THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
MY APPRECIATION TO MY HOME BRANCH, NBA, BENIN (THE LION BAR)
“Home is where one starts from.”
T. S. Eliot
“Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
Robert Frost
“Home is a shelter from storms-all sorts of storms.”
William J. Bennett
“There is no place like home.”
L. Frank Baum
I can boldly say that in the NBA, Benin Branch (the Lion Bar), I have found a home, a backbone, and a shelter. “Home isn’t where you’re from, it’s where you find light when all grows dark” Pierce Brown.
Growing up in the ancient and royal city of Benin, I had the experience similar to those of every other resident in the City. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but it was divine growing up in this city that offers equal opportunities to all, irrespective of backgrounds.
My sojourn into the legal profession wouldn’t have been easier without the very receptive and helpful residents of this great city.
Having qualified as a lawyer some years ago, I decided to stay put in the place I always knew and loved – Benin City. That meant that I was also adopting the Benin Branch of our dear Association as my home branch. That began a journey of love and possibilities.
It is true as E. W. Howe said “To be an ideal guest, stay at home.”
NBA Benin has been an ideal home to me over the years. In this same Branch, I have been privileged to serve as a member of the executive of the Young Lawyers Forum, served as a member of several committees of the branch, and in my current elected position as the Publicity Secretary of the great Lion Bar.
Last saturday’s elections for national officers of our dear Association may not have returned me as elected, but I must confess that the love from home was indeed overwhelming.
Just a few minutes before the elections was to begin, I was rendered incommunicado by a cyber attack on my cell phone. This ensured I could neither make calls, nor send messages either on my sim network, or on my applications running on data network, such as WhatsApp, etc.
As horrible and terrific as that was, I received the soothing news that my indefatigable chairman, Mr. Pius Oiwoh had set up a help centre for the branch to ensure members had a seamless experience while casting their ballots. This most assuring act was followed by another marching order by Mr Chairman to all members to come out and vote for me.
Getting those reports greatly calmed my already boiling nerves in my lonely hotel room somewhere far from home. Indeed the saying that “A home should be a stockade, a refuge from the flaming arrows of anxiety, tension and worry.” – Wilfred Peterson.
With the final results announced, I must say, I am indeed proud of my home – the Lion Bar. The love shown by all the members beginning from Mr. Chairman to the youngest member of the branch is legendary. It shall be told to future generations how the Lion Bar stood behind her own in the 2022 National Elections. The final results is only secondary here.
“Home is where you feel loved, appreciated, and safe” – Tracey Taylor
“Home is where we should feel secure and comfortable.” – Catherine Pulsifer
In the Benin Bar, I have felt loved, appreciated, safe, secure and comfortable. This is my home, and will continue to be. I appreciate the Lion Chairman, Mr Pius Oiwoh for being a true leader. I also thank all our Learned Silks, Benchers and Elders for their fatherly dispositions at all times. I also thank all my Seniors, Colleagues and juniors at the Lion Bar for your kind advice and support before, and during the entire electioneering process. God will bless everyone of you for the role you played.
Aside the general appreciation, I must specially and specifically appreciate these great personalities who are so dear to my heart. My boss and leader, the president of the largest Bar in Africa, to whom I am privileged to work with as his special assistant, Mr. Olumide Akpata; past President of the NBA, Mr. Austin Alegeh, SAN; the Secretary to the State Government, Edo State, Mr. Osarodion Ogie; the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Mr. Oluwole O. Iyamu, SAN; the Head of Service, Edo State, Mr. Anthony Okungbowa; Hon. Pascal Ugbomhe; Mr. Dele Edokpayi; Mrs. Violet Olumese; members of FIDA; and many others too numerous to mention.
Finally, I beg to end this appreciation note with the quote of M. K. Soni.
“Home sweet home. This is the place to find happiness. If one doesn’t find it here, one doesn’t find it anywhere.”
Indeed, there is no place like home.
God bless NBA, Benin.
Regards,
OGAGA EMOGHWANRE
Your Publicity Secretary
