By Jelili Gbadamosi
Lawyers in Ekiti State have been given an opportunity to unwind, network and share professional experiences as the state Ministry of Justice hosted a luncheon to mark the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference.
The event, held in Ado-Ekiti, was organised for lawyers serving in the state, particularly those who could not travel to attend the NBA’s national conference.
Speaking at the gathering, the Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, encouraged lawyers to combine dedication to their profession with adequate rest and relaxation.
Apata said taking time away from demanding professional schedules would help lawyers remain productive, focused and proactive in the discharge of their responsibilities.
According to him, the initiative was designed not only as a social gathering but also as an avenue for lawyers in the state to interact, strengthen professional relationships and benefit from the experiences associated with the annual NBA conference.
The Attorney-General acknowledged the contributions of former Attorneys-General and officials of the Ministry of Justice who established the initiative, promising to sustain and improve it.
The Acting Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of the Ministry of Justice, Gbemiga Adaramola, commended Apata for sustaining the programme and expanding its impact.
Adaramola said the event had taken on a new dimension under Apata’s leadership, which he attributed to his inclusive approach to managing the ministry.
He noted that many lawyers in Ekiti were unable to attend the national conference, making the state-level gathering important in ensuring that they also had an opportunity to interact and share in some of the professional benefits of the event.
Adaramola also praised Apata for creating opportunities for professional development within the Ministry of Justice, saying staff members had continued to learn from his leadership.
Similarly, the Chairman of the NBA Ikere-Ekiti Branch, Ayo Daramola, described the Attorney-General as a supportive leader who had played a fatherly role to lawyers across the state.
The gathering was attended by a former Attorney-General of the state, Kolapo Kolade, SAN; Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Niyi Idowu; directors in the Ministry of Justice and other senior legal practitioners.
