NBA

NBA Sokoto Branch Young Lawyers Forum Launches Inaugural Mentorship Series.

Mary Akanbi

18th October, 2024

The NBA Sokoto Branch Young Lawyers Forum, in alignment with the branch chairman’s blueprint, successfully hosted its inaugural Mentorship Series on the 14th of October, 2024.

The event which was initiated by the Branch Chairman in fulfilling her campaign promises and implementing her Blueprint, was meant to empower and inspire young lawyers of the Branch through inspiring stories of knowledgeable and experienced individuals from the Bar, Bench and the Academics.

The inuagural mentorship series featured the Honourable Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Hon. M.S. Sifawa, Hon. Life Bencher, as the esteemed guest mentor.

Notable attendees included Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi S.A.N., the YLF liaison officer; Prof. Justice M. Mahmoud, Justuce of the High Court Sokoto, Chief Registrar of the High Court; Hajiya Maryam Dogondaji Esq;  the Chairman of the Caliphate Bar; Rashidat Mohammad Esq.,  Assistant Chief Registrar Aliyu Ja’afar Esq; senior lawyers; young lawyers; members of the press; judicial workers; security personnel; and law students on externship.

The program was anchored by His Worship, Fatima Umar Dewa, Acting Chief Registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal.

Chief Judge of Sokoto State, and a life Bencher, Hon. M.S. Sifawa shared his inspiring journey, highlighting his humble beginnings in Sifawa village of Bodinga Local Government Area. He recounted his educational path, including his time at Sifawa Primary School and Ahmadu Bello Academy, Secondary School. After briefly working in the Ministry of Rural Development, he pursued further education at the State College of Arts and Arabic Studies, eventually enrolling at Usman Danfodiyo University to study law—an unexpected choice influenced by a friend. He graduated in 1990 and completed his studies at the Nigeria Law School in 1991.

Reflecting on his career, the Chief Judge discussed the challenges he faced since his appointment at the High Court in 1992. He also shared a poignant moment where he has to learn to balance his work and family needs.

Chief Judge Hon. Muhammad SaiduSifawa encouraged young lawyers to embody honesty, transparency, and dedication in their work.

Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi S.A.N. praised the mentorship program as the first of its kind in NBA Sokoto branch history and advised young lawyers to take small deliberate steps toward progress. Similarly, Hon. Justice Prof. Mu’awiyya urged humility and careful consideration in professional growth.

NBA Sokoto branch chairman Rashidat Mohammad Esq. emphasized the initiative’s alignment with national objectives and urged participants to remain authentic, and learn to manage pressure effectively. She proposed that the forum continue this program monthly, inviting various legal professionals to share their insights.

In conclusion, the Honourable Chief Judge advised the forum leadership to collaborate with more stake holders at the national level to expand the reach and impact of the Mentorship Series, recognizing mentorship as a vital element of professional development.

The forum’s chairman, A.A. Sokoto, expressed gratitude on behalf of young lawyers and presented an honorarium to the Chief Judge. The event concluded with a Q&A session and closing prayers.

Notably, the Chief Judge donated the 200,000 Naira to support disabled law students and pledge a sponsorship throughout his studies.

For further information, please contact:

Destiny Onyema Esq.

Assistant Publicity Secretary (YLF Caliphate Bar)

destinylegal15@gmail.com

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