The President

2011 SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
Inaugural Address of the President, Abayomi O. Ajaiyeoba, Esq. (“Yomi”)

Good evening, Your Honor, Honorable, Debra A. James, distinguished guests, bar leaders, fellow members, family, and friends. On behalf of the Executive Officers and the Board of the Nigerian Lawyers Association (“NLA”), I thank you for taking time out of your schedules to join us in the inauguration of the Nigerian Lawyers Association’s eleventh administration. I feel honored to stand before you as the eleventh president, but even more significant as NLA’s fourth female president. It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of so many distinguished attorneys who have created a legacy of strong commitment to the legal profession and the Nigerian community. I extend a heartfelt thank you to my predecessors and to Folake Ayoola, the immediate past President for her service in leading NLA during her administration. I would also like to thank my fellow executive officers, dynamic individuals I will have the pleasure of serving with for their willingness to serve: Diran Ajayi (Vice President); Uchechi Anyanwu (Secretary); Billy Enobakhare (PRO) and Reni Adadevoh (Parliamentarian) for their willingness to serve this year. I thank you for your enthusiasm and look forward to working with each of you together with the 2011 Board of Directors: Folake Ayoola, Emeka Chinwuba, Kunle Deru, Oliver Mbamara, and Temi Ofuya.

A special thank you to Judge James, who is very dear to me. My relationship with Judge James began when I interned for her while I was still in law school. Since I have joined NLA, Judge James has been very supportive of the organization. I feel honored that you administered the oath of office for my presidency. On behalf of NLA, I thank you for your continued support

This inauguration is especially important to me because it is taking place during a special month, namely Women’s history month. This year’s national theme is, “Our history is our strength”. As we take time to remember those women who have played an integral role in our families, communities and shaped our professional and social growth, I would like to take this moment to acknowledge my family, who has been the proverbial rock that I stand on. No matter what role I have taken over the years in NLA, they have been there every step of the way at each inauguration. This time is extra special because my father, who recently relocated to Nigeria this past July made a special trip to help me mark this occasion.

I have been a member of NLA for the past seven years, and because of my belief in the organization and my passion for service, I have held several different positions.

Although encouraged to serve in the past as President, time was a big factor for me—especially as I performed a juggling act with my personal and professional responsibilities. Well, this time is as good as any especially since I am currently serving as the Association of Black Womens Attorneys (“ABWA”) secretary, and actively involved in committees of several bar associations. Work-life balance is a challenge that continues to be a work in progress. This is something my 16 year old daughter, Kemi understands fully well as she has been very understanding as I have made sacrifices of my time. She has joined me in that sacrifice as she has often taken the role of supportive administrative assistant. She is also an honorary board member of ABWA…we’ll have to see what we can do to make her an honorable board member of NLA.

As I reflect on NLA’s twelve-year history, I am struck by its humble beginnings. A small group of attorneys met in a basement and with steadfast determination, created a bar association geared towards addressing the needs of Nigerian attorneys and the Nigerian community. It is the vision of the founding members, commitment of NLA’s leaders to take NLA to greater heights, and member support that has nurtured the continued growth of the association. I draw strength from NLA’s vibrant history and look forward to honoring that history by continuing with programs that have been the staple of NLA and to the extent necessary, create new ones. We will continue to collaborate with other bar associations. In preparation for my term, I have already discussed upcoming programs with ABWA, the Brooklyn Bar Association, Brooklyn Womens Bar Association, and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. I anticipate having more CLE’s this year. The first CLE, which is a joint program with the New York State Bar Association entitled, the “Wahala” factor: How to mediate a problematic commercial real estate dispute, is scheduled for 3/29.

NLA’s mission is to among other things, promote law and justice in our communities. It is in that vein that the mantra of the 2011 administration will be: Strengthening our core objectives: Building relationships as we endeavor to enhance the integrity of our brand.

While NLA has among other things, conducted legal clinics in the community, provided law students with internship opportunities in Nigeria, and fostered the professional development of its members, I believe there is more we can do to further develop our brand to ensure that we have exhausted all avenues towards promoting law and justice in our community. But to make the kind of impact that speaks volumes, we need to find alternative ways to connect to the Nigerian community and rally around causes that are consistent with NLA objectives, including, but not limited to human rights issues. With this vision in mind, I intend to lead the NLA to empower the Nigerian community through collaborative action and coalition building with those who share our mission. To achieve our initiatives this year, it goes without saying that we need member support. Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. In the words of the late, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve”.

I together with the 2011 Officers are excited to serve you. Our strength is only as strong as our members. The continued existence of NLA depends on a two way street, namely, this administration’s commitment to members and member support. We are just asking that you meet us in the middle by attending programs and volunteering to serve on NLA’s various committees. Your active participation in the NLA is vital to ensuring that the NLA has a meaningful impact on the fabric of the legal community, and particularly in the Nigerian community. We encourage you to share your ideas on how we can better serve you and the Nigerian community.

Towards the goal of building relationships, I have already begun personally reaching out to potential student members who can benefit from NLA as they begin their legal careers, in addition to current members. I will attempt to address the challgenges posed by member motivation by diversifying NLA’s activities. In that regard, I anticipate planning networking events for members who have relocated out of the tri-state area so that they still feel part of the NLA family.

As I continue to reach out to members, please answer the call for service or voice member opinion. If you do not hear from me, please feel free to reach out to me. I invite you to send me a note at president@nigerianlawyers.org so that we can further discuss how NLA can assist you with enhancing your professional development, showcasing your talents or addressing issues facing our community.

As you may have noticed, I am resounding a particular theme, i.e., NLA’s continued progress depends on you, our members. To further reinforce this message, I will leave you with a quote from the late Congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas. To this I will add, we will make progress by members being a part of the process.

Again, Thank you for your vote of confidence, continued support and the privilege of serving as your President. I wish you and your families peace, prosperity, and abundant blessings.