The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, has once again called for greater professionalism within the legal profession, urging lawyers to fully embrace core values that define modern legal practice.
This message was emphasized during the 2025 NBA Asaba Branch Law Week, held in Asaba with the theme: “Strategic Lawyering: The Business Behind the Brief.”
Declaring the event open, the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, described the theme as both thoughtful and timely. He noted that today’s legal practitioners must prioritise professionalism, efficiency, innovation, and measurable value in their work.
He also pointed out that the ideals reflected in the theme align with the justice-sector reforms being implemented by the Sheriff Oborevwori administration, aimed at strengthening institutions, improving access to justice, and promoting technology-driven legal services.
The Attorney-General assured the Bar of the ministry’s continuous support for capacity-building efforts within the legal community.
In his welcome address, the NBA Asaba Branch Chairman, Azuka Maduemezia, expressed appreciation to members and guests. He highlighted that the Law Week is not only a period of intellectual engagement but also a celebration of the events that led up to it, including an advocacy march, legal clinic, football match, Thanksgiving service, and a cocktail reception.
He said the weeklong programme reflects the branch’s unity and dedication to excellence, adding that this year’s discussions would address crucial issues such as billing practices under the Remuneration Order, tax compliance, and evolving strategies for career and professional development.
The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, in her remarks, underscored the indispensable role of the Bar in the administration of justice. She stressed that strong collaboration between the Bar and the Bench is essential for reinforcing fairness, integrity, and access to justice.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, also commended the theme, describing it as forward-looking. He urged legal practitioners to approach their work with an entrepreneurial mindset, especially in a rapidly changing global environment.
He noted that strategic lawyering requires lawyers to embrace client-centred innovation, ethical branding, sustainable revenue models, and digital tools that enhance efficiency and impact.
The first plenary session, moderated by the Attorney-General, brought together a distinguished panel: Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN; Emeka Obegolu, SAN; Frank Nabena, Esq.; Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN; Chukwudi Enebeli, SAN; and Amaka Ezeno.
The panel delved into key issues such as call value and billing methods, adherence to ethical and professional standards, and financial well-being for lawyers.
