Adekola Kareem assumes office as NBA Ibadan chairman, promises result-oriented leadership

By Adejayan Gbenga

Adekola Kareem, popularly known as Ofin, has been inaugurated as chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, with a pledge to pursue a result-oriented administration focused on members’ welfare, inclusiveness, professional integrity and measurable achievements.

Kareem was sworn in on Saturday during the association’s Annual General Meeting held at the Afe Babalola Centre, Iyanganku, Ibadan. Other members of the newly inaugurated executive committee include Dr. Raphael Olorunfemi as vice chairman, Adejorin Abiona as secretary, Bolarinwa Morakinyo as treasurer and Muhammad Ali Khan as publicity secretary.

Also inaugurated were Idrees Openiyi as financial secretary, Feyisara Ajao as assistant general secretary, Timisola Adebisi as welfare secretary and Tijesunimi Olugbile as social welfare officer, who will serve alongside the chairman in steering the affairs of the branch.

In his inaugural address, Kareem expressed gratitude to members of the branch for the confidence reposed in him and his team, assuring them that the mandate entrusted to the new leadership would be translated into tangible and impactful results. He described his emergence as chairman as the culmination of a challenging but rewarding journey made possible by the trust and support of members.

The new chairman paid tribute to the immediate past executive committee led by Ibrahim Lawal, commending its contributions to the growth of the branch. He pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration, stressing that his tenure would be evaluated by its productivity, impact and delivery rather than promises.

Kareem also unveiled a number of welfare initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of members. These include the establishment of a Branch Cooperative Society, the introduction of a Revolving Loan Programme and the development of an insurance framework for legal practitioners within the branch to strengthen their financial security.

He further assured members that his administration would protect the dignity and independence of legal practitioners by responding decisively to cases of intimidation, harassment and victimisation. He added that efforts would be intensified to combat quackery through collaboration with relevant stakeholders to curb the activities of individuals posing as lawyers.

Emphasising the need for unity, Kareem said his administration would operate an inclusive system that accommodates all members, including those who have become less active in branch affairs. He urged members to support the executive committee through active participation, constructive criticism and service on branch committees, while reaffirming his commitment to leaving the Ibadan Bar stronger, more united and more prosperous at the end of his tenure.