• Ekiti Speaker urges lawyers to support govt in tackling insecurity, citizens’ welfare
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere-Ekiti Branch, yesterday, called on President Bola Tinubu to deploy fuel subsidy funds to critical sectors of the economy, including education, health, power and others to ensure accelerated national development.

NBA, which lauded the President for some far reaching decisions within his few weeks in office, noted that removal of fuel subsidy and signing of the Student Loan Act are some important and necessary steps to ensure drastic change in the country.

The Ekiti NBA Chairman, Dr. Michael Afolayan, stated this in Ikere-Ekiti during a press briefing heralding the start of the NBA Ikere-Ekiti Branch 2023 Law Week.

Afolayan, however, enjoined the Federal Government to give further impetus into the students loan by creating opportunities for them to secure employment after graduation, which would enable them repay with ease.

He said: “Removing fuel subsidy means that there is more money in the hands of the Federal Government. So, this money should be pumped back into crucial areas of the economy, such as education, health, power and others.

“Student loans are good. I am speaking from the angle of someone from the academic sector; what students are currently paying as tuition is not the cost of education they are enjoying.

“In private universities, students pay between N4 and N5 million, but in public universities, they pay between N500, 000 and N600,000; it’s because education has been subsidised in public universities.”

MEANWHILE, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, has urged lawyers to collaborate with the legislature to find lasting solution to insecurity in the country.

Aribasoye, while declaring open this year’s law week of the NBA, Ikere Branch, described lawyers as important partners with the legislature in the quest for security of the citizenry.

The Speaker said the theme of the event, ‘Security And People’s Welfare In Nigeria’s Democratic Experience: Leveraging The Legal Practice As A Catalyst,’ is very apt and timely, noting that lawyers are well positioned to proffer innovative strategies to address security challenges already identified.

He also called on legal practitioners to uphold the rule of law and promote common goals of people, as they have unique role to play in advocating for justice and welfare of society.

Aribasoye said: “Our state, Ekiti, like many other states in Nigeria, is facing significant challenges in the areas of security and welfare, and I am happy to see legal practitioners coming together to explore ways to leverage their expertise towards finding lasting solutions to these challenges.”