Give back to your communities, Akoko indigenes urged

Former Chief Director of Legal Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kofo Salam-Alada, has urged successful Nigerians to maintain ties with their communities and contribute to their socioeconomic development.

Salam-Alada gave the advice at the inauguration of the Kofo Salam-Alada Bar and Library Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko branch, in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He said his commitment to community development, particularly in Akoko land, inspired his contributions to the project, which he described as an opportunity to support the legal profession and create opportunities for young lawyers.

Salam-Alada clarified that he did not single-handedly build the centre, explaining that friends and associates mobilised resources for the project in recognition of his contributions to their lives and the community.

He said the idea emerged during his investiture as the grand patron of the NBA branch, when some participants resolved to establish a facility that would benefit the legal community.

He urged successful individuals not to forget their roots, stressing that personal achievements should not sever their connections with the communities that shaped their lives.

Salam-Alada said that he remained committed to supporting Akoko land, his alma mater, and other communities and institutions with which he had been associated.

He expressed hope that more indigenes would embrace collective efforts to promote socioeconomic development in Akoko and the state in general.

Chairman of the NBA, Ikare-Akoko branch, Omotan Ogunmodede, said the centre would support young lawyers by providing access to legal research materials and a space to meet clients.

ALSO READ: Uba Sani warns against reliance on foreign defence technology

He explained that the cost of books, research facilities and office accommodation often posed challenges to young practitioners, adding that the facility would help them develop their careers.

Speaking at the event, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, urged lawyers to uphold the rule of law, defend judicial independence and promote access to justice.

Fagbemi described the centre as an important addition to the branch’s infrastructure, saying it would provide opportunities for legal research, mentorship, professional collaboration and continuing legal education.

He urged the NBA branch to make the facility a hub for professional development and community engagement, particularly for young lawyers.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk’s SpaceX acquires xAI

Also, a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and former chairman of the NBA branch, Taofeeq Abdulsalam, said the centre was made possible through the collective efforts of people who had benefited from Salam-Alada’s mentorship and goodwill.

He called on Akoko indigenes to sustain the spirit of unity demonstrated by the project and work together to advance the development of their communities.