The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged Nigerian lawyers to embrace technological innovation, continuous professional development and high ethical standards to strengthen the administration of justice in the country.
Fagbemi also charged legal practitioners to uphold the rule of law, protect citizens’ fundamental rights and ensure that justice remains accessible to all, irrespective of social status, financial capacity, ethnic background, religious beliefs or political affiliation.
The minister made the call during the commissioning of the Kofo Salam-Alada Bar and Library Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko Branch, in Ondo State.
He described the facility as a significant investment in the legal profession, noting that it would provide opportunities for intellectual exchange, professional collaboration, mentorship and continuing legal education.
According to him, lawyers have responsibilities beyond their professional expertise, including safeguarding individual rights, promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
Fagbemi urged the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch to maximise the centre’s potential by making it a hub for legal discourse, professional development, community engagement and ethical legal practice.
He also called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, the NBA and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen justice institutions, protect judicial independence and promote constitutional governance.
The minister congratulated Kofo Salam-Alada, a former Chief Director of Legal Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria, on the honour, describing him as a professional whose contributions had positively influenced Ikare-Akoko and the wider Akoko community.
Speaking at the event, a former NBA President, Osigwe Afam (SAN), emphasised the importance of disagreement and criticism in a democratic society, provided they did not incite violence or advocate the violent overthrow of government.
Afam also called for a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
He further appealed to political actors to shun electoral violence and allow candidates to campaign freely while ensuring that voters could exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch, Omotan Ogunmodede, said the new centre would help address some of the professional and financial challenges facing young lawyers.
He explained that access to a free law library would enable young practitioners to conduct legal research and improve their professional competence, while lawyers without private offices could use the facility to meet clients.
Responding to the honour, Salam-Alada said his commitment to Akoko land was driven by his desire to contribute to the development of his community.
He disclosed that friends and associates who had benefited from his mentorship and support contributed to the establishment of the centre, expressing surprise that the facility had been named after him.
“I did not build it. Friends built it. I never expected it. I have never seen myself as special,” he said.
Salam-Alada reaffirmed his commitment to the socioeconomic development of Akoko land and Ondo State, urging other indigenes to contribute to the progress of their communities.
Also speaking, a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and the first chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch, Rt. Hon. Taofeeq Abdulsalam, commended the initiative, noting that Salam-Alada’s goodwill helped mobilise support for the project.
Abdulsalam said the commissioning brought traditional rulers and prominent Akoko indigenes together, expressing hope that the development would strengthen unity and cooperation within the community.
The establishment of the Bar and Library Centre is expected to provide additional resources for legal research, professional training and mentorship, particularly for young lawyers in Ikare-Akoko and surrounding communities.