By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

The Gombe Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has unveiled the theme and official logo for its 2026 Law Week, with senior members of the bar pledging both financial and moral support for the successful hosting of the annual event.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Gombe, the Chairman of the NBA Gombe Branch, Alhassan Mu’azu, said the programme drew more than 500 participants, including legal practitioners, media representatives and other stakeholders within the justice sector.

Mu’azu explained that the theme for the 2026 Law Week, “Strengthening Justice Sector Reforms: Lawyers as Agents of Change,” was deliberately chosen to highlight the crucial role lawyers play in driving reforms and strengthening the justice system.

According to him, injustice often breeds instability and disorder in society, stressing the need for collaboration among lawyers, the judiciary and other stakeholders to promote fairness, accountability and the rule of law.

“The theme is very significant because it speaks directly to the need for reforms within the justice sector. It is not limited to lawyers alone; it involves the judiciary and all relevant stakeholders. Our goal is to ensure that the justice system works for everyone, whether rich or poor, educated or not,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Law Week Planning Committee, Hannatu Dauda Simon, said the unveiling of the logo reflects the association’s commitment to justice, professionalism and excellence in legal practice.

She noted that the Law Week would provide an opportunity to enlighten lawyers and members of the public on the importance of upholding the rule of law and improving access to justice.

Simon disclosed that activities for the 2026 Law Week will commence on May 15 with a prison visitation and Jumat prayer, followed by a church service on May 17.

She added that the main events will begin on Monday, May 18 and run through Thursday, May 21. The programme will feature an opening ceremony, a Bar–Bench–Legislature dialogue, a free legal clinic, a debate competition for law students and several technical sessions involving experts in different areas of law.

According to her, the event will attract prominent legal scholars, human rights advocates and practitioners who will deliver goodwill messages and present papers on key issues affecting the justice sector.

Among those expected to participate are Dele Adesina, who will deliver the keynote address; Festus Keyamo as special guest; M. T. Ladan of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; David Agbu; and I. M. Attahir, a senior member of the Gombe Bar, among others.

“These are distinguished figures in the legal profession whose contributions will enrich discussions and help guide meaningful reforms within the justice sector,” she said.

Several senior members of the bar present at the event expressed satisfaction with the unveiling and pledged their support towards the success of the programme.

Barrister Haruna Luka donated N1 million to support the Law Week, while other members also made various pledges.

In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Gombe State, Tala’atu Abubakar, urged members to promptly pay their registration fees and actively participate in the activities lined up for the event.

She noted that strong participation would ensure the success of the programme and further strengthen the role of lawyers in promoting justice and the rule of law.