…Urges Lawyers To Embrace Core Value
BY ODAFE ISHARO
THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Asaba Branch has renewed call for enhanced professionalism among legal practitioners, urging lawyers to fully embrace core value as a core element of modern legal practice.
The charge was delivered during the 2025 NBA Asaba Branch Law Week held in Asaba, with the theme: “Strategic Lawyering: The Business Behind the Brief.”
While declaring the event open, the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, described the theme as both thoughtful and timely, noting that today’s lawyer must prioritise professionalism, efficiency, innovation, and measurable value.
He added that the ideals contained in the theme align with ongoing justice-sector reforms pursued underGovernor. Sheriff Oborevwori administration, which aims to strengthen institutional processes, expand access to justice, and promote technology-driven legal services.
The AG assured the Bar of the ministry’s continued partnership and support in advancing capacity-building initiatives across the profession.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, NBA Asaba Branch, Azuka Maduemezia, had expressed gratitude to members and guests, noting that the Law Week celebrates both intellectual engagement and the activities that preceded it, including an advocacy march, legal clinic, football match, Thanksgiving service, and cocktail reception.
He said the weeklong event reflects the branch’s unity and commitment to excellence, adding that the discussions will interrogate critical issues such as billing practices under the Remuneration Order, tax compliance, and evolving strategies for professional advancement.
In her remarks, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, emphasized the indispensable role of the Bar in the administration of justice. She reiterated that collaboration between the Bar and the Bench remains vital to strengthening fairness, integrity, and access to justice.
Also speaking, the President, Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the theme is visionary and encouages lawyers to approach legal practice with an entrepreneurial mindset in a rapidly evolving global environment.
He noted that strategic lawyering requires client-centred innovation, ethical branding, sustainable revenue models, and the deployment of digital tools to improve efficiency and impact.
The first plenary session, moderated by the Attorney-General, featured a distinguished panel comprising Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN; Emeka Obegolu, SAN; Frank Nabena, Esq.; Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN; Chukwudi Enebeli, SAN; and Amaka Ezeno.
Panelists examined key topics including call value and billing methods in legal practice, adherence to ethical and professional standards, and financial wellness for lawyers.
