The National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), Lagos Archdiocese, on Friday, 18 September 2026, held its End-of-Tenure Appreciation Dinner, bringing together members, elders, supporters and friends of the Association for an evening of appreciation, reflection and fellowship.
The dinner, which formed part of activities marking the conclusion of the 2022–2026 administration, was themed “Catholic Lawyers and the Future of Nigeria: Ethical Leadership, Justice, and Democratic Nation Building.”
The event was chaired by Distinguished Senator Mike Ajegbo, CON, Life Bencher, who guided the evening’s reflections and conversations around the theme. The gathering provided an opportunity for the outgoing leadership to appreciate those who had supported the Association during its tenure, while creating a platform for meaningful conversations on the responsibilities of Catholic lawyers within the legal profession, the Church and the wider society.
A major feature of the evening was an appreciation moment by the outgoing President, Florence Atuluku, who expressed gratitude to the supporters of the Association for their counsel, generosity and continued support throughout the administration’s tenure.
The programme also featured a documentary tenure brief reflecting on the journey of the outgoing administration and its years of service to the Association.
The dinner celebrated not only the work of the outgoing leadership but also the relationships and collective support that sustained the Association. It provided a relaxed setting for members, elders and supporters to interact, reflect on the journey of the past four years and celebrate the spirit of fellowship within NACL Lagos Archdiocese.
A major highlight of the evening was the thematic conversation, moderated by Distinguished Senator Mike Ajegbo, CON, Life Bencher, which explored the role of Catholic lawyers in Nigeria’s future.
The conversation examined ethical leadership and the responsibility of Catholic lawyers to model integrity in society. It also explored the role of lawyers in strengthening access to justice, defending the vulnerable and promoting fairness.
Discussions further considered democratic nation building, particularly the contribution lawyers can make towards supporting democratic institutions, constitutionalism, civic education and peaceful civic engagement. Another important dimension was the relationship between faith and professional responsibility, including how Catholic social teaching can shape legal practice and the discharge of professional responsibilities in Nigeria’s evolving society.
The conversation underscored the distinctive position occupied by Catholic lawyers, whose professional calling to justice and the rule of law is complemented by a faith-based commitment to integrity, human dignity and service.
The evening also provided an opportunity for NACL elders and supporters to share reflections and words of encouragement for the Association, including their hopes for Nigeria and perspectives on the positive influence Catholic lawyers can continue to exercise within the profession, the Church and society.
As the 2022–2026 administration approached the conclusion of its tenure, the dinner provided a fitting opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the outgoing leadership and the many individuals who supported the Association’s programmes and activities over the years.
The evening closed on a note of gratitude and hope, with prayers for Nigeria’s peace and progress, wisdom for Catholic lawyers and continued unity within the Association.
More than an end-of-tenure celebration, the Appreciation Dinner reinforced the shared mission of NACL Lagos Archdiocese to promote fellowship among Catholic lawyers while encouraging members to bring the values of their faith to bear on their professional responsibilities and service to society.
As the Association celebrated service, friendship and shared purpose, the evening served as a reminder that leadership tenures may come to an end, but the responsibility to promote justice, uphold professional integrity, serve God through the legal profession and contribute meaningfully to the Church and society continues.