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CATHOLIC LAWYERS CELEBRATE HOLY MASS TO BEGIN NBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN ENUGU
The National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, August 26, with a solemn Holy Mass and other activities at the Amadeo Event Center, Enugu.
The event coincided with the ongoing Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), also being hosted in Enugu from August 22–29, 2025. This year’s AGC theme, “Stand Out, Stand Tall,” emphasized the need for legal professionals to transcend mediocrity, champion excellence, and uphold integrity and courage in the pursuit of justice.
Before the Holy Mass, the NACL held its AGM, chaired by the National President, Barr. Edward Ogar, and attended by distinguished Catholic lawyers from dioceses across the country.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Chancellor/Secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, who represented the Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, unavoidably absent Concelebrating were priests of the legal profession, including Rev. Fr. Prof. Edwin Obiora, SAN—the first Catholic priest to attain the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria—alongside Fr. Barr. Donatus Asonye Okon, Fr. Barr. Anthony Onyenagada, Fr. Barr. Dennis Eze, Fr. Samuel Nkwoagu, Fr. Patrick Ozonweke, and Fr. Anthony Ude, chaplain to the Enugu State Governor.
In his homily, titled “The Identity of a Catholic Lawyer: Justice, Mercy and Good Faith,” Fr. Agubuchie welcomed participants on behalf of the bishop, clergy, and lay faithful of Enugu Diocese. He charged Catholic lawyers to embody justice, mercy, and good faith in their professional lives.
“In the face of the identity crisis rocking the Christian faith in Nigeria, Catholic lawyers must remember that they are ambassadors and harbingers of justice and mercy,” he said.
He warned against administering justice without mercy, describing it as “weaponised justice,” and stressed that mercy without justice is “fraudulent.” He further reminded them that true Christian life goes beyond merely avoiding evil: “You don’t go to heaven by simply avoiding evil but by doing good as well. Therefore, justice and mercy must come together in our administration of justice.”
He also urged Catholic lawyers to shun greed, corruption, and ethnicism, while strengthening their association at diocesan levels and promoting selfless service, including offering pro bono legal services, i.e., “free services without charge” when necessary.
During the Mass, the NACL held a thanksgiving session, where members came forward in large numbers to thank God for His blessings upon the Association.
Towards the conclusion of the Mass, Barr. Rupert Irikefe, National 1st Vice President of NACL and Chairman of the AGM Organising Committee, expressed gratitude to the Bishop of Enugu for his warm reception and financial support. He also commended the various diocesan chapters, distinguished members and the planning committee for their dedication.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the National President, Barr. Edward Ogar, who welcomed all members and guests, appreciating their commitment and presence.
The AGM drew representatives from numerous dioceses and archdioceses, including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Onitsha, Warri, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Yola, and Benin. Notably, Warri Diocese was attending a national function for the very first time. The National PRO, Sir Martins Azike, KSJI, was also in attendance and addressed participants.
Some of the Senior Lawyers that attended the NACL AGM/Thanksgiving Mass at Amadeo Events Center were: Dr Theo Chike Osanakpo, SAN (Member of the NACL Board of Trustees); Chief Anthony Chukwuemeka Anaenugwu, SAN (Member of the NACL Board of Trustees); Honourable Justice Jacob Eneji Amajama (of the Cross River State Judiciary); Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN (Chairman, Council for Legal Education); Mr Andy Odum, SAN; Chukwuma Ezeala (Emeritus National President, NACL); His Worship, Edith Agbo; Rev Fr (Prof) Edwin Obiora, SAN (The Chancellor of Tansian University), and Mr Simon Lough, ACP (rtd), SAN (the first and only Police Officer to attain the rank of SAN). Also in attendance were retired Judges as well as many Magistrates.
Speaking to Choice Flame Newspaper after the event, the National President, Barr. Edward Ogar described the 2025 AGM in Enugu as “over successful,” surpassing previous gatherings due to the large turnout and fruitful deliberations. He attributed the huge success of the AGM to divine intervention and the support of the Bishop of Enugu. He encouraged Catholic lawyers everywhere to unite as a body in promoting the vision, mission and interests of the Church and of humanity generally.
After the AGM, the National President together with the Chancellor of Enugu Diocese also held a meeting with the Catholic Lawyers from Enugu Diocese.
