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NBA Abuja Branch Inaugurates New Executive Committee as Yakubu Philemon, SAN, Unveils Vision for a United and Progressive Unity Bar


The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), on Friday, 7th August 2026, inaugurated its newly elected Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 tenure, with Yakubu Philemon, SAN, formally assuming office as Chairman.

The well-attended ceremony brought together the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, members of the National Executive Council, Learned Senior Advocates of Nigeria, members of the Bench, past Chairmen, Elders of the Branch, distinguished colleagues, and invited guests.

Delivering his inaugural address, Chairman Yakubu Philemon, SAN, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God and appreciation to members of the Branch for the confidence reposed in him and the new Executive Committee. He described the mandate as a sacred trust and a call to selfless service, pledging to lead with integrity, transparency, diligence and fidelity to the ideals of the legal profession.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, the Chairman stated:

.                 Yakubu Philimon SAN

           Chairman, NBA Abuja(Unity Bar)

“I am proud of the Unity Bar. I am proud of a Branch blessed with exceptional intellect, remarkable diversity and extraordinary professional talent.”

He emphasised that the diversity of the Branch should be regarded as a strength rather than a weakness, stressing that every member must have a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Branch.

“United Beyond Barriers”

Speaking on the administration’s guiding philosophy, “United Beyond Barriers,” Chairman Philemon explained that the objective was to overcome generational, professional and ideological divisions that could weaken the institution.

He declared:

“Today, there are no victorious camps and no defeated camps. There is only one Branch and there is only one Unity Bar. The campaign season has ended. The season of service has begun.”

He further assured members that his administration would not operate on the basis of exclusion, adding:

“I will not be a winner who takes it all. I therefore invite each of you to join this administration in building the Branch of our collective aspirations.”

Key Priorities of the Administration

The Chairman outlined the major priorities of his administration, including fostering unity and inclusiveness, championing the effective implementation of the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order within the Federal Capital Territory, digitising the Branch Secretariat, strengthening professional development and capacity building, and promoting transparency and accountability.

On digitisation, he pledged to deploy technology to improve members’ interaction with the Secretariat, simplify registration and payment processes, enhance access to Branch records and information, and ultimately introduce technology-enabled attendance management at Branch meetings.

On professional development, he announced plans to revitalise the Branch Sections on Business Law (SBL), Legal Practice (SLP), and Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), through training, mentorship, continuing legal education and strategic collaborations.

On accountability, the Chairman announced the reintroduction of monthly financial statements to members, stressing that transparency must become a culture of the administration.

He stated:

“These are not promises made for applause. They are commitments by which we invite you to judge this administration.”

A Call for Collective Responsibility

Chairman Philemon called on members to become active stakeholders in the administration by attending meetings, contributing ideas, volunteering their expertise and serving diligently on Branch committees.

He emphasised that the Executive Committee alone could not transform the Branch, urging members to see themselves not as spectators but as co-builders of the future of the Unity Bar.


Reaffirming the strategic role of the Abuja Branch as a frontline Branch of the NBA and a Branch situated in the nation’s capital, he pledged that the Unity Bar would continue to serve as a strong voice for the Rule of Law, judicial independence and constitutional democracy.

The inauguration marked the commencement of a new administration anchored on unity, accountability, professional excellence, innovation and inclusive leadership, with a renewed commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant Unity Bar.

Signed

Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq.
Publicity Secretary
Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar)

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