Today, we are reminded that true leadership extends beyond intellect, advocacy, and professional achievement . It demands empathy, compassion, and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others.
As members of the legal profession, we operate in an environment of immense pressure, responsibility, and expectation. Yet, beneath the robes and arguments are human beings who also deserve care, understanding, and emotional support.
On this World Mental Health Day, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering a Bar and a society where every individual feels seen, supported, valued and where mental health is not a silent struggle but a shared priority.
Mental health is not a privilege reserved for a few, it is a universal right that must be protected, promoted, and respected at all levels.
Together, let us build a culture within the legal community where empathy is strength, support is accessible, and no one feels alone in their journey.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
