By Terna Chikpa
The Nigerian Bar Association, Jalingo Branch, on Friday proposed the establishment of a Bar Investment and Sustainability Fund to strengthen the branch’s financial independence.
The branch chairman, Dr Daniel Philemon Saredau, made the proposal during the branch’s general meeting, noting that establishing an investment and sustainability fund, with members contributing based on their years post-call, would improve financial sustainability and ease the branch’s financial challenges.
According to Saredau, strategic income-generating initiatives would free the branch from the usual practice of soliciting funds from government and individuals to finance its activities.
He said, “We wish to propose a Bar Investment and Sustainability Fund. This initiative, we believe, would build financial independence for our branch.
“We believe that having an investment fund where members contribute based on their years post-call will improve financial sustainability and ease the branch’s financial challenges.”
While commending Nigerian Tribune newspaper, Rock FM Jalingo, Taraba News and SumTV for accurately projecting the activities of the Jalingo branch, the chairman said his administration had strategically secured partnerships with various organisations to ease legal practice and improve the welfare of members.
“Within a few months of our administration, we have secured partnerships with organisations to ease and transform legal practice, as well as improve members’ well-being.
“We have worked, and are still working hard, to strengthen the relationship between the Bar and security agencies. We have established a partnership with the National Human Rights Commission for human rights, a partnership with the Legal Aid Council for pro bono services, and a partnership with TAGIS on land matters for the NBA and members, as well as protecting members’ interests.
“We have also secured a partnership with Brim Energy Services, where members enjoy a 10 per cent discount on refills.
“We have a partnership with Anfani Bandawa Foundation for a law pavilion for young lawyers; a partnership with X-Power Solar Solutions for solar power at the Bar Centre and members’ houses, offices and other spaces; a partnership with Covera for legal drafting software; a partnership with Jurisflow for legal practice management software; and a partnership with Sanlam Allianz for life assurance cover,” he said.
The chairman also disclosed that the administration had entered into a partnership with IDI Technical Services for the acquisition of printers and photocopiers to equip the NBA Business Centre.
He added that the branch’s online presence on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram had also significantly improved.
Meanwhile, members of the branch, in separate contributions, commended the Dr Saredau-led administration for its transformational initiatives aimed at improving legal practice and members’ welfare.