The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb (UK), joined the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, members of the Lagos State Judiciary and other legal practitioners at the 2026/2027 New Legal Year Thanksgiving Service in Lagos.
The thanksgiving service provided an opportunity for members of the Judiciary and the legal profession to give thanks and reflect on the responsibilities that come with the commencement of a new legal year. The occasion also highlighted the enduring relationship between the Bar and the Bench, as well as their shared responsibility to promote justice, protect rights, uphold the rule of law and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
Read full statement below;
I joined the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, members of the Lagos State Judiciary and colleagues across the legal profession for the 2026/2027 New Legal Year Thanksgiving Service in Lagos.
The commencement of a new legal year offers a moment for the institutions of justice to pause, give thanks and renew our commitment to the work entrusted to us, the pursuit of justice, the protection of rights and the strengthening of public confidence in the rule of law.
The occasion also reaffirmed the enduring relationship between the Bar and the Bench and the shared responsibility we carry in advancing a justice system that is accessible, effective and responsive to the needs of those it serves.
It was a welcome opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, reflect on the year ahead and consider the work that lies before our profession and the wider justice sector.
As we begin a new legal year, may we continue to serve with integrity, uphold the law with courage, and work towards making justice not merely an ideal, but an experience accessible to all.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb (UK)
President, Nigerian Bar Association