NBA Yenagoa Branch 2025 Law Week : Osinbajo Urges Lawyers on urgent need for visionary transformation in a digital era
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, successfully held a plenary session of its 2025 Law Week with the theme “Setting the Pace: Law, Leadership and Transformational Development.” The event was held at the Conference Hall of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Headquarters, Oxbow Lake, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event drew notable legal luminaries and dignitaries, including the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who delivered the keynote address. Prof. Osinbajo highlighted the decline in standards within the legal profession and emphasized the urgent need for a visionary transformation. He noted that integrity, discipline, and credibility are essential to thrive in the legal field, despite the prevalence of conflicting court judgments. He also underscored the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in reshaping the legal landscape, stressing that the profession must evolve to stay relevant.
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, reiterated the critical role of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man. He emphasized that the rule of law and judicial independence must be protected at all costs. Governor Diri, expressing delight at the presence of the former Vice President, whom he fondly referred to as “my Oga,” announced the allocation of a parcel of land to Prof. Osinbajo in the new Yenagoa city.
A plenary session featured a distinguished panel including Justice Peter Afein of the Court of Appeal, Barr. Naboth Nyesoh (Director, Legal Services, NCDMB), Dr. (Barr.) Matthew Ayebakuro, Mrs. Boma Oyanibe (SAN), and Pastor (Barr.) Gabriel Okara. The panel discussed the importance of upholding the rule of law and the need for reform in legal education. Panelists urged lawyers to take the lead in societal transformation while calling on government institutions to respect and enforce the rule of law.
In a goodwill message, Hon. (Barr.) Oteigbanyo George Braah, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, lauded the event’s organizers and praised Prof. Osinbajo’s oratorical prowess, likening it to that of former U.S. President Barack Obama.
The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Abrakassa-Ayemieye, commended the leadership of the NBA Yenagoa Branch for elevating the standard of the Law Week and expanding its impact beyond local boundaries.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bayelsa State, Biriyai Dambo (SAN), remarked that setting the pace entails leading by example. He called on stakeholders across the legal profession, academia, and public service to foster transformational leadership for systemic change.
Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, Barr. Somina Johnbull, in his welcome address, acknowledged the presence of the high-profile guests, describing it as an honour that would not be taken for granted.
A major highlight of the event was a powerful poetic performance by Miss Diseyi, a nine-year-old who captivated the audience with her poem titled “Justice is now Jollof Rice,” which offered a critical yet creative commentary on the state of the judiciary.
Chairman of the 2025 Law Week Planning Committee, Barr. Iniro Wills, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating all who contributed to the event’s success.
Other dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ingobere Abraham; Barr. Kumosedei Wodu (SAN), former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Hon. (Dr.) Fred Agbedi, Member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency at the National Assembly; Dr. Dennis Otiotio, State Chairman, APC Bayelsa State; and several past and present government officials and traditional rulers.
The 2025 NBA Law Week will be remembered for its high-profile participation, critical discussions, and renewed call for integrity and innovation in the legal profession.
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