The Elders, Executives and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association – Aba Branch, received the Okwuluora of Ukpo, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN who they referred to as their very own Son, Friend and Kinsman by association, on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at their Bar Centre, (NBA Aba Bar Centre, High Court Complex, Aba).
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Upon their arrival in Aba, a warm reception was given to the Okwuluora of Ukpo and his entourage including Mr. Chukwuma Ezeala, Esq., (President, National Association of Catholic Lawyers), Sir Victor Nwaugo, Esq. and Mrs. Chioma Ferguson, Esq. The Learned Silk, was ushered into the Bar Centre by the NBA Aba Bar Leaders and Elders amongst whom were; Betram Faotu, Esq. (Chairman, Aba Branch), Chinedu Nwaozuzu, Esq. (Secretary, Aba Branch) Ukpai Ukairo, Esq. (Chairman of the Occasion), C.C. Elele, Esq. (Former Chairman, Aba Branch and classmate of Chief Gadzama, SAN in Class of 1986, Nigerian Law School), Uche Awa, SAN, (Chairman, Old Bende Association) and Sir Victor Nwaugo, Esq.
The session began with the opening prayer led by Mr. Chukwuma Ezeala. Learned Senior, Ukpai Ukairo, Esq., then called the meeting to order and explained to the attendees, the reason for the meeting.
According to Mr. Ukpai Ukairo, Esq., Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN had been and still is a functional part of the Aba Branch of the NBA. He spoke in Igbo dialect, urging all members to support the mandate of the NBA as engineered by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN who has been the foremost Bar Leader to institute and maintain a formidable structure for building and mentoring Young Lawyers. Senior Ukpai Ukairo, Esq. further attested to the fact that the Learned Silk, Joe-Kyari, Gadzama, SAN spearheaded the process of changing the nomenclature of new wigs from “Junior Lawyers” to “Young Lawyers” with the rationale that the term “Junior” was somewhat demeaning and less dignifying for persons having met the requirements and attained the enviable and revered status of Barristers and Solicitors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He, (Ukpai Ukairo, Esq.) also added that Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN had always worked with lawyers from the Eastern Bar and identified with them. “Over fifty percent of the workforce in his office have been from the Eastern Bar. He is our brother, friend and colleague. Let us support him wholeheartedly and ensure that he achieves his mandate of leading the NBA to higher heights…” said, Ukpai Ukairo, Esq.
Immediately, following this was the reading of a short exposé of the Learned Silk’s Curriculum Vitae by C.K Anyanwu, Esq. Afterwards, the Learned Silk was given audience for his address.
In his short address to the attendees, the Okwuluora of Ukpo reiterated the competency of his candidature with a reassuring rhetoric. In his words, “when people tell you they want to be stakeholders in the NBA or hold leadership positions, ask them one question; what have you been doing in the last ten to twenty years for Young Lawyers?”…
The question though seemingly simple, is truly thought-provoking and calls for a reevaluation and reexamination of the variables indicative of leadership quality and competence. Indeed, one may rightly say that promises are good but living proofs are better.
The interaction closed with a question and answer session after which closing prayer was led and attendees treated to a buffet.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
