Biodun Bakare
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the Nigerian American Lawyers Association, distinguished guests, I am deeply honored and privileged to stand before you today as the newly elected President of the Nigerian American Lawyers Association. This moment fills me with immense pride and gratitude, knowing that I have been entrusted with the responsibility of fostering the community of immigrant lawyers in the United States.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my wife and children for their immense support towards this achievement, and also to every member who has shown their unwavering support and confidence in my leadership. Your belief in my abilities is a testament to the strength and unity of our association. Together, we will strive to overcome challenges and achieve new heights of success.

Our association holds a special place in my heart, as it represents the intersection of two rich cultures and the resilience of the immigrant experience. We are a community built on the foundations of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of justice. As President, I am committed to nurturing and empowering our members, ensuring that they have the tools and support they need to succeed in the legal profession.

One of my primary goals is to enhance professional development opportunities for our members. We will organize workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs to provide guidance and help our lawyers excel in their respective fields. By investing in continuous learning and growth, we can elevate the reputation and influence of Nigerian American lawyers in the United States.

I also recognize the importance of networking and collaboration within our community. As immigrants, we understand the challenges and unique experiences that come with practicing law in a foreign country. I wil work diligently to strengthen our professional network, creating platforms for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and career advancement. Together, we will build bridges and create a support system that empowers each member to thrive.

Furthermore, I am committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equality within our association and the larger legal community. Our strength lies in our differences, and by embracing diversity, we can foster a more inclusive and representative legal profession. I will advocate for equal opportunities, challenge biases, and strive to dismantle barriers that hinder the progress of immigrant lawyers.

To achieve these goals, I humbly request the support and active participation of each member of our association. Every voice matters, and together, we can shape the future of Nigerian American lawyers in the United States. Let us collaborate, share our experiences, celebrate our successes, and uplift one another in our pursuit of excellence.

I am incredibly grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I pledge to serve you with integrity, transparency, and dedication. Let us embark on this journey together, united in our purpose and driven by our shared passion for justice and equity. Indeed, As the American founding father, George Washington postulated, that we should “Remember that it is the actions, and not the Commission, that make the officer, and that there is more expected from him, than the title.

In conclusion, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the founders and past leaders of the Nigerian American Lawyers Association. Their vision and dedication have paved the way for our success. I stand on their shoulders, and I am committed to building upon their legacy.

Thank you once again for this incredible honor. With your support and the collective efforts of our members, I am confident that we can create a stronger, more vibrant community of Nigerian American lawyers in the United States. Together, let us forge a path of success, unity, and empowerment.

Thank you. 

Biodun L. Bakare, Esquire