Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Life Bencher, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, on Thursday delivered a powerful goodwill message at the 3rd Annual General Conference and Triennial General Assembly of the Nigerian Law Society (NLS), marking a historic milestone in the association’s evolution.

The hybrid event, held at Top Rank Hotels in Garki, Abuja, witnessed the inauguration of the NLS’s first-ever elected National Executive Committee, a feat Gadzama described as “a new chapter for our vibrant Society.”

Gadzama, who is the founder of the NLS, recounted the association’s challenging journey from its inception to legal recognition, recalling how the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) initially refused its registration in 2022. The group, he said, fought back legally and secured a landmark judgment affirming its constitutional right to freedom of association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Our victory was not just for the NLS, but for the rule of law,” he declared. “It was a triumph of collective will over bureaucratic resistance.”

He likened the NLS’s establishment to global trends, citing countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, where lawyers freely join multiple law-related bodies. According to Gadzama, monopoly in professional representation is outdated, and the NLS represents a complementary platform for legal advancement in Nigeria.

The newly inaugurated executive includes:

  • Chief Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN, Bencher – President
  • Mr. Abdulqadir Sani – First Vice-President (North)
  • Mr. Olasupo Ojo – General Secretary
  • Mrs. Alice Ogaku Awonugba – Assistant Secretary
  • Mrs. Chioma Blessing Ferguson – Treasurer
  • Dr. Lilian Uche – Publicity Secretary
  • Mr. Osakinle Oluwadare Thomas – Financial Secretary

Gadzama congratulated the new officers and charged them to uphold the mission and vision of the NLS, which is centered on rule of law, justice, and protection of human rights. He also reminded them of the core objectives enshrined in the society’s constitution, including legal education, legislative advocacy, institutional reforms, and access to justice for vulnerable Nigerians.

While acknowledging the growth of the NLS—whose membership now exceeds 600—Gadzama was quick to dismiss any suggestion of rivalry with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

“The NLS is not, and must never see itself as, a rival to the NBA,” he said. “The NBA is our elder brother. We must collaborate, not compete. This is not about division, but expansion — a case of ‘the more, the merrier.’”

He thanked all those who contributed to the NLS’s journey, from volunteers to donors and pioneer members, and expressed confidence in the newly elected leadership.

“I founded the NLS on a whisper of hope. Today, it stands as a resounding chorus of resilience and achievement,” Gadzama said, concluding his message with optimism: “The best is truly yet to come for the Nigerian Law Society.”

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