YLF Port Harcourt Chairman Welcome Address

WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NBA-YOUNG LAWYERS FORUM, PORT HARCOURT BRANCH, DR. VICTOR NONSO ENEBELI ON THE OCCASION OF THE ANNUAL YOUNG LAWYERS FORUM SUMMIT HELD AT THE JUSTICE MARY ODILI JUDICIAL INSTITUTE, PORT HARCOURT ON FRIDAY, THE 20TH OF OCTOBER, 2023.
It is my utmost pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you gathered here today for our summit with the theme Breaking Barriers: Creating Future Leaders in Nigeria from the Present and Next Generation of Young Lawyers. This momentous occasion brings together both veterans and emerging talents in the legal profession, all sharing a common goal – to create a brighter and more inclusive future for our beloved country.
As chairman of this inspiring forum, I am humbled and honoured to be standing before such a distinguished audience. Today, we stand on the precipice of an extraordinary opportunity, as we utilize this summit to not only envision a better future but also strive to shape it from the very foundations of our legal system.
The theme, “Breaking Barriers: Creating Future Leaders in Nigeria from the Present and Next Generations of Young Lawyers,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of our gathering perfectly. Nigeria is a nation brimming with immense potential, and our responsibility as young lawyers is to harness that potential and transcend the limitations that hinder progress. We must recognize and overcome the barriers that impede the growth and development of our future leadership.
As young lawyers, we often find ourselves navigating a complex landscape, contending with a range of challenges – from training opportunities to a lack of inclusivity in legal practice. However, let this summit serve as a powerful platform to address these barriers head-on. By openly discussing these obstacles and working together, we can forge a path towards a future that empowers every young lawyer to assume leadership roles in the legal profession and beyond. Young Lawyers can also leverage on technology and become seasoned entrepreneurs. Let me stop here to avoid delving into the topics reserved for the plenary sessions.
The objective of this summit is clear – to foster an environment that encourages the growth and development of young lawyers’ leadership skills. Through an extensive array of two panel discussions that addresses topical issues and networking opportunities, we aim to equip every participant with the tools necessary to become effective leaders in our respective fields.
Together, we will challenge the status quo and champion tangible change.It is important to note that this summit is not merely an event but a call to action.Nigerians, especially the youths have expressed joy over the appointment of young Nigerians of diverse expertise into sensitive positions of authority and trust by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to foster inclusivity in the leadership of this country.
We applaud the gesture of Mr. President who has taken the lead and hereby respectfully call on state executives to follow suit and in doing so, notice is hereby given that a good number of Young Lawyers in Nigeria are over-ripe, willing and bring with them passionate desire to serve her fatherland. Whilst we agree that today is yesterday’s tomorrow, the popular quote that the “Youths are Leaders of Tomorrow” is gradually becoming a myth than reality and that is why the discussions and ideas conceived here will extend long after we leave this institute. We must forge enduring partnerships and collaborations that will ripple across our legal landscape, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s future.
To our esteemed guests, I encourage you to actively engage and inspire the young lawyers present here today. Your wealth of experience and wisdom will guide us in our quest to shatter barriers and build inclusive leadership pathways. I urge you to share your insights, mentorship, and support, as we look to create a nurturing ecosystem that fosters the growth of young legal practitioners.
To my fellow young lawyers, let us grasp this opportunity with both hands. Together, we possess the power to redefine the future of our profession. Let us leverage this summit as a springboard for innovation, fresh perspectives, and unity.
For it is through collaboration, perseverance, and a shared vision that we can realize the true potential of our legal fraternity.
I thank each and every one of you for gracing this summit with your presence. I thank His Excellency the Governor of Rivers State for finding us worthy of his time and presence here today. I also thank His Excellency the former governor, now the performing Minister of the FCT, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, GSSRS, Life Bencher for his support, concern and care for his primary constituency, the Legal Profession (particularly the Young Lawyers). His Excellency came all the way from Abuja despite his very busy schedule to be a blessing to us today and we do not take it for granted.
Worthy of note is the sacrifice of the Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development, a crusader for justice who has hit the ground running since her inception as Minister, I’m talking about none other than Barr. Mrs. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs who is passionate about the growth and gender inclusivity. I will not fail to appreciate the presence of My Lord the Chief Judge of Rivers state, the Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi DSSRS, My Lord the President of the Customary court of Appeal, Hon. Justice lhemnachor W. Obuzor DSSRS and our Judges present here as I understand they ought to be sitting by this time.
I recognize the presence of Honourable Commissioners and members of the State Executive Council and that of the Commissioner of Police and the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Let me not fail to thank senior advocates, my chairman and members of the MBA Port Harcourt and of course the executive and members of the YLF for being here today.
Let me stop here because vote of thanks will be rendered at the tail end of this program.
Your participation exemplifies your dedication and commitment to paving the way for Nigeria’s future leaders. With your active involvement, I have no doubt that this summit will be a resounding success.
Once again, I welcome you all to this transformative event. Let us rise above barriers, break new ground, and create a future where every young lawyer can rise to their fullest potential.