Kelechukwu Uzoka: Why I’m vying for Branch Secretary Lagos Bar

I will liaise with the Financial Secretary and Treasurer and build on existing structure to further establish clear financial reporting and auditing standards, ensuring that all financial transactions are recorded accurately and transparently. I will work with the executive to ensure that financial updates are communicated speedily, providing members with a comprehensive understanding of branch financial affairs

 

Emmanuel Ukudolo I Sunday, June 11, 2023

 

LAGOS, Nigeria – Kelechukwu Uzoka, Lead Partner, K&C Partners has come a long way in the legal profession, both in terms of professional service and working for the interest of members in various committees.

Still determined to make his impact felt, this time on a larger platform, he is seeking to serve as Branch Secretary to make things easier for members. Uzoka, who also has an LLM and MCI in Arbitration, UK, speaks on how  he has served in the past.

“I am a dedicated legal professional with a focus on technology-driven legal practice, dispute resolution, and social advocacy”, he said in his quest to promote the welfare of members.

He continued: “My extensive experience (including as a director in a legal technology company), educational achievements, and active involvement in professional organisations reflect my commitment to excellence and contributing to the legal field in Nigeria.

“Since my call, I have consistently served the NBA and other organisations in different capacities. Currently, I am the secretary of the 2023 Conference Planning Committee of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), Lagos Archdiocese and the 1st Assistant Secretary of Otu Oka-Iwu. In 2022, I was a member of the Technology Sub-Committee of the Section on Business Law (SBL) Conference Planning Committee.

“I have also served twice as a member of the NBA Lagos Dinner Committee and Human Rights Committee. I am also a co-founder of Young Legal Professionals, an organisation created to cater for the professional and other interests of young lawyers in Nigeria. I am the chairman of the Publicity Committee of Eti Osa Lawyers Forum.

“I am deeply committed to social activism and have been involved in prominent social campaigns. During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, I played a leading role in protecting the rights of protesters and securing the release of unlawfully detained individuals. I also participated in the #EndPoliceBrutality and #StopRobbingUs campaign in 2019, specifically addressing police harassment in the tech space.

“Membership in professional associations such as the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Lawyers in Technology, and co-founding the Young Legal Professionals further demonstrate my engagement in the legal community.

“I have a deep understanding of the issues facing our lawyers today, and I am passionate about working collaboratively with other members of the NBA to find innovative and practical solutions to these challenges. I also have a proven track record of leadership and service, and I believe that my experience and expertise can be a valuable asset to the Bar”, he said.

His vision is to create an inclusive and dynamic association where members can thrive professionally and personally.

“Most of the duties of Secretary are listed in Article 7(3) of the third schedule of the NBA Constitution 2015 as amended in 2021. I intend to diligently perform these responsibilities. I will also go the extra mile to deliver a 21st Century Secretariat”, he said.

Uzoka has also promised to liaise with the executive of the branch and the NBA at the national level to be able to achieve all that he sets out to deliver as Branch Secretary. In addition he has vowed to deliver the following if elected:

Deployment of up to date technology and development of branch Mobile App.

“If elected Branch Secretary, I will spearhead the implementation of a comprehensive and assessable online membership database, enabling seamless communication and information sharing. Additionally, I will priortise the development of a more user-friendly branch website that caters to the evolving needs of our members.

“In line with modern trends, I will introduce Artificial Intelligence, (AI), including chatbots and other items, to make communication with the branch more effective. He also pledged to implement the recommendation of the branch’s IT report and adopt additional measures to improve the technology status of the branch including the protection of members’ data.

He has already designed a Mobile App for the branch, which he intends to hand over to the Branch executive for development and deployment.

“The App will provide lawyers with a comprehensive set of tools, to help them with their work and careers”, he said, stressing that the tools and resources will include administrative tools such as online payment of dues, directory, social networking tools for lawyers such as a platform for lawyers to connect with one another, access trending legal news, videos and events, including career advancement tools, such as an e-library for easy sourcing of legal resources and training modules.

Enhancing member engagement and improved member service:
“I am dedicated to addressing the challenges lawyers face and to provide them with enhanced services”, he said. He believes that enhanced communication channels will motivate lawyers for greater participation in NBA activities.

“I will work with the Executive Committee to develop programs and initiative that will create a sense of community among members. I will also encourage members to participate in branch activities by way of recognition awards to encourage participation and create more opportunities for networking and professional development.

He vows to address challenges confronting members in the area of Stamp & Seal, ID Cards and provide regular updates on branch activities.

Uzoka is in addition offering to provide diversified and inclusive leadership.

“As the NBA Laos Branch Secretary, I will be dedicated to promoting inclusive leadership and fostering diversity within our legal profession. I firmly believe that everyone should have equal opportunity to contribute and lead.

“To achieve this, I will advocate for leadership training and development programs that equip our members with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in leadership roles”. He intends to do this through inclusion, continuous membership update, improved response time and instant updates on meeting activities.

He is also offering to ensure transparent financial management of the branch if elected.

“I will champion a better transparent financial management to entrench credibility in the association. I will liaise with the Financial Secretary and Treasurer and build on existing structure to further establish clear financial reporting and auditing standards, ensuring that all financial transactions are recorded accurately and transparently”, he said, and that he will work with the executive to ensure that financial updates are communicated speedily, providing members with a comprehensive understanding of branch financial affairs.