The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) on Friday, October 31, 2025, held a Special Induction Ceremony in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to formally induct the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, alongside Judges and Magistrates of the Ebonyi State High Court, into the distinguished membership of the Institute.

The Governor’s engagement with ICMC dates back to 2020, when he was inducted as an Associate Member. His steady commitment to peacebuilding and the integration of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms into governance culminated in his successful completion of the Fellowship Training in 2025, earning him elevation to the rank of Fellow at the ceremony.

The event coincided with the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Ebonyi State Judiciary and drew a high-profile audience of legal luminaries from across Nigeria. Dignitaries in attendance included Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and National Industrial Court of Nigeria, as well as eminent members of the Bar and Bench.

ICMC President, Mr. Godwin Omoaka, SAN, FICMC, represented by Past President Dr. Agada Elachi, SAN, FICMC, FCIArb, presided over the ceremony. In his address, Dr. Elachi commended the Ebonyi State Government and Judiciary for their sustained efforts in promoting peaceful dispute resolution and for institutionalizing mediation as a critical pillar of justice delivery.

Prominent members of the ICMC Governing Council present included:

  • Chief Dr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN, FICMC, FCIArb
  • Dr. Agada Elachi, SAN, FICMC, FCIArb
  • Mrs. Margaret Nwagbo, FICMC
  • Chief Dr. Uchenna Anioke, FICMC
  • Barr. Ifeanyi Obegolu, FICMC, Vice President, Continuing Professional Development
  • Hon. Justice Eleojo Eneche, JCA
  • Mr. Babatunde Oyefeso, FICMC, Registrar

Their attendance underscored the Institute’s unwavering dedication to strengthening the practice and institutionalization of mediation across Nigeria and beyond.

A deeply emotional highlight of the event was the Governor’s tribute to Mr. Opara, a revered academic and former Chairman of ICMC’s Abakaliki branch, who is currently ill. The Governor fondly recalled Mr. Opara’s role as his Criminal Law lecturer during his undergraduate days and announced a ₦20 million donation to support his medical treatment, inviting him to visit the Governor’s office on Monday to receive the assistance.

The ceremony marked a milestone in ICMC’s ongoing mission to promote dialogue, peace, and restorative justice through professional mediation, reaffirming its influence in fostering a more harmonious and inclusive society.

🔗 For more information, visit: www.icmcng.org

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209. _______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626

________________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ____________________________________________________