By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Otuocha Branch has began the 3rd edition of her Law Week tagged, "THE FUTURE OF THE BAR AND BENCH – USING AI AS A TOOL FOR
ENHANCING EFFICIENCY IN LEGAL SERVICES AND DECISION MAKING"
The Law Week is usually a week set aside by the branches of the NBA in Nigeria to celebrate the Legal Profession.
The NBA, Otuocha Branch commenced her Law Week programme on the 18th day of April 2024 with lectures and would have annual dinner today, while the program ends on Sunday, 21st April 2024 with church Thanksgiving.
Yesterday, the Branch hosted some who is who in the legal profession which include -
*Rev. Fr. Prof. Ken Ikenga Oraegbunam*
(Professor of Law and Sub Dean, Postgraduate, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University)
*Mr. Ope Olugasa* (MD/CEO Lawpavillion Ltd, Publishers of Lawpavillion,
Electronic Law Reports)
*Leticia Bertrand* – Chairman, Artificial Intelligence for Africa Empowerment*
Foundation, Oxford University, London
*Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr* – MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT
Guest Speaker: *Dr. Rapulu Nduka* (Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and
Former National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association)
*Dr. Majesty Ezeani* (Department of Computer Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka)
The High Point of the Occasion was when the guest speaker from UK Mrs. Leticia Bertrand insisted that to put the discussions into action, the NBA shall liaise with the Government and her foundation to set up an AI hub in Aguleri which is the host community where the event is being organised. That all that is needed from the community is land whose title is guaranteed by Government.
Responding, Prof. Ikpeze interjected that the hub must not be created in Aguleri. On his own, Chairman of NBA Barr. C. C. Ofoegbunam said that Sen. Tony Nwoye who shall be gracing the event today and would partner with the Foundation to decide where is best to set up the hub.
Speaking to the press, the Organizing committee Chairman, Barr Oluchukwu Louis Udemezuo said that despite the hullabaloo, the most important takeaway here is that an AI hub may be soon set up by the Bertrand's Foundation within Omambala Region for the good and benefit of people of the region