The Nigerian legal community gathered at the MKO Abiola Stadium for the grand inauguration of the 63rd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The distinguished occasion was marked by a captivating goodwill message delivered by Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem, CFR, JP+, the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal.

In her address, Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed her profound gratitude to the NBA President and his team for inviting her to participate in this esteemed event. She warmly welcomed all attendees and highlighted the significance of the annual conference in fostering unity, sharing legal knowledge, and collectively nurturing growth within the legal profession.

Justice Dongban-Mensem commended the role of the judiciary as the cornerstone of democracy, emphasizing the pivotal role it plays in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding citizens’ rights. However, she noted challenges within the justice system, including case backlog, funding limitations, and infrastructure deficiencies.

The eminent Justice stressed the urgency of addressing the backlog of cases, asserting that prompt justice delivery is crucial not only for litigants but also for maintaining the integrity of the legal system. She urged the adoption of innovative approaches, such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and technological advancements, to expedite case resolutions.

Moreover, Justice Dongban-Mensem acknowledged the challenges within the legal profession itself, underscoring the importance of continuous professional development and adherence to ethical standards. She admonished against unprofessional conduct and called for collective responsibility in maintaining the profession’s reputation.

Referring to this year’s theme, ‘Getting it Right,’ Justice Dongban-Mensem reiterated the legal community’s duty to address and condemn unethical behavior, emphasizing that maintaining integrity is paramount.

Speaking on access to justice, the esteemed Justice emphasized its importance and the need for legal aid programs and pro bono initiatives to ensure equal access for all, regardless of socio-economic status.

In closing, Justice Dongban-Mensem conveyed her commitment to collaboratively addressing the identified issues. She extended congratulations to the NBA President and legal practitioners for their dedication to the conference, which she described as a platform for idea exchange, collaboration, and the safeguarding of the profession’s future.

The Nigerian legal community is set to engage in insightful discussions, embrace innovative solutions, and collectively steer the legal profession towards fairness, efficiency, and equality, driven by Justice Dongban-Mensem’s inspiring words.

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