The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has called on legal professionals, particularly young lawyers, to position themselves as critical players in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption and the promotion of the rule of law.
Speaking on Saturday at the Young Lawyers Forum Summit organized by the Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto branch, Goronyo highlighted the importance of the legal profession in fostering societal progress.
The event, held in Sokoto State, centered on the theme of professional growth and societal impact.
The minister underscored the eight priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging lawyers to actively contribute to their realization.
“Nigeria’s legal system, like many around the world, faces serious challenges, ranging from inefficient justice delivery to the persistent need to curb judicial corruption and outdated laws that do not always reflect and address current realities,” Goronyo noted.
He called on young legal practitioners to build their careers on a foundation of integrity and professional ethics, emphasizing the need for adherence to the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers.
“As young lawyers, you must strive to build character and establish a name for yourselves. Equip yourselves with knowledge of the relevant provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers, which prohibit certain unethical conduct or practices among lawyers,” he stated.
Goronyo also cautioned against the allure of the ‘get-rich-quick syndrome,’ advising young lawyers to harness legal and technological tools for meaningful contributions to the legal system.
“Today, we have technology at our fingertips that facilitates and streamlines case management, enhances legal research, and makes your voices easily heard by potential clients. This moment demands more than just knowledge and skills; it calls for vision, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose,” he added.
Justice Saidu Sifawa, the Chief Judge of Sokoto State and Chairman of the summit, acknowledged the unique challenges faced by young lawyers in the profession. He stressed the need for consistent professional development to equip them for future responsibilities.
“The challenges young lawyers are facing today are more distressing, partly due to their relative youth in the profession. These challenges pose significant obstacles to their potential. As we gather here today, we must recognise the urgency of addressing these challenges and other issues that affect young lawyers, so we can harness our collective efforts to overcome them,” he said.
Sifawa urged young lawyers to maintain high professional standards while seeking opportunities for knowledge expansion and skill enhancement.
In addition to professional advice, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding the 8th Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, encouraged legal practitioners to leverage their expertise in assisting marginalized groups.
“Use your legal knowledge to assist the less-privileged and marginalised members of society, uphold justice, and contribute to the betterment of society,” Ajose stated.
NBA Sokoto branch Chairman, Rasheedat Abubakar, reiterated the association’s commitment to the professional development of its members.
She assured young lawyers of continued support in their quest for excellence through mentorship, discipline, and robust knowledge acquisition programs.
The summit served as a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the pressing issues facing the legal profession, while providing young lawyers with insights into navigating their careers amidst evolving societal and technological dynamics.
