PROTOCOLS,

It is with gratitude to Almighty God and a deep sense of fulfilment that I warmly welcome all distinguished members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch, to this Monthly General Meeting.

This meeting is particularly significant because it is the last Monthly General Meeting that I will preside over as Chairman of this great Branch. By the grace of God, the next meeting shall be our handing-over meeting. I therefore sincerely appreciate all members for the support, cooperation, understanding, and goodwill extended to this administration since inception.

As we gradually conclude this administration, we remain committed to ensuring that all ongoing programmes, projects, and initiatives are properly sustained and concluded on a strong footing.

ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT OF MR. NURUDEEN ALADODO BY OFFICERS OF THE NSCDC

The Branch remains resolute in pursuing justice regarding the assault and harassment of our member, Mr. Nurudeen Aladodo, by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). After the last meeting, I have received several appeals and interventions from notable individuals who came to plead on behalf of the Civil Defence authorities. However, while we remain open to lawful engagement, the Branch will not compromise the dignity and protection of its members.

I wish to inform you of the new development that, the NSCDC has now filed an application for certiorari seeking to quash the order earlier made by the Magistrate Court against the Commandant due to the failure of the Commandant to produce the Defendants. Our legal team is fully prepared to respond appropriately and ensure that the interest of our member and the integrity of the legal profession are adequately protected.

NBA ILORIN COOPERATIVE SOCIETY

I am delighted to inform members that registration into the NBA Ilorin Cooperative Society has continued operating successfully and arrangements have been concluded for the inauguration of the newly elected Executive Committee of the Cooperative so that the Society can fully commence operations.

The Cooperative has also introduced a policy through which members may apply for a standing order authorising the deduction of a specified amount from their Land Instrument Agreement proceeds as savings. These savings will be preserved for future use and financial support to members whenever necessary. I encourage members to take full advantage of this initiative so that the Cooperative can build adequate financial strength and become a lasting legacy for the benefit of members of the Branch.

NOTICE ON UK ADR ARBITRATION TRAINING

I wish to once again remind all registered participants that the UK ADR Arbitration Training for Membership and Fellowship cadres will hold 9th and 10th June, 2026 and 10th to 12th June, 2026 respectively. The dates remain unchanged.

I am pleased to inform members that the Branch has organized internal preparatory training sessions for intending participants. I sincerely appreciate the facilitators for their dedication and support towards the success of the programme.

One session for the in-house training in preparation for the trainee for Membership Cadre was successfully conducted last week, while another in house training session for the Fellowship Cadre has been scheduled to hold on 23rd May, 2026, at the Bar Centre.

TRAINING FOR THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND MANAGEMENT

The Branch has entered into collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management (CIPDM). This collaboration provides a valuable opportunity for our members to secure direct admission into various professional membership cadres of the Institute, including Associate Membership, Full Membership, and Senior Membership at a subsidized rates.

The application form costs Five Thousand Naira (₦5,000) only, and interested members are required to attach their Curriculum Vitae, which will be used in determining the appropriate cadre of membership and the cost to be paid.

Upon successful induction, qualified participants will be entitled to use the professional designation “CIPDM” after their names. I am also pleased to inform members that the training and induction exercise will be conducted here in Ilorin for the convenience of our members.

LAND INSTRUMENT POLICY

I am pleased to inform members that the Branch has successfully activated an online payment platform for the Land Instrument Policy. This development is aimed at making the refund process more seamless and efficient. With this innovation, once the Branch confirms that the payment has been received into the NBA account and necessary preliminary checks have been concluded, refunds can now be made promptly.

In addition, the Branch has adopted a new operational method under the Land Instrument Policy. Applications can now be processed online without the need for physical presence at the Bar Centre, except for the purposes of stamping and oath administration on agreements. This initiative is part of our commitment towards modernising the operations of the Branch and improving service delivery to members. The platform will be demonstrated at this meeting for further understanding.

NBA ILORIN BRANCH VISIT TO GHANA

The Branch is currently making arrangements to collaborate with the NBA Ado-Ekiti Branch in respect of the proposed visit to Ghana.This joint arrangement has become necessary due to the limited number of members currently available for the trip. We believe that this collaboration will make the trip more feasible and successful. Interested members are encouraged to indicate their commitment promptly as efforts are ongoing to ensure the success of this international engagement before the expiration of this administration.

BOOK PUBLICATION IN HONOUR OF HON. JUSTICE MASSOUD OREDOLA (RTD.)

I am pleased to inform members that the proposed book publication in honour of Hon. Justice Massoud Abdulrahman Oredola (Rtd.) is progressing steadily. The date for the formal presentation of the book has now been fixed for 23rd May, 2026. Members are encouraged to participate actively in the programme as a mark of honour and appreciation to His Lordship for his immense contribution to the legal profession and the judiciary.

UPGRADE OF ALHAJI SALMAN, SAN HALL

The Branch sincerely appreciates members who have already donated chairs towards the upgrade of the Bar Centre Hall. In particular, we acknowledge the generous contributions of Alhaji Rasaq Akorede, Chief R. O. Balogun, SAN and Dr. Mahmud Abdulraheem. Your support is highly commendable and appreciated.

I wish to further encourage members to donate at least one banquet chair towards this project. The cost per chair is Seventeen Thousand Five Hundred Naira (₦17,500). Donations may be made through the Branch account with Premium Trust Bank.

NBA ILORIN BRANCH ELECTION

As the Branch election approaches, I appeal to all members, aspirants, and supporters to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and smooth transition process. It is important to remember that the true success of any administration lies in its ability to produce a stable and united successor administration. I therefore urge all members to conduct themselves responsibly and uphold the dignity and integrity of the Branch throughout the electoral process bearing it in mind that, it is only God that give and take.

NBA ILORIN LAW WEEK AND HANDOVER NIGHT

The Law Week of the Branch is fast approaching, and it promises to be a very engaging and activity-filled programme. Several events and activities have been lined up for members, and the programme will ultimately be crowned with the Handover Night ceremony marking the successful transition to the next administration.

Members are encouraged to actively participate and support all the activities planned for the Law Week and it will be rolled out by the Committee held by our indefatigable new professor of Law, Prof D. O. Ariyoosu.

CONSTRUCTION OF NBA ILORIN RELAXATION CENTRE

One of the aspirations of this administration is the establishment of a Relaxation Centre beside the NBA House for the comfort and convenience of members. The vision is to create a befitting environment where members can relax and interact instead of sitting outside the premises.

The proposed Relaxation Centre is intended to be named in honour of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN. Initially, this administration intended to complete the project before the expiration of its tenure. However, during the book presentation in honour of Alhaji Adebayo Oba Adelodun, SAN, the proposed honouree, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, graciously expressed his willingness to personally undertake the project. He promised that construction would commence in the last quarter of the year, while the commissioning is expected to take place in the first quarter of next year. This development is highly appreciated and remains a major milestone for the Branch with planned to do ground breaking soonest.

CONCLUSION

As this administration gradually winds down, this will be the last General Meeting I shall preside over as Chairman of this great Branch. I sincerely thank all members for your unwavering support, cooperation, understanding, and encouragement throughout the tenure of this administration. I am particularly grateful for the rare privilege and honour of serving as the unopposed Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch. The opportunity has exposed me to greater experiences in leadership, life, and human relations, and I do not take this privilege for granted. I pray that the incoming administration will record even greater success and continue to move the Branch forward.

Thank you all, and God bless the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch.

SMH Kosemani Esq.
Chairman
NBA, Ilorin Branch