to offering legal assistance to those in custody. He said they would in addition interfaced with staff of the command to look at challenges facing them and how to redress them.

    He said the  Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson (SAN) annual lecture will hold on Tuesday at the Ikorodu Town hall as part of the  continue legal education programme of the bar. According to him, a professor of Economics at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Adenola Sheriff  Tella, will deliver the main lecture while discussants will include Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Redbricks  Homes Limited and Amen EstateIbeju-Lekki, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi

    He said this year’s theme: “Law and Economic Development: Moving Nigeria from  Recession to prosperity”

  • ‘NBA committed to promoting electoral integrity’

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) has restated the association’s commitment to a transparent electoral process.

    He spoke at this year’s Founders Day Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), held at the Nigerian Judicial Institute, Abuja.

    Mahmoud, represented by the First-Vice President Mr. Caleb Dajan said NBA had been working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promote electoral integrity in the country.

    He said: “The duty of the NBA Election Observer Group is to observe Nigeria elections and give report of their observations on the process and conduct of the elections.

    “In view of the above, the NBA in conjunction with INEC has since 2011 till date, engaged lawyers that would act as observers representing the NBA in Elections.

    “The elections observation exercise provides the opportunity for lawyers to display the very fabric on which the law profession is built upon: integrity, excellence, courage and professionalism in the way and manner they observe the election.”

    Dejan said the election monitoring group was in line with NBA’s determination to provide an unbiased reportage and stance on the conduct of elections.

    The keynote speaker, former INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega said electoral integrity was the key to democratisation.

    “No matter how elections are regularly held, if they do not represent the true voters, in which vote does not actually and truly count, vitiate the substance attributes of democracy and undermine democracy, then such election lacks integrity.

    “The extent and magnitude of electoral fraud is what undermines electoral integrity and that electoral integrity is now considered globally as a serious business deserving serious attention,” he said.

    NIALS Director-General Prof. Adedeji Adekunle (SAN) said the Institute has introduced an online learning model to enable students learn in the comfort of their homes.

    He also said that the founding fathers designed the institute such that it will not only advance in research and learning but in law, adding that the Institute has not only discharged its duty in terms of research but on how legal and social disputes are resolved.

    At the event were prominent personalities including: Chief Adegboyega Solomon  Awomolo (SAN) and his wife  Chief Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo (SAN), Senator Shehu Sani, Kwara State Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad, Nigerian Copyright Commission Director-General Mr. Afam Ezekude, Cardinal John Olorunfem Onaiyekan, Chairman Federal Road Safety Commission board, Mr. Bukhari Bello, Commissioner, Nigerian Law Reform Commission P.C Okorie, among others.

  • NBA mourns Sofola

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has mourned Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), who died on March 24.

    A statement by the General Secretary Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju reads in part: “The NBA mourns the passage of one of its leaders and legal titan Chief Idowu Sofola  (SAN)  who died peacefully in the early hours of  Saturday 24th March 2018 and had since been buried in accordance with Islamic Injunction.

    “Chief Sofola was a very prominent Nigerian Legal Practitioner who was born on 29th September 1934 in Ikene-Remo, Ogun State. He attended St. Savior School in Ikene-Remo for his primary education. In 1952 he was admitted into Eko Boys High School where he finished his secondary education.

    “Upon completion of his secondary education, he had a stint at the Lagos State Judiciary as a court clerk in 1958 before travelling to the United Kingdom where he obtained his L.L.B degree from London School of Commerce and Holborn College. In 1962, Chief Sofola was called to the English Bar and in the same year he was enrolled as a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    “In his years as a Legal Practitioner, Chief Sofola was an erudite legal juggernaut of exemplary character. He had a deep knowledge of the law which indeed helped in his approach to several legal matters.

    “He was a very active member of the Bar to the extent that he was elected a General Secretary of the NBA from 1979-1982, a position which he utilized effectively in setting the foundation of the Bar upon which subsequent leaders of the bar had used as a roadmap in directing  the affairs of the NBA.

    “In 1989 Chief Idowu Sofola was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). In 2012 he succeeded Justice Dahiru Musdapher as the Chairman of the Body of Benchers (the highest decision making body of the Nigerian Legal Profession) a position he held till 2013.

    “Internationally, Chief Sofola also made his mark as he was the first African to be the General Secretary of the International Bar Association. Until his demise, Chief Sofola was a very active member of the NBA, International Bar Association and Body of Benchers (Life Bencher).

    “He was happily married to Chief Olusola Sofola and the marriage was blessed with Five Children which includes: Sina Sofola SAN, Hon. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro who has been recently appointed a Judge in the Lagos State Judiciary.

    “The President of the NBA; Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud OON SAN on behalf of the National Executive Committee and entire members of NBA extends his condolence to the entire members   of  Sofola’s family of Ikenne in Ogun State, the Body of Benchers, the Nigerian Bar Association  and the entire  Nation on the loss of this illustrious son of Yoruba Land, a Bar Leader per Excellence  who had contributed immensely to the development of Legal Profession both in Nigeria and abroad.

    “It is our fervent prayer that Almighty Allah will grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

  • NBA inaugurates conference team

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) has inaugurated the Technical Committee for Conference Planning (TCCP) for this year’s NBA Annual General Conference (AGC).

    The 30-member committee is chaired by Prof. Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN).

    Former Defence Minister Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN) is the Alternate Chairman; Ramatu Umar Bako is the Secretary.

    Mahmoud urged the committee to lift this year’s conference above the landmark standard  of last year’s edition held in Lagos.

    He reminded the committee that the world was watching, and that the only way to go was to take NBA AGC to greater heights.

    He said:  “This year’s theme will focus on institution-building, relating more to challenges facing the country. We want to face the theme of institution building which we feel is more germane and critical to the challenges facing the country.

    “The committee will be working on thematic areas of the conference, to attract resource persons all over the globe.

    “It is well to known that American Bar Association has indicated interest to work with us for the Conference as well as the British/Nigeria Bar Forum.”

    Prof Ajayi thanked Mahmoud for giving the committee members the privilege to serve and assured him that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.

    Other members of the committee are: Chief Ogwo James  Onaja (SAN),  Bisi Soyebeo (SAN),  Olasupo Shasore (SAN), A. A. Akinkunmi, Muritala Abdul-Rasheed, Hafsat Lawal, Yusuf Abdullah AbdulKadir,   Mrs. Funmi Roberts, Akin Ajibola, Bello Aminu Abdullah, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, Emeka Obegolu, Steve Emelize, Sagir Gezawa, Princess Frank-Chuwuani, Mohammad Tsav , Aisha Ado Abdullah, Adesina Adegbite, Ummahani Amin, Wada S. Wada, Anulika Osuigwe, Paulyn Abuleme, Hauwa Yakubu,  Mohammed Wahab, Inna Ali Member and Dolapo Okunniga.

    On his expectation, Mahmoud said: “The expectation is that we will build on the successes of last years’ conference which has been acknowledged to be one of the best in the history of the association.

    “So, we will give them all the necessary assistance to make sure they deliver another world class conference.”

    Prof Ajayi said there would be improvements in this year’s conference.

    “I feel very happy because it is the beginning of a greater future, for not just for NBA but for the re-emergence of Nigeria as the true leader of the black world,” he said.

    On the improvements to expect this year, he said: “The improvements will be outstanding and will be for the sight to behold.”

    On his advice to lawyers, the Senior Advocate said:”We must remember that we are privileged members of the society with a lot of rights under the law. We are the oldest profession in the country, the foremost profession in the country.

    “So, there is great responsibility upon us and we must take our profession with all sense of responsibility to make sure that there is rule of law in Nigeria in all its ramifications.”

  • NBA, institute partner on pro bono services

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has partnered with the Justice Research Institute (JRI) to promote access to pro bono services.

    It signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the institute in Abuja.

    NBA President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) said  promoting pro bono services was a strategy in building confidence in the courts.

    He said: “We have in the last year and a half pursued aggressive public interest engagements in a number of areas and  this entirely falls within that broad framework.

    “We have prioritised the Northeast and the Niger Delta regions,  but we are mindful of other regions because we are interested in access to justice, human rights protection and provision of pro bono legal services.

    “We recognise that there is serious demand for these services and we are very delighted to encourage lawyers to show interest and commitment to these services to members of the public,” he said.

    The MoU signed with the institute, Mahmoud said, was one of many by the association.

    “The NBA entered into some MoUs with some partners, some of which are related to training for our members while others were on the provision of pro bono services.

    “I believe that this partnership would wax strong and translate to putting smiles on the face of Nigerians who benefit from the services,” Mahmoud said.

    JRI Executive Director Mr Ikem Isiekwene,who signed for his organisation, said the MoU was borne out of the realisation that societal structures were full of inequalities and that many Nigerians were ignorant of their rights.

    He said: “We live in demanding times with an increasing population and a significant number of the populace impoverished, who also do not know their rights or how to access these rights.

    “So, we can only expect that the interaction within this space will lead to the need to protect rights were there are obvious violations.

    ‘’The objective is to deepen pro bono practice within the legal profession across Nigeria by establishing a system that leveraged private sector resources to help increase access to legal resources for more disadvantaged individuals and groups.’’

    He said the institute and the NBA, with the support of the Open Society For West Africa (OSIWA), intended to institutionalise a pro bono initiative that connected demand and supply for free legal services.

  • Lawyer hails NBA section’s revival

    Former Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) president Mrs. F. Boma Ayomide Alabi has described the revival of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice (SLP) as timely. The section was inactive for sometime.

    Following its revival under Mrs. Miannaya Essien’s (SAN) chairmanship, it plans to hold a conference in Port Harcourt on April 13. The theme is: Re-thinking and re-tooling legal practice for the challenges of our time.

    According to Mrs Alabi, the conference, which is designed for all lawyers irrespective of area of practice, could not have come at a better time.

    “I am particularly pleased that it is taking place in Port Harcourt as it brings the training closer home for our colleagues in the Southsouth and Southeast.

    “Lawyers from Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Anambra, Abia and even Delta are all within a fairly short driving distance of Port Harcourt and so, hopefully will take advantage of the SLP conference being effectively in their neck of the woods to attend,”she said.

    On her expectations, she said: “The theme of the conference says it all. We have to continuously examine our processes and how we serve our clients to ensure that we deliver best practice in all areas, and benchmark against our colleagues and competitors in other jurisdictions.”

    On the international content of the conference, Mrs Alabi said: “The Chairperson of the NBA-SLP  is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

    “So, an invitation was extended to the President, Santhan  Krishan, who has graciously accepted to come all the way from New Delhi, India.

    “He will be accompanied by the Council Member for West Africa, Nene Amegatcher, who incidentally is the former President of the Ghana Bar Association.

    “Some excellent speakers on topics that will enhance every lawyer’s practice, especially those in private practice, have been lined up.

    “But then, the taste of the pudding as they say, is in the eating. So, I would encourage everyone to attend. Places are going so fast and early bird is almost over.”

  • NBA inaugurates Electoral Committee

    The President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN), yesterday at the national secretariat of the association in Abuja inaugurated NBA 2018 Electoral Committee (ECNBA).

    The five-member committee has Prof, Auwalu Yadudu (SAN) as chairman, Mr. Teslim Olatunde Busari (SAN) as alternate chairman and Mr. Bolaji A. Agoro as secretary.

    Others are Prof. Augustin Agom and Gloria Anuli Ohia.

    The members were nominated and approved during the last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    Agom was nominated to replace Mr. Tobias Kekemeke, whose nomination was rejected by Bar leaders, who alleged that he was already canvassing votes for one of the presidential candidates.

    Mahmoud (SAN) gave the committee the following terms of reference:

    To manage, control and conduct elections of national officers, to screen aspirants for the election, to circulate the list of properly nominated candidates to all the branches and the candidates by e mails and publish same on NBA website before the elections.

    He also charged the committee to publish a full list of the lawyers who are qualified to vote before the date of the elections, to publish the curriculum vitae, comprehensive manifestoes and campaign materials of all the qualified candidates on the NBA website, to issue guidelines for the conduct of the electronic voting, to collate and arrange all the material of qualified candidates in alphabetical order and publish them in electronic magazine on NBA website before the election.

    Mahmoud urged the committee to hear appeals of candidates dissatisfied with the decision of electoral officers and/ or their assistants and take decisions upon receiving appeals made by a candidate.

    Prof Yadudu (SAN) thanked the NBA for giving them the opportunity to serve the association and promised to discharge their duties according to the constitution of NBA, the fear of God and their conscience.

    The inauguration was witnessed by national officers, including the General Secretary of NBA, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, the 1st Vice-President of NBA, Mr Caleb Dajan, the National Publicity Secretary, John Austin Unachukwu, 2nd Assistant Secretary, Cecilia Ugbuji and Assistant Financial Secretary, Ngozi Udodi.

     

     

  • NBA SLP holds conference

    The Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) has invited lawyers to its annual conference.

    It will hold from April 12   at the NBA Port Harcourt Branch House, Bank Road, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, by 9am.

    The theme is: Re-Thinking and Re-Tooling Legal Practice for the challenges of our time.

    A statement by the section’s chairman Mrs. Miannaya  Essien said a broad range of topics would be covered, such as professional ethics and disciplinary issues, lawyers fee earning capabilities, election matters, effective prosecution of white collar and economic crimes, among others.

    Admission to the conference will be free for SLP members who must register to attend.

    The Section as called for  articles for publication in SLP Journal  which is underway.

    The SLP is the section for all lawyers irrespective of areas of specialisation.

     

     

     

     

  • NBA Criminal Justice Summit gets new date

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Criminal Justice Reform Conference will hold from April 24 to 26 at the Asaba Convention Centre in Delta State.

    The earlier date in March has been cancelled.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) is expected to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on April 25.

    The theme is: Criminal justice in Nigeria: The journey so far.

    The is designed to fashion a definitive roadmap for Nigeria’s troubled  criminal justice sector.

    Aside from goodwill messages from the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen; Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the opening ceremony will also witness speeches by Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro.

    NBA President Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) and the  NBA Criminal Justice Reform Committee Chairman Chief Arthur Obi-Okafor (SAN) will also speak.

    A statement by the Head of Publicity Sub-committee, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke, said the plenary session on Unlocking the innovations of criminal justice legislation would herald the technical sessions.

    It will be chaired by former NBA President Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), with Justice Ishaq Bello of the High Court of FCT as the lead speaker.

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu will present a paper on: Prosecution and punishment of electoral offences in Nigeria.

    The session will be charged by the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi.

    Asiwaju Solomon Awomolo (SAN), Mr. Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and Chief Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) will discuss the paper.

    Former Delta State Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) will speak on: Arrest, remand and awaiting trial syndrome in criminal justice: Fixing the jigsaw to end prison congestion.

    Panelists include the Controller-General of Prisons, Mr. Ja’afaru Ahmed; Inspector-General of Police Mr. Ibrahim Idris; Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mrs. Joy Bob-manuel and veteran prison reform advocate and Executive Director of PRAWA, Dr. Uju Agomoh. Justice Umukoro will chair the session.