The Honourable Chief Judge of Kwara State,
My Lords, Honourable Judges,
Our Distinguished Keynote Speaker, Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN,
The Lead Speakers, Moderators and Discussants,
The Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and Senior Members of the Bar,
The Magistrates and Area Court Judges,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of honour that I welcome you all to the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch.

This year's theme, "Modern Practice and Professional Ethics," is both timely and compelling. As legal practitioners and stakeholders in the justice sector, we are witnessing unprecedented technological developments that are reshaping the way law is practised and justice is administered. While these innovations present immense opportunities, they also call for renewed commitment to the ethical principles that have always guided our noble profession.

We are particularly honoured to have our distinguished legal icon and scholar, Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN, the 1st Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate as our Keynote Speaker. Beyond his enviable accomplishments at the Bar, Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN represents a generation of legal practitioners whose careers were built on rigorous legal research, mentorship, and the cherished traditions of the legal profession.

We look forward to his keynote address, through which he will take us on a reflective journey through the evolution of legal practice from the era before digitalization and artificial intelligence to the realities of contemporary practice. We are confident that he will share invaluable insights on the cordial counsel-to-counsel relationships, professional courtesies, ethical standards, and mentorship culture that characterised legal practice in earlier years.

I must also express the profound appreciation of the Branch to our other distinguished resource persons, lead speakers, discussants, and moderators who have graciously accepted to share their knowledge and experiences during the various sessions of this Law Week. Your willingness to contribute to the intellectual and professional development of members of the Bench and Bar is deeply appreciated, and we are confident that participants will benefit immensely from your wealth of knowledge and experience.

I wish to express our profound appreciation to the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon Justice A. A. Adebara for graciously declaring 22nd and 23rd June 2026 as Court-Free Days to enable full participation of both the bar and bench in the Law Week activities. This gesture is particularly noteworthy, as my lord, the Honourable Chief Judge has consistently extended similar support to programmes of the Bar across its various fora, fostering cooperation and mutual respect within the justice sector. Through these actions, My Lord has strengthened the enduring bond between the Bench and the Bar and exemplified true leadership and partnership.

In recognition of my Lord’s outstanding contributions and unwavering support for the harmonious relationship between the Bar and the Bench, My Lord’s name will today be inducted into the NBA Ilorin Branch Roll of Honour. This recognition is a testament to his enduring commitment to the legal profession and his invaluable support for the activities and advancement of the Bar.

Beyond today's opening ceremony, this year's Law Week promises to be rich, engaging, and impactful. The following are the other highlights of the week's activities;

1. The presentation and public unveiling of a book publication in honour of Hon. Justice Oredola, JCA (Rtd.), celebrating his remarkable contributions to the development of the law and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
2. A free healthcare programme for members, reflecting our commitment to the welfare and well-being of lawyers within the Branch.
3. Various sporting activities designed to promote fitness, and fellowship among members of the Bar and Bench.
4. The Grand Finale and Handover-Light Ceremony, which will mark the successful conclusion of the Law Week and symbolise the end of the present administration.

I also commend the Law Week Committee, ably led by Prof. D. A. Ariyioosu, and the Secretary, S. O. Dada Esq. for its dedication and hard work in organizing this remarkable programme.

As we begin this week's activities, I encourage all participants to take full advantage of the opportunities for learning, networking, reflection, and recreation that have been carefully arranged. On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire membership of our Branch, I thank you for your presence and support. Your attendance underscores our collective commitment to the advancement of the legal profession and the administration of justice.

Once again, I warmly welcome you all to the 2026 NBA Ilorin Branch Law Week and wish us a fruitful, enlightening, and memorable celebration.

Thank you for listening.

SMH Kosemani Esq.
Chairman
NBA, Ilorin Branch, 2024-2026