This is a Special Birthday Present from me to you . People watch you in whatever you do in this Life . I make bold to say you are indeed a super achiever and a Pathfinder.
On this Your Birthday ,the Lion Chairman,savour your achievements ,which are gargantuan and reassuring that the Benin Bar is indeed in safe hands .
Your Achievements as Chairman of the Lion Bar , together with your vibrant EXCO from August ,2020,Till Date,include,but are not limited to :
The rejuvenation of the Social Media Platforms of the Branch expanding the WhatsApp Platforms to other social media channels ,which includes a functional website for the Branch .
Advocacy and Intervention on Security Related Matters concerning the Vulnerable that has resulted in the release of countless persons .
Organizing an exquisite Annual Dinner with Pomp and Ceremony ,that was the talk of the Town with lavish food and exquisite drinks .
Organizing a very successful NBA Benin Law Week that was the talk of the town and that attracted a National Acclaim.
Tightening the noose on fake Lawyers which led to the arraignment if some fake Lawyers in the Magistrates’ Courts recently.
Intervening in the arrest of persons in the aftermath of the ENDSARS Protests that led to the release of countless number of
persons found innocent for free.
Prompt Intervention in any Matter involving Lawyers with Security Agencies by mobilizing the Legal Adviser and Welfare Officer to any Security Outfit with promptness and one hundred percent successes .
Intervention in the Health Affairs of Members by galvanizing support for Members in ensuring that financial support is provided for them .
Constituting through the NBA Benin Young Lawyers’ Forum a Robust Legal Team to provide Free Legal Services to the Vulnerable in the Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe led Edo State ENDSARS Panel.
Policy Advocacy on important issues of State concerning the three Organs of Government .
Setting up of a Covid-19 Regulations Human Rights Watch Committee to ensure observance of respect for Human Rights in the enforcement of Covid-19 Regulations in Edo State .
Setting up of a Human Rights Watch Committee to monitor the observance of Human Rights in the aftermath of the ENDSARS Protests .
Organization of a Table Tennis Tournament for Members of Benin Bar , the establishment of the NBA Benin Table Tennis Club and attraction of high Standard Table Tennis Board Donated by DVD Oil Group .
Synergizing with Civil Society Organisations in calling on the
Relevant Authorities to shore up the security architecture of the State.
Organisation of a health week for members which afforded an opportunity to have members do health check up of themselves free of charge including provision of free eye glasses to those with sight issues.
Complete reproofing of the bar house with step tiles to solve the long standing problem of leakages with plans on the way to completely beautify the Hon. Justice Constance Momoh’s Hall at the Bar House with POP.
The phasing out of plastic chairs in the Hon Constance Momoh Hall at the Bar House , through the new Chair revolution mechanism where members donated generously to support this project.
Installation of cyber and internet facilities with high speed free internet services to members in and around the Bar house environment singlehandedly sponsored by one of its own, Dele Edokpayi Esq.,
Provision of NBA branded podium, stationeries and meeting signposts donated by Chief Nosa Edo Osagie.
Attracting training workshops organized by ROLAC for members and Arbitration training too for members free of charge.
Developing of an Indoor Games culture at the Bar House
Refurbishment of the Conference Room upstairs with the full compliments of conference tables chairs and electronic devices
Refurbishment of the Offices of the Chairman and Secretary with brand new furniture
Ensuring Members get their stamp and seal promptly at no extra cost
Prompt dissemination of information on when any Court in Edo State is not sitting ,by putting the information online ,real time on our NBA WhatsApp Platforms
Regular hosting of monthly meetings with determination and passion to do more by Senior Advocates of Nigeria and distinguished Colleagues.
Effective mobilisation of members to participate in Bar and Bench activities where the Bar has always spoken loudly and clearly.
Speaking on trending and topical issues and truly being the peoples vanguard one of which is led to the review of the curfew by the State Govt.
Improved relationship with the Judiciary under the dynamic leadership of Hon. Justice Esther Amenaghawon Edigin AICMC which has led to provision of a large parcel of land to the Bar, provision of a cloak room, spaces for the Bar notice board donated by Jefferson Woghiren among others. .
Drawing up a plan for the new Bar House building on the extended land ,fencing off the land from the High Court Land and the digging of the Foundation for the building.
Securing approval of a large parcel of land to the Bar by the Chief Judge to permit expansion and building of a gymnasium and accommodation for Lawyers. A project that has started in earnest while the Chief Judge will in during the Law week lay the foundation stone for the building.
Organising a webinar through it’s committee on continuing legal education where Prof Ernest Ojukwu was the presenter/lecturer.
Paying host on a courtesy visit by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Philip Aliyu Ogbadu at the Bar House where the CP approved the setting up of a joint Police/Bar situation room platform with the Bar Police Monitoring Committee, through its Chairman Douglas Ogbankwa effectively managing.
Strengthening the various Committees of the Bar through invitation to regularly update members at monthly meetings.
Effective Bar Public Defender which is handling so many cases of violation with Matthew Edeghase as Chairman and a vibrant Human right Committee with Paula Agbale, Vice Chairman of the Bar as Chairman.
Intervention in issues of the poor and downtrodden in Security Agencies by ensuring their prompt release with out any costs to the whatsoever.
Planning of the upcoming NBA Benin Law Week the first post Covid Conference of the NBA any where in Nigeria ,which shall be first ever social media based Law Week of any Branch of the NBA in Nigeria.
Galvanizing support for sick Members by paying visits , raising funds and making donations to them .
Ensuring that Bar Officials are present at any wedding ceremonies for Members and Burial Ceremonies for Members or their parents with a token to be given to newly married members as a start .
Organization of the very first NBA Benin Children’s Party with children of Members attending and familiarizing themselves with one another ,
A strong mentorship system in place for Law Students where Lawyers are encouraged to absorb Law Students as Interns ,while they are in holidays
The Organization of a Valedictory Session for every dead member at the High Court with the Chief Judge,other Brother Judges, Attorney General,SANs and Members attending at no cost to the deceased family .
Provision of high quality Lion diaries to members with updated information of the Courts across the country and security helplines.
Setting up of the a Special Comm
All these were achieved in less than a year!
It is James Freeman Clarke ,the American Writer that said :
“A Politician thinks of the next election,a States Man thinks of the next Generation”.
You are indeed a States Man and a Bar Leader .We wish you more prosperous and fruitful years ahead and we love you .Enjoy Your Birthday.
About the Author :
Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., is a Benin Based Lawyer and the Convener of the Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary (V4IJ).
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