Rivers State Government has commenced the erection of a bar centre and secretariat for Ahoada Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
At the foundation laying ceremony, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Edison Ehie, expressed appreciation to members of the NBA Ahoada branch for their initiative.
He described the chairman of the NBA Ahoada Branch; Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire as a determined person who could go to any length to get things done or accomplished.
The governor assured members of the NBA Ahoada Branch that the new secretariat building would be completed within one year.
The Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Simeon Amadi, represented by Hon. Justice T.S. Orji, said the NBA Ahoada Branch had set a high standard in terms of leadership and expansion through Dr. Hilda Desmond Ihekaire.
The chairman of the NBA Ahoada branch, Dr. Desmond-Ihekaire said that members of the branch had many challenges and odds against them before they were able to weather the storm.
The chairman said the present EXCO promised to deliver the NBA Ahoada Branch secretariat building or the bar house.
“We are also poised and determined to foster adherence to ethical standards and to maintain the integrity of the legal profession. In addition, we are also upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings, ensuring integrity and trustworthiness.
“This ceremony is more than just the beginning or a physical structure, it is a powerful reminder of our collective strength, resilience and determination as a family, it is the embodiment of years of hope, resilience and unwavering commitment to the vision of building a home for our family.”
She appealed to good spirited individuals to come to the aid of members of the branch to enable them complete the projects at hand, stressing on the need for collaboration.
The chairman of the NBA, Ahoada Branch Building Committee, Elder Victor Ihua-Maduenyi said that the clamour for the creation of the NBA Ahoada Branch started several years ago, particularly in 2001 with the efforts of late Sir (Chief) Bright Ake, V.N. Ihua Maduenyi, Tuduru Uchendu Ede and many others.
“Our secretariat will serve as a hub for legal scholarship, advocacy and community service, providing a conducive environment for our members to interact learn and grow. Besides, as we lay the foundation of our secretariat today, we are not merely constructing a physical edifice, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for our branch, our members and the community we serve.” Elder Ihua-Maduenyi emphasized.
He commended the Rivers State government for the grant of N50 million which has enabled members of the branch to undertake the project.
The chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Mr. Rizzy Chibudum Ezu said that since the project was sited at Ahoada LGA the council would do all they could to support the project.
The royal father of the day, HRM Eze Sir (Amb) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo who was represented at the event by HRH Eze (Hon.) Chigbo John Niabuenyi said that the lawyers have done the right thing by siting the new building in Ekpeye land.
