2014 CALL TO BAR SPEECH

Abstract

AN ADDRESS BY CHIEF T.J. ONOMIGBO OKPOKO, OON, SAN, FCIArb., CHAIRMAN, THE BODY OF BENCHER AT THE CALL TO BAR CEREMONY AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25TH AND 26TH, 2014.

Protocol

Today is another historic day in the history of the Law Profession in Nigeria. At the end of this ceremony, Nigerians and Cameroonians, tested in character and learning by the Council of Legal Education will be admitted officially to the Nigerian Bar by the Body of Benchers.

Let me welcome the honourable Benchers, young and all who have come all the way from all parts of our vast country at great personal expense and discomfort, to honour the profession of Law and the new wigs who are to be admitted and called to the Bar at this ceremony. I thank Benchers for their demonstrated commitment to the noble profession of Law.

On behalf of the Body Benchers, I welcome all the parents, friends, guardians and well-wishers of each and every one of the candidates for call to the Bar today, for coming to grace and witness this Call Ceremony. To many of you, the memories of this historic event will remain with you and will not be forgotten any time soon. Let us sit down and watch and let us listen and hear in silence as the proceedings of the Call to Bar Ceremony of the most noble and most honourable profession in the world.

To the Council of Legal Education, its management and staff, and to the Body Benchers Secretariat, its management and staff, I say congratulation for your services to the legal profession. I have no doubt in my mind that working together as we have done in the past, we shall attain the required standard among the community of nations in the education and training for our Lawyers and in their performance. I congratulate for your hard work.