The Young Lawyers Forum of the Abuja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, known as the Unity Bar, has a new leadership.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Najib A. Waziri, Esq., the immediate past Chairman, has formally handed over to Simiat Suleiman, Esq., who assumes office as Chairperson for the 2026 to 2028 administration.
The Forum described the handover as signifying not merely a transition between administrations but the continuation of a collective commitment to the growth, welfare, professional development and advancement of young lawyers within the Branch.
The statement sets out one passage from the new Chairperson’s inaugural address as the guiding philosophy of her administration.
“I will not promise perfection. I promise intentionality: the willingness to listen, to act, to assess our results and to correct our course when necessary. We will not always agree, but we must remain united by the purpose for which we serve.”
The Forum said her emergence ushers in a phase of leadership anchored on intentionality, accountability, collaboration and measurable impact, and that the administration recognises that the true measure of leadership is not the number of programmes organised but the difference those programmes make in the professional lives of members.
The task ahead, it said, is to strengthen what works, improve what can work better, and develop initiatives that respond meaningfully to the needs and aspirations of young lawyers.
Of Mr. Waziri, the Forum said his tenure represents an important chapter in its continuing journey to create opportunities for young lawyers, strengthen professional relationships and promote an environment in which young members can thrive, and that he leaves a foundation on which the incoming administration can build.
It stated the principle it says underlies the transition: that leadership is a privilege but, more importantly, a responsibility to leave an institution stronger than it was found, and that this makes it important to preserve institutional knowledge, sustain valuable initiatives and build on the progress already made.
The new administration comprises fifteen members:
- Simiat Suleiman, Chairperson
- Mubarak Dantata, Vice Chairman
- Asanam George, Secretary
- Amarachi Okereafor, Alternate Secretary
- Blessing Yusuf Tonga, Treasurer
- Abdulbaqi Aliyu Bako, Director of Programmes
- Shimasaan Gbanger, Legal Adviser
- Cynthia Ndubisi, Publicity Secretary
- Ahmad Arif Arabi, Social Secretary
- Joanna Panya, Welfare Secretary
- Kenechukwu Anthony Onyia, Financial Secretary
- Istifanus Kadzai, Provost
- Peremoboere Tommien, Member
- Esther Wuese, Member
- Teslim Tobatele Giwa, Member
The Forum said the Council looks forward to fostering greater member engagement, creating meaningful professional opportunities and strengthening the Forum’s impact within the legal community, and that its focus will be on initiatives that are relevant, accessible and capable of producing tangible outcomes across professional development, mentorship, welfare, networking and member engagement.
On accountability, it said progress must be assessed, outcomes must be evaluated, and members must remain connected to the vision and priorities guiding the administration.
“The next chapter is here. The work continues. The commitment is to progress, purposeful leadership and lasting impact.”
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