The Deputy Governor of Gombe State today officially commissioned the newly established chambers of Yakubu Philemon, SAN & Co., Legal Practitioners, Consultants, and Notary Public, in a landmark event attended by key figures in the state’s legal and political circles.
Located adjacent to the former Central Bank of Nigeria building and directly opposite the Deputy Governor’s office, the new law office drew a high-profile crowd, including the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Zubair Mohammed Umar, and two former Chief Judges of Gombe State—Justice Beatrice Lazarus Iliya and Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak.
Performing the commissioning ceremony, the Deputy Governor congratulated Barrister Yakubu Philemon on attaining the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), describing it as a mark of excellence and dedication to justice.
He lauded Philemon’s decision to bring his practice to Gombe, emphasising that such a step would mentor our young lawyers and contribute immensely to the administration of justice and empowerment of the people in the state.
He called on the remaining four Senior Advocates of Nigeria of Gombe origin to follow in Philemon’s footsteps by investing their legal expertise and experience back home, thereby contributing to the development of the legal profession and community in Gombe.
As the Special Guest of Honour, the Deputy Governor used the opportunity to urge all legal practitioners not to wait until they attain lofty positions such as SAN, Attorney General, or Chief Judge before making meaningful contributions to society. “You can make an impact at every stage of your legal journey. Deep your buckets wherever you are in your contributions to humanity ,” he charged.
He added that the legal profession holds a moral duty to champion equity, defend the weak, and guide governance through the rule of law. “The times demand more lawyers who will be voices of reason, fairness, and constitutional order,” he stressed.
In his address, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Zubair Mohammed Umar, praised Philemon’s commitment to justice and his decision to set up the law office in Gombe. He noted that the firm would be a critical asset for people in need of legal assistance and a beacon of professional excellence in the state.
He remarked that the establishment of the chambers reflects the values and character of Yakubu Philemon—dedicated, service-oriented, and people-focused—and prayed for continued divine blessings upon his career and endeavours.
Former Chief Judges, Justice Beatrice Iliya and Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak, also spoke at the commissioning, underscoring the significance of having a high-standard law office within the state. They noted that such a facility will foster access to justice and boost the morale of young lawyers in Gombe.
They described the presence of the chambers as a “milestone” for the legal landscape in Gombe, offering hope for faster, more professional legal redress for citizens and residents alike.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Farida Kera, applauded the contributions of Yakubu Philemon to legal education, particularly his mentorship and donation of law books to the university. She expressed hope that the university will continue to partner with the new law office in pursuit of justice and academic growth.
The outgoing Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Chapter, Barr. Benjamin Sati, commended the initiative, describing it as a bold and much-needed step in providing accessible legal services to the people of Gombe. He emphasised that the SAN’s chambers will inspire other practitioners to give back to their communities.
Also speaking, Professor Esron Jokthan Toro, uncle to Yakubu Philemon, expressed pride in his nephew’s achievements. He noted that Philemon has honoured the family, the Dadiya community, and the state at large by opening a law office rooted in justice and compassion.
In his remarks, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yakubu Philemon, said the office was born out of a passion to promote justice, uphold the rights of the people, and mentor the next generation of legal minds. He expressed deep appreciation to the Deputy Governor, the Attorney General, the retired Chief Judges, and all who graced the occasion.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the tape and special prayers led by Rev. Jim James Amos and Evangelist Mark Mijinyawa, marking the official opening of Yakubu Philemon, SAN & Co. Law Chambers.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
