Why We Are Building a Befitting Secretariat for NBA Epe Branch — Dr. S.O. Jimoh

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, Dr. S.O. Jimoh, has explained that the need for a permanent and befitting secretariat informed the decision to embark on the ongoing construction project in Epe.
‎
‎Speaking in a recent interview, Dr. Jimoh said the initiative was inspired by the belief that “whoever does not have a shelter over his head is empty,” noting that the absence of a proper office space had long hindered the operations of the branch.
‎
‎According to him, despite the NBA having seven branches in Lagos State, only the Ikeja Branch currently has a secretariat worthy of mention.
‎
‎Dr. Jimoh revealed that the idea of building a secretariat was conceived several years ago when he advised the then Chairman of the branch, Barrister Ademola Koko, to prioritise the acquisition of land over hosting end-of-year parties or purchasing official vehicles.
‎
‎“I suggested that instead of throwing parties or buying cars, we should invest in land where a permanent secretariat could be built. Thankfully, he agreed,” Jimoh said.
‎
‎He explained that the branch subsequently acquired one and a half plots of land in a prime location within Epe Government Reserved Area (GRA) during his tenure as Secretary of the branch. That same land, he noted, is now being developed into the secretariat complex.
‎
‎The NBA Epe Branch laid the foundation of the project on December 11, 2025. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Administrative Judge, Justice Wasiu Animahun, who was represented by the Chief Magistrate of the Epe Division, Mrs. Botoku. Others present included Prince A.S. Abimbola, the Adesanyin of Noforija, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, and Mr. Muhu Ogbara.
‎
‎On funding, Dr. Jimoh disclosed that the project is being financed largely through contributions from members of the branch.
‎
‎“Some members donated ten blocks, others three bags of cement. Everyone is contributing what they can, and work is progressing steadily,” he said.
‎
‎Due to limited funds, the Chairman explained that the immediate plan is to construct a four-bedroom guest house at the rear of the property for lawyers’ use, while the larger frontage of the land will be reserved for the main secretariat building when sufficient funds become available.
‎
‎Dr. Jimoh also appealed to indigenes of Epe and Ibeju-Lekki to support the project, citing examples of similar interventions elsewhere.
‎
‎“The NBA Ekiti State Secretariat was built by Chief Afe Babalola. Epe is blessed with notable philanthropists such as Femi Otedola, the Edu family, and Baba Bamu. These are people who can help bring this project to completion,” he said.
‎
‎He added that Ibeju-Lekki indigenes are equally welcome to contribute, stressing that the NBA Epe Branch serves both Epe and Ibeju-Lekki communities and that the secretariat, once completed, will remain in Epe permanently.
‎
‎Dr. Jimoh noted that contributing to the project would immortalise donors, adding that construction costs continue to rise and delays would only make the project more expensive.
‎
‎“If it costs ₦10 to build today and we delay, tomorrow it may cost ₦30,” he warned.
‎
‎He further lamented that the office space currently available to lawyers at the Epe High Court is merely a borrowed cloakroom provided by the Lagos State Judiciary, reinforcing the need for a permanent structure.
‎
‎Commending the Adesanyin of Noforija, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, Dr. Jimoh described the monarch as exceptional in leadership and humility. He revealed that the traditional ruler had earlier donated a parcel of land close to the expressway to the branch and further supported the secretariat project with 1,000 blocks during the foundation-laying ceremony.
‎
‎Dr. Jimoh also expressed gratitude to Justice Wasiu Animahun, members of the NBA Epe Branch, the Lagos State Judiciary, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the realisation of the long-held dream.
‎
‎“I sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported this vision. Their contributions have brought us closer to achieving a befitting secretariat for the NBA Epe Branch,” he said.
‎