New Year Message from Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire, Ph.D, FCArb. Chairman, NBA Ahoada Branch

Dear Leaders and Elders of our bar, Colleagues, Seniors and Friends,

As we usher in the New Year, I reflect with immense gratitude on the milestones we achieved together in 2024. Your support, dedication, hard work, and passion for justice have been instrumental in shaping the success of the NBA Ahoada Branch and uplifting the cause of justice in our community, Rivers State and Nigeria in general.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am filled with hope and determination. This year promises to be a groundbreaking one for our branch. We aim to strengthen our capacity for effective advocacy, deepen our impact through community engagements, and foster greater collaboration among our members with key stakeholders. Key on our agenda are impactful professional development initiatives, innovative legal outreach programs, mentorships programmes and the hosting of landmark events that will solidify our branch’s reputation as a leader in legal excellence and community service and corporate social responsibility.

To the general public, we remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding justice, equity, and the rule of law.
The primary role lawyers in society is the Protection of the rule of law. Thus we must strive to protect the rights of the under served by being the voice of the voiceless.
In so doing we break the culture of silence and be bold in defending the rights of all and sundry.
According to Edmund Burke “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do and say nothing”
Together, we can create a society that thrives on fairness and respect for human rights.
As we embark on this exciting journey into the New Year, let us continue to embrace unity, professionalism, and service. I encourage all members of our branch to approach this year with renewed energy, innovative ideas, and a spirit of collaboration that will propel us to even greater heights.
On the part of Government, I advice them to strengthen enforcement institutions as they have a key role to play to ensure observance of the rule of law.
Let us consistently do the right thing: People of character do the right thing even when no one else does, not because, they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world.
Happy New Year to you all! May 2025 bring abundant blessings, breakthroughs, and the fulfillment of our collective aspirations.
Warm regards,
Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire, Ph.D, FCArb.
Chairman, NBA Ahoada Branch.
(The family bar)