••• To Focus on Judicial Independence, Electoral Reforms
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has unveiled a week-long lineup of activities for its 2025 Law Week, with a focus on judicial independence, electoral reforms, and correctional service rehabilitation.
Addressing journalists in Akure, the Branch Chairman, Mr. Onimisi Friday Umar, said the event, themed “Nigeria: Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Roles for Stakeholders,” will run from November 9 to 14, 2025.
According to him, the Law Week will feature a variety of professional, humanitarian, and social activities designed to strengthen the relationship between the Bar and society while advancing national discourse on justice and democracy.
Activities Outline
The programme kicked off on Sunday, November 9, with a thanksgiving service at Deeper Life Bible Church, Okearo, Akure, to appreciate God’s faithfulness over the branch and its members.
On Monday, November 10, the association will hold a health walk around the Alagbaka axis of the city to promote wellness and public awareness, followed by a cocktail and gala night at the Bar Centre.
The opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 11, at The Dome, Akure, where Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is billed to deliver the keynote address on the Law Week theme.
The event will also feature the commissioning of the Senator Bode Olajumoke Relaxation Centre at the NBA Bar Centre.
Panel Sessions and Debates
Subsequent sessions will examine:
Judicial independence and the utilitarian value of justice in Nigeria,
Reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Service, and
Electoral justice and legislative amendments.
Prominent speakers and discussants include Dr. Remi Olatubora (SAN), Olumide Olujimi (SAN), and Adamson Adeboro (SAN), among others.
Umar noted that the association’s communiqué at the end of the event will contain recommendations on judicial reforms and electoral law amendments, which will be submitted to relevant authorities.
Humanitarian Visits and Sports Diplomacy
On Thursday, November 13, members will visit orphanages, the lepers’ colony, and the Olokuta Correctional Centre to offer legal advice and donations.
That same day, a friendly football match between the NBA and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) will take place by noon.
The evening will feature the Law Dinner and Awards Night at The Dome, where deserving personalities will be honoured for their contributions to justice and community service.
Among the awardees are Senator Bode Olajumoke, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), Olagoke Fakunle (SAN), and Festus Kayode Idekpefu (SAN).
Others include Prince Olabiyi Poroye, Dr. D. I. Kekemeke, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Minister of Interior), Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (Attorney-General of Ondo State), and Hon. Ayodele Olawande (Minister of Youth Development).
Media veteran Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, Chairman of Vanguard Newspapers, will also be decorated as Friend of the Bar.
Thanksgiving and Closing Session
The week-long celebration will close on Friday, November 14, with a special prayer session at the Government House Mosque, Akure.
Umar stressed that the essence of the Law Week is to foster dialogue among stakeholders, noting that “democracy thrives only where there is an independent judiciary.”
He added that the NBA Akure Branch will continue to advocate for stronger institutions, fair electoral processes, and justice delivery that benefits all Nigerians.
