THE Principal Partner and Founder at J-K Gadzama LL, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, OFR, felicitates with the executives and distinguished members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)Warri Branch on the auspicious occasion specially convened in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Chief T. J. O. Okpoko, OON, SAN, Alaowei B.C. Bozimo and Dr. Y.O. Esombi who have contributed immensely to the Nigerian Bar Association and legal jurisprudence in Nigeria.

In a statement titled: “GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (WARRI BRANCH) ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF HER THREE ICONS ON 19TH JUNE, 2021” the Learned Silk,I must also commend you for the thematic subject you have wisely coined as: “Persistent Problems in Legal Practice in Nigeria”. I consider it a topical issue and one which touches us all, as colleagues at the Bar and the general public. Accordingly, it is an honour for me to be part of this epoch-making event as Nigerian Bar Association-Warri Branch, celebrates the Golden Jubilee of her icons. I believe this celebration will elicit aspirations towards making laudable landmarks in the Nigerian Bar, legal profession and society at large.

“An aphorism says, “Your life is your message to the world. Make sure it’s inspiring”. This is not just a profoundly true statement, but one which mounts on us a responsibility to live impactful lives worthy of admiration and reference. In light of the aforesaid, we have assembled to celebrate three great patriarchs who have lived and are still living inspiring lives.

“Chief Okpoko, who obtained his Bachelor of Law Degree and Masters of Law from University of London (1969), London School of Economics and Political Science (1970) respectively is the Principal Partner and Co-founder of Thompson Okpoko & Partners. He has led a successful legal career in Dispute Resolution, International Labour Law and Corporate Law Practice as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Life Bencher, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK). He was the President, Nigerian Bar Association (1998–2000). In 2008, he was conferred with the National Honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). He later became the Chairman, Body of Benchers (2013-2015), Member of Advisory Committee of Lagos Regional Centre for International and Commercial Arbitration and is a Trustee of the Nigerian Bar Association till date.

“He played an instrumental role in the revival of the Nigerian Bar Association after many years of inactivity and contributed to the advancement of its course nationwide.

“Alaowei Broderick Bozimo led a successful career as a lawyer, seasoned administrator and a politician. Appointed as Minister of Police Affairs by President Olusegun Obasanjo in July 2003, Bozimo performed impressively well so much that when the Ministries of Police Affairs and Internal Affairs were merged into the new Ministry of Interior in January 2007, Bozimo continued as a Minister of State in the new Ministry.

“Bozimo contributed immensely to the Nigerian Legal Profession both at the Bar and the Bench –by extension.

“Dr. Y.O. Esombi is also known as a senior member of the Bar whose legacy speaks volumes and has in various capacities, impacted meaningfully to number of our colleagues including his children that have passed through him. May his soul continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, having recently passed on after this programme was conceived and published. Amen.

“I want to profusely appreciate you, Executive Committee and Members of the Warri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association for accepting me as one of you. This is indeed a rare privilege.

“I earnestly wish you a fruitful commemoration during the programme and hope the knowledge and resolutions acquired and adopted would bolster Delta State and Nigeria in general.”

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