By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
To encourage excellence and ease the transition of new lawyers from Kwara State into the Nigerian Law School, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has given cash award of N500,000 each to the nine First Class graduates from the State.
The gesture, which was done through Saraki’s Foundation, took place at a dinner organised for the newly admitted lawyers into the Law School on Friday evening in Abuja by the ABS Foundation.
The event, according to Abdulgabiyu Abdulqadir, Press
Officer on Local Matters to Dr. Bukola Saraki, brought together brilliant legal minds, distinguished guests, and key stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of Kwara’s new wigs, many of whom defied significant odds to reach this milestone.
In his special address, former Senate President and founder of the ABS Foundation, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, struck a deeply emotional and reassuring tone, assuring the new lawyers that: “You are not alone as you begin this next chapter, you have a father in Abuja. We are proud of you — your journey has only just begun, and the world is waiting for your impact.”
Reflecting on the Foundation’s longstanding support to law students, Saraki added: “For years, through the ABS Foundation, we’ve covered tuition fees, provided essential materials, and stood by students.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of the ABS Foundation, Dr. Audu Idowu Musa, reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering mission to impact vulnerable populations through interventions in health, education, youth empowerment, sports, and leadership mentorship.
“This gathering is not just a celebration of academic success, but a reaffirmation of our belief in your future and the role you will play in building a more just society,” Dr. Musa said.
Representing the newly called lawyers, Abdulazeez Abdulsalam, Chairman of the Kwara Law School Students Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation and its founder, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for their unwavering support throughout their legal education.
“Today, we stand not just as students but as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. During our journey, the Foundation came through for us time and again — from sponsoring wigs and gowns for 50 students, to clearing call-to-bar screening fees for 35 of our members,” Abdulsalam said.
“It is an honour to dine with a father, mentor, and an icon like Dr. Saraki. This dinner means more than words can capture.”
Also present at the dinner was renowned legal luminary, Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, who offered the new lawyers words of wisdom, urging them to uphold discipline, diligence, and integrity in their careers.