BEYOND THE BALLOT: A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE

With gratitude to God, I, AKI UWOMANO ANTHONY JUNIOR, say a big thank you to the Nigerian Bar Association*

With a heart overflowing with gratitude to Almighty God, I wish to sincerely appreciate every Learned Silk, Senior Colleague, Learned Friend, and supporter who stood with me throughout my journey as a candidate for the office of National Assistant Publicity Secretary in the just concluded 2026 Nigerian Bar Association National Elections.

The elections, conducted by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), commenced on 18th July 2026 and concluded in the early hours of 19th July 2026. While no electoral process is without its challenges, I commend the ECNBA for its commitment, resilience, and dedication in delivering a peaceful electoral exercise under demanding circumstances. The Committee deserves our appreciation for its service to the Bar and for providing every candidate an opportunity to present themselves before the electorate.

I also extend my profound appreciation to the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association under the able stewardship of Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, whose administration remained steadfast in preserving the independence and democratic traditions of our Association throughout the electoral process.

To the President-Elect, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo Okusanya, SAN (Mrs. B), I offer my warmest congratulations on your well-deserved victory. Your emergence is historic and inspiring, and I wish you divine wisdom, strength, and success as you prepare to lead the largest Bar in Africa. May your tenure bring renewed hope, unity, and progress to our noble Association.

I equally congratulate my fellow contestants for the office:

Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola, Esq.

Meti Monday Ukpeh

Miss Hadiza Nasir Ahmad


Each of us brought unique ideas, passion, and commitment to the contest. Democracy is strengthened when capable minds offer themselves for service, and it has been an honour sharing this journey with such distinguished colleagues.

A special congratulations goes to Miss Hadiza Nasir Ahmad on her victory. I wish you every success as you assume the responsibilities of office. May your tenure justify the confidence reposed in you by members of our great Association.

I also celebrate the remarkable emergence and growing presence of women in the leadership of our Association. The confidence reposed in female leaders during this election reflects the NBA's continued commitment to merit, inclusiveness, and equal opportunity. May this milestone inspire even greater participation by women in the service of our profession.

To my beloved NBA Asaba Branch, words are insufficient to express my gratitude. I remain deeply humbled by the overwhelming love, encouragement, prayers, and support I received from our elders, leaders, and members throughout this journey.

My sincere appreciation goes to the leadership of the Branch, the elders, and every member who believed in my vision. Whether through your counsel, prayers, financial support, phone calls, messages, or words of encouragement, you strengthened my resolve and reminded me that I never walked this path alone.

I owe a debt of gratitude to the past and present Chairmen of the various NBA Branches across the country. Your encouragement, endorsements, advice, and willingness to open doors for meaningful engagement remain invaluable. Your commitment to strengthening our Bar continues to inspire younger members like myself.

To the NBA Young Lawyers Forum, particularly the NBA-YLF Asaba Branch, thank you for standing firmly behind one of your own. The support from young lawyers across Nigeria reaffirmed my conviction that the future of our profession is bright.

To the NBA Asaba Branch Football Team, I sincerely appreciate your brotherhood, solidarity, and unwavering encouragement throughout this campaign. Your friendship and support will always remain cherished.

I reserve special appreciation for the incredible Bar Echoes Team. What began as a campaign platform became a family united by a shared vision. Your sacrifices, creativity, countless sleepless nights, strategic planning, media engagements, designs, logistics, publicity efforts, and unwavering belief in this project made this campaign memorable and impactful. Though elections have ended, the relationships, friendships, and ideals we built together will endure. Thank you for giving your very best.

To every supporter across Nigeria who displayed my posters, shared my messages, made phone calls, sent text messages, contributed financially, prayed for me, campaigned for me in my absence, and voted according to your conviction, I remain eternally grateful. Every effort mattered, and none will ever be forgotten.

While the outcome may not have been what we hoped for, I leave this contest with my head held high, richer in experience, blessed with new friendships, and inspired by the overwhelming goodwill shown to me across the country. I have gained far more than an election—I have gained relationships, confidence, and renewed faith in the unity of our profession.

As we move beyond the elections, I encourage every member of the Nigerian Bar Association to rally behind the newly elected officers. Our collective responsibility is greater than individual ambitions. The Bar will only become stronger when we work together in unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose.

Finally, I thank God for granting me the courage to aspire, the strength to persevere, and the grace to complete this journey with dignity. The campaign may have ended, but my commitment to the Nigerian Bar Association and to the service of our noble profession remains unwavering.

Congratulations to all the winners. Congratulations to the Nigerian Bar Association. Long Live NBA Asaba Branch. Long Live the Young Lawyers Forum. Long Live the Nigerian Bar Association. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gratefully,

*AKI UWOMANO ANTHONY JUNIOR, ESQ.*