The Nigerian Bar Association, Awka branch, has conferred an Award of Excellence on the All Progressives Grand Alliance aspirant for the House of Representatives seat for the Anaocha/Dunukofia and Njikoka federal constituency, Chukwudi Oli.
Oli, who is contesting for the seat in the 2027 general elections, received the award during the fifth edition of Ozo Amanke Okafor Memorial Lecture, held in Awka.
The organisers said the award recognises Oli’s exemplary services, dedication to duty, community service and outstanding commitment to the timely and effective practice of the law profession in the state and the country at large.
The award recipient was unanimously recognised by members of Awka branch as a true supporter of legal profession in the country and one of the “shining lights” in the profession.
In his acceptance speech, the House of Representative hopeful, expressed happiness for being honoured, insisting that contrary to widespread belief, the judiciary remains the hope of the common man.
He said, “I feel very happy receiving this award from my primary constituency. Law practice is what I do for a living. It is what I have been doing all my life. Then, getting this great recognition from my primary constituency, I feel the on top of the world.”
While urging members of the NBA to continue to support justice and promote the rule of law, Oli stressed the need for legal professionals to take the lead in steering the nation towards unity, progress and development.
He promised to exhibit his legal knowledge for the growth and development of his Constituency, Anambra State, South East region and the country at large, if given the opportunity to serve at the green chambers of the National Assembly come 2027.
“I have a vision for Anambra State to be a front-runner in implementing progressives’ reforms in all sectors of human existence in the years ahead.
“I am running for the race to contribute my quarter for the nation’s building, therefore, I am appealing to the good people of Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency to support my ambition to enable me showcase my transparency and accountability in governance,” Oli said.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the NBA Awka branch, Nnamdi Anagor and Chairman, organising committee, G.U Moneke, commended Oli’s continued support for the underprivileged in Anambra and beyond, as well as his competence and dedication to law practice.
The memorial lecture, themed, ‘The centrality of the rule of law to citizenship and democracy’, was designed to honour the life, legacy, and enduring contributions of the late Ozo Amanke Okafor to the legal profession and society at large.
The Guest Speaker, Dele Farotimi, during his lecture, urged lawyers to brace themselves for new challenges so that the confidence that the people hitherto had in the judiciary would return.