By Bomba Dauda
Dr. Deborah Usman, Esq., FICMC, the Jakadiyan Ham and the newly elected Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Lawyers Forum has unveiled a 12-point agenda aimed at strengthening unity, professional excellence, members’ welfare and the Forum’s influence within the legal profession and society.
Usman, who outlined her priorities under the theme “United in Purpose. Stronger in Practice. Greater in Impact,” said her administration would focus on building an inclusive and progressive professional body while upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental human rights.
She identified unity and inclusivity as a major priority, promising to create a Forum where every lawyer, irrespective of age, gender or area of practice, would have a voice and meaningful opportunity to contribute.
She also prioritised the empowerment of young lawyers through mentorship, leadership opportunities, innovation and deliberate succession planning designed to prepare the next generation of legal leaders.
On professional development, Usman pledged to promote sponsored training programmes, continuing professional development, workshops and practical learning sessions covering emerging areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advocacy, arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
The Chairman also promised to position the Forum as a strong voice for the preservation, defence and protection of fundamental human rights, with particular attention to constitutionalism, human dignity, justice, equality and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised persons.
According to her, the Forum would strengthen lawyers’ role in promoting the rule of law, due process, constitutional governance, access to justice, legal awareness and responsible civic engagement.
Usman further proposed the transformation of the Southern Kaduna Lawyers Roundtable into a more inclusive and influential platform for dialogue, networking, knowledge-sharing and practical solutions to challenges confronting the legal profession and society.
Another key initiative is the proposed Judges’ Experience Forum, subject to appropriate protocols, which would provide an avenue for serving or retired judges to share their experiences and professional insights with lawyers, particularly young practitioners.
She also pledged to strengthen the presence of Southern Kaduna lawyers within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at both branch and national levels through strategic partnerships, greater visibility and support for members seeking leadership positions.
On members’ welfare, networking and opportunities, Usman promised to promote collaboration, celebrate the achievements of members and improve access to professional opportunities.
She said her administration would adopt a balanced approach to physical and virtual engagements, using physical meetings to strengthen relationships while deploying online platforms where appropriate to improve accessibility, convenience and reduce travel risks.
Digital transformation also featured prominently in the agenda. Usman said the Forum would embrace the responsible use of technology and artificial intelligence in legal practice while encouraging legal research, publications, policy engagement and innovative ideas capable of advancing the profession and contributing to national development.
She equally identified peacebuilding and community engagement as important areas of intervention, noting that lawyers have a significant role to play in mediation, civic education, constructive engagement and efforts toward peaceful coexistence, justice and sustainable development in Southern Kaduna and beyond.
On accountability and institutional continuity, Usman promised to lead with transparency, consultation and accountability, while ensuring proper documentation and regular communication with members.
She said systems would be established to ensure that successive administrations build on existing achievements rather than starting afresh.
“I will listen. I will consult. I will collaborate. I will act. And, most importantly, I will be accountable to the members I am privileged to serve,” she said.
Usman described her vision as one that would make the Southern Kaduna Lawyers Forum “united in spirit, excellent in practice, fearless in the defence of fundamental human rights, unwavering in the rule of law, progressive and proactive in action, compassionate in service and powerful in impact.”
She added that the Forum should not merely participate in important conversations but should help shape them.
“Let us build a Forum where experience guides innovation, where young lawyers find opportunity, where every member feels valued, where justice remains our compass, and where our collective voice commands respect,” she said.
She called on members to work together in building what she described as “the future of our Forum,” anchored on unity, professional excellence and greater impact.
