Learned Colleagues and Fellow Nigerians,
As we celebrate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, we honour those whose courage and sacrifice gave birth to our nation, as well as those whose efforts over the years have kept the Nigerian dream alive. Sixty-six years of nationhood is both a milestone and a reminder: that the work of building a just, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria is a continuing responsibility, and one to which we, as lawyers, must remain firmly committed.
Independence Day invites us to reflect on our responsibilities, first as citizens and, even more so, as lawyers to uphold the values of justice, and liberty; to respect the Constitution and the rule of law; and to consider what it means to build and leave behind a Nigeria worthy of the generations that will follow.
As lawyers, we owe that special duty to protect and advance these values.
This Independence Day therefore provides a fitting opportunity to renew our commitment to the ideals upon which our nation was founded, and to the task of building a Nigeria we can proudly hand on to our children; a banner without stain.
As we mark this 66th birthday of our nation, may we continue to work together towards a Nigeria defined by unity, faith, peace and progress.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb
President, Nigerian Bar Association
