MY SIX POINT AGENDA FOR NBA IKORODU BRANCH(1).~By TAOFIK ABIMBOLA OJEDOKUN, ESQ. (CHAIRMANSHIP ASPIRANT, NBA IKORODU BRANCH)

My dear colleagues, it pleases me to present myself in an atmosphere of social contract to serve you to the best of my ability and beyond, if honoured and blessed with your mandate. Indeed the previous and the most recent administrations in the Branch have done their best: there is always an opportunity for an improvement. I am inspired and convinced that at this material point in time, the Branch will benefit from my wealth of experience and connections , and I am mentally and strategically prepared for the challenge.

*I have identified six (6) cardinal points which the branch will work assiduously to achieve when I emerge as the Chairman of this noble and respected branch. The word “UPHELD” is an acronym for the SIX POINT AGENDA. I want us all to patiently follow me with rapt attention as I unfold and unveil the meaning of this acronym “UPHELD”.*

U – UNITY
P - PROPERTIES
H - HEALTH
E - EMPOWERMENT&
      EDUCATION:
L - LIVELIHOOD:
D – DUTIES

The execution and implementation of the acronym "UPHELD", will translate into the following priorities for the Branch

1. Genuine and practical efforts towards restoration of sustainable love, peace, unity and camaraderie in the branch.

2.Creating a conducive atmosphere to make the practice of our members easy and  smooth (conducive court rooms, additional High Court rooms  for criminal matters, probate registry in Ikorodu, free internet facility within the court complex).

3. Regular Bar and Bench forum to  identify, discuss and proffer solutions to any problem that can hinder efficient dispensation of justice within the jurisdiction

4. To work out and implement a structured mentorship and empowerment programs to expose our young lawyers in new and emerging practice areas.

5. To respect and strictly adhere to the rules of procedures at the Branch Meetings so as to save time and prevent unwarranted bickering.

6. Structured insurance policy to cater for medical Bills, incapacitation and death of any member (even as we pray we will not lose any member of the Branch).

7. Enhancement of both the Secretariat and Welfare departments for specialized assignments (lawyers estate, data keeping, cooperative & thrift, Branch library, free office diary for members and publication of Branch Law Journal etc)

8. Emphasis on transparency and accountability at all cadre of the administration and committed downward review of the Branch dues paid by members.

9. Uncompromising bias and support towards women empowerment and sustained democratization of the Branch activities, respect for Branch Executives and members.

10. Uncompromising respect for the equality of all lawyers in the Branch and dogged and consistent advocacy for seniority at the Bar.

11.  Galvanizing and harmonising genuine human efforts and resources towards securing and sustaining the current Bar Centre for the Branch and making same conducive within first quarter of the life of the administration.

12. Acquisition of landed property for the purpose of erecting a befitting multipurpose hall within the Town or within a manageable distance from the Town.

13. To have 'State of the Bar' as an agenda at every meeting where members share ideas on their encounter in court and other places of relevance to our profession to enable the executive take necessary action to resolve such issues.

14. To accord meaning and practical effect to the aims and objectives of NBA as provided for in the NBA constitution and the Uniformed Bye Laws for the Branches.

15. Expansion of the Human Rights and Pro Bono Committee by committing more funds, human resources and logistics to the PDSS, child rights and domestic committee and court-centered initiatives.

..... To be continued.