Afam Osigwe, a senior Lawyer and Former Chairman of Abuja branch ofthe Nigerian Bar Association has written to lawyers in Nigeria wishing them a happy new year,in his message below he told lawyers that the only real limits on what they can be, do or have are the limits they place on themselves by their own thinking.
Dear colleagues and friends,
I thank Almighty God for making it possible for us and our loved ones to witness the year, 2018. We are grateful to God for allowing us to be in the land of the living, seeing us through 2017 and leading us into this New Year.
Many looked forward to this day but could not make it. God in His mercy permitted us to live to see this day, not because we deserve to see it better than those who did not, but because it pleased Him. We are indeed grateful.
For God’s blessings upon us, His goodness, uplifting, good health and successes, we give Him thanks. We have reasons for thanking God for the year, 2017. I am not unmindful some of us may have suffered set-backs, losses, or even passed through trials and tribulations in the year 2017. Many dreams were either not realized or shattered. In everything, we give thanks to God. As the saying goes, ‘if there is life, there is hope.’ Let’s celebrate life and keep hope alive.
If Almighty God wills it, you will surely achieve whatever goals you set your mind on and diligently work towards achieving. As Brian Tracy, noted: “You are engineered for success and designed to have high levels of self-esteem, respect and personal pride. You have absolutely amazing untapped talents and abilities that when properly unleashed and applied, can bring you everything you could ever want in life. The only real limits on what you can be, do or have are the limits you place on yourself by your own thinking”.
The New Year offers us an opportunity to reach our goals and achieve our dreams. We should strive hard while making each day count as we seek to realise set goals. Today therefore marks the beginning of another year’s journey that will cover for 365 days. Today is a good day as any to make a fresh start.
In our professional lives, may we continue to engage positively with other stakeholders in nation building as we continue to make demands for good governance, respect for rule of law, access to justice and speedy dispensation of justice. These are ideals we must commit to attain at all times.
Finally, may this New Year be a joyful ride for you and your family. As we see the beginning of the year 2018, may God walk us through it and prepare us for better years ahead.
Here’s wishing you best years ahead.
Welcome to 2018.
Happy New Year.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live the Nigerian Bar Association!
Mazi Afam Osigwe
