Mary Akanbi
27th November, 2024
CHRISTIAN LAWYERS FELLOWSHIP OF NIGERIA (CLASFON)
*A Call to Excellence and Faithfulness*
Dear Esteemed Christian Lawyers,
On this occasion of the call to the Nigerian Bar of our brothers and sisters in Christ, I am honored to welcome you to the Nigerian Bar. On behalf of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), I congratulate you on this significant milestone in your journey as legal practitioners.
Our motto, “A New Legal Profession anchored on Christ,” serves as a reminder of our commitment to upholding the values of our Lord Jesus Christ in our profession. As you begin this new chapter in your career, I urge you to remember that our theme for 2024, “The LORD is our King” (Isaiah 33:22), is not just a slogan, but a guiding principle that should shape our conduct, our relationships, and our practice as Christian lawyers.
As ambassadors of Christ in the legal profession, we are called to a higher standard of excellence, integrity, and compassion. We must strive to maintain the highest level of professionalism, while also being mindful of our responsibility to promote justice, equality, and the rule of law. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23).
As you navigate the complexities of the legal profession, I charge you to hold fast to the values that define us as Christian lawyers. Be guided by the principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability. Be compassionate and empathetic towards your clients, colleagues, and the communities you serve. Be courageous in standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. And above all, be faithful to God, who has called you to this noble profession. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
As members of CLASFON, you are part of a community that is committed to supporting and encouraging one another in our shared pursuit of excellence and faithfulness. I urge you to take advantage of the resources, training, and networking opportunities that CLASFON provides, to enhance your skills, deepen your faith, and expand your impact in the legal profession. I implore you to join a Branch of the Fellowship in your State and be part of the amazing Works God is doing in the Nation through the platform of CLASFON.
I look forward to meeting you at the Branch Meetings, Directorate Sessions and the Regional and National Conferences of the Fellowship both as my Learned Colleagues and as Brethren in Faith.
Please feel very free to contact us through any of the following platforms:
National Secretariat:
Suite 106, Copper House, 4 Algiers Street, Zone 5 Wuse, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.
E-mail:
info@clasfon.org.ng
Telephone:
+234 (0) 92923009
Website:
www.CLASFON.org.ng
In closing, I offer my heartfelt congratulations once again to our newly called colleagues. May God bless and guide you as you embark on this new journey. May you be shining examples of Christian excellence in the legal profession, and may your practice be a reflection of God’s love, justice, and mercy. As Psalm 37:23-24 reminds us, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Congratulations once again and welcome to the Largest Bar in Africa, and welcome to the Great CLASFON family!
Signed,
Femi David Ikotun
CLASFON President
27 Nov. 2024.