National Association of Catholic Lawyers Lagos Archdiocese 2017 Annual Dinner
The National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Lagos Archdiocese, held its 2017 Annual Dinner last Thursday with the chosen theme 'The Role of Religious Bodies in the Dispensation of Social Justice', and it was a reminder to members of one of the basic objectives of the Association, achieving social transformation by implementing the Catholic Social Teachings.
The formal event which held at the prestigious Sir Adetokunbo Ademola Hall at the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School, was reminiscent of the student days when would-be lawyers were required to eat mandatory dinners, as a requirement for admission to the Bar.
The event was chaired by Professor Pat Utomi, founder of the Pan African University and Centre for Values in Leadership. Erudite scholar and Author of several books,Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, was the Keynote Speaker.
Prof Ajogwu drew the attention of those present, to scriptural injunctions to aid the less privileged, in this case prisoners, and stated that a lawyer by virtue of his profession, was in a position to stand up for human rights.
He further enjoined the lawyers to take seriously, the task of being their brother’s keepers, more so in line with the tenets of the Catholic faith, saying that Catholic Lawyers are to regard their admission to the legal profession as, not just a career, but also a vocation.
Commenting on the theme in her opening address, the President of the Association Geraldine Wey, said, "One way or another, our faith is a fundamental feature of our lives as Nigerians. Now, how much this impacts positively on our relationship with our neighbour and loyalty to our Nation, is uncertain. Our role as Catholic Lawyers demands that we operate in the arena of Social Justice and give voice particularly to the voiceless".
Reacting to Professor Ajogwu’s address, Deputy Comptroller of the Women’s Prison, Kiri-Kiri, Mrs. Lizzy Ekpendu, called for a societal change of mindset towards persons unfortunate to be in prison custody, and requested more visits to the Women’s Prison.
"The Keynote Address laid the foundation for the launch of the ADOPT A PRISONER PROJECT of the Association. By virtue of its calling, the National Association of Catholic Lawyers Lagos Archdiocese, does much work in the Prisons, and for this purpose, has what is called the Prison Action / Pro Bono Committee. From time to time they call for contributions from their members and make formal visits to any of the five prisons in Lagos stretching from Ikoyi to Badagry. "The prison visits and intervention is twofold: 1. To take provisions to the inmates. 2. To interview the indigent ones who have no legal representation, with a view to assisting them to litigate their matters Pro Bono.
"So far the Prison Action/Pro Bono Committee and a few of their members, have borne the expenses. The purpose of this project is to engage more volunteers and donors, to contribute their resources in terms of legal services and financial support, towards the Association’s work in the Prison Ministry. It is expected that via this project, a partnership between donors and volunteers, will be created for the primary purpose of providing for the legal and material welfare of prison inmates in Lagos State, thereby achieving a measure of decongestion in the prisons."
The Chairperson of the 2017 Dinner Planning Committee, Ande Egbe, expressed hope that the guests both individual and corporate, would be moved to sponsor this laudable project. An invited guest, Dr Egbert Imomoh KSM, remarked on the need to engage stakeholders, particularly the Office of the Attorney- General, with a view to carrying out mass prison decongestion.
Many distinguished guests were present at the occasion. Anchoring the event, was veteran Broadcaster, Mr. Soni Irabor Of Inspiration FM, and Toastmaster Chima Ezife of Expert Emcees.