The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN has inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI). The inauguration, which took place at the NBA Headquarters, yesterday, 18 August 2023, had in attendance the Chairman of the Board of the NBA-HRI, Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, 1st Vice President of the NBA, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, OON, SAN, Mr. Usman Ogwu Sule, SAN former Welfare Secretary of the NBA and other members of the Board.
Mr. Maikyau urged the Board members to appreciate the fact that the legal profession is best positioned to ensure the enhancement of human rights in Nigeria and that the protection of human rights is at the core of the objectives of the NBA; an objective the NBA-HRI under their care is expected to pursue with vigour and commitment. The NBA President expressed his belief that the Board, which is now saddled with the management of the NBA-HRI has the competence and expertise to deliver on this mandate. Mr. Maikyau also approved the continuous occupation by the Institute of the Wing of the former NBA Secretariat in Garki, Abuja, named after former NBA President and Governor of Ondo State, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
In his reaction, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Obiagwu thanked the NBA President for the appointment of the board members and assured that the NBA-HRI would dutifully deliver on its mandates, even as the Institute is poised to improve on its research and training capacity.
Recall that the NBA President had by a notice issued on 4 August 2023 reconstituted the Board of the NBA-HRI. The Board immediately set to work by holding its first meeting after the inauguration at the NBA House.
Akorede Habeeb Lawal
National Publicity Secretary, NBA
