The newly elected Chairman of the branch, Mr Napoleon Idenana, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna shortly after his election to pilot the affairs of the Association for the next two years. He said “we intend to open a legal aid desk for members of the public, particularly those who need legal representation but cannot afford it. “We shall make lawyers available to provide legal services for them at no cost.” Idenana added that a team of legal practitioners had been urged to speed up the process of establishing a high court in Barnawa or any part of Kaduna South found suitable. “We will equally ensure that the Barnawa NBA branch, which is barely a year old, gets a befitting secretariat within the next two years. “We will also be interacting with the state government, the judiciary and the state house of assembly to contribute our quota where necessary and when called upon to do so. “We will equally enhance the welfare of our members, particularly young lawyers, by exposing them to educative, informative and aspiring ventures through seminars and trainings. “I assure you that before the end of our tenure, Barnawa NBA branch will be known nationwide as a model branch and will be the envy of all.” Earlier, the new chairman had promised to uphold the confidence bestowed on him and his team and pledged to carry the branch to greater heights. He appealed to members for support and guidance where necessary for the growth of the branch, adding that his doors would be permanently open for advice, suggestions and guidance. The branch also elected Mrs Chi Obi-Igwe as Vice Chairman; Mr Kayode Faturiyele, Secretary; MissHalima Bello, Assistant Secretary and Mrs Ene Oga as Social Secretary; Others are Mrs Lilian Ilechuku, Financial Secretary; and Ben-Churchill Aniekwena, Welfare Secretary; Malam Shehu Sanusi, Treasurer; Mr Lamidi Obaro, Provost Marshall and Mrs Toyin Ogbujie as legal Adviser. Meanwhile, Mr Cyril Ogbekene was elected the National Executive Committee (NEC) representative. NAN reports that all the positions were unopposed except for the office of the publicity secretary which was contested by Mr Emmanuel Nwokenekwu and Mr Imodojemu Ehizogie. However, Nwokenekwu withdrew his nomination just when the election was about to commence and Ehizogie was return elected. Established in June 2015, the Barnawa NBA branch was the 111th branch to be established in the country. It was established during the Association’s NEC meeting in Sokoto, with Malam Muritala Abdul-rasheed as Chairman and Philemon Panan as Secretary. Abdul-rasheed said the new executive would be sworn in during the branch’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for July 1, 2016. (NAN)]]>