‘Lawyers must move beyond courtrooms to drive nation-building’

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, has announced the commencement of its 2026 Annual Law Week, with a strong emphasis on the role of legal practitioners in shaping society beyond the courtroom.

The announcement was made during a press briefing held to formally unveil activities lined up for the annual event.

Speaking at the briefing, the branch Chairman disclosed that the theme for this year’s Law Week is “From Courtroom to Community: The Lawyer’s Role in Nation Building,” a topic it described as both timely and necessary given the current social and institutional challenges facing the country.

According to the branch representative, the theme reflects a growing recognition that the duties of lawyers extend far beyond litigation and legal transactions, stressing that practitioners must actively contribute to societal development and the protection of citizens’ rights.

She explained that the legal profession occupies a unique position as both a business and a social institution, noting that lawyers are not only service providers but also agents of change responsible for influencing policy, defending justice, and promoting equity.

Addressing questions on the mandate of lawyers in rendering services to the public, she described the responsibility as broad and multifaceted, particularly in areas concerning human rights, justice delivery, and community development.

She emphasized that one of the most critical roles lawyers play is in public enlightenment, especially at the grassroots level where access to legal knowledge remains limited. According to her, ignorance of the law continues to be a major factor behind the suffering of many citizens.

“A lot of people are not properly informed, and when you are not informed, you are deformed,” she said, adding that many individuals fall into legal trouble not necessarily because they are wrong, but because they lack the knowledge required to navigate legal processes.

To address this gap, the NBA, she said, has continued to prioritize awareness campaigns and public engagement initiatives aimed at educating citizens on their rights and available legal remedies.

She further disclosed that the association has institutionalized support systems that allow members of the public to seek guidance, including designated days when lawyers are available to attend to complaints and provide direction on legal matters.

“We open our doors to the public. When you have challenges, you can reach out, visit our secretariat, and speak with professionals who will guide you accordingly,” she explained.

Beyond individual assistance, the NBA also plays an advocacy role by engaging relevant institutions whenever systemic issues are identified. She cited instances where the association has written to government agencies and regulatory bodies to address inefficiencies and demand accountability.

In one such example, she noted that concerns around delays in the registration of titles were escalated by the association, prompting engagement with the responsible authorities to improve service delivery.

The branch also collaborates with organizations and service providers to ensure fairness in their dealings with the public.

She revealed that stakeholders, including utility service providers, have been invited to interface with residents, clarify their operations, and respond to complaints.

While acknowledging the existence of institutional failures, she stressed that the NBA remains committed to sustained engagement rather than silence, warning that the absence of legal advocacy could have dire consequences for society.

“We are the conscience of society. The moment lawyers stop speaking, the system begins to collapse and chaos sets in,” she said.

The association, she added, has also strengthened partnerships with traditional institutions, educational bodies, and security agencies to collectively address societal challenges through dialogue, advisory roles, and joint initiatives.

Through these collaborations, the NBA seeks to identify problem areas, understand institutional constraints, and develop practical solutions that will enhance justice delivery and social stability.

She maintained that the association’s outreach efforts cut across all segments of society, including market women, students, and semi-literate populations, in a bid to ensure that no group is excluded from access to justice.

The briefing also touched on concerns surrounding prison congestion, with the branch acknowledging the urgent need to address the plight of inmates, many of whom are awaiting trial without adequate legal representation.

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She noted that ensuring access to justice for such individuals remains a key priority, reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to interventions that will help decongest correctional facilities and uphold the rights of detainees.

Today, the Ikorodu Branch of the NBA will hold the late Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson(SAN) at the Caritatas Event Centre, Ibeshe Tuntun Road.

The night of heroes/Dinner/Fund Raising will hold at same venue.

Tomorrow, the Branch will hold a program on “Dress Ethics and Courtroom Decorum at ,Bukka Hut Hall.

On Thursday, it will hold an outreach and awareness Programme on “Human Rights, Anti-Human Trafficking .

The week-long programme will end on Friday with a  closing party and variety night.