The 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bori Branch, was decorated with the groundbreaking/flag-off of the construction of the Ledum Mitee Bar Auditorium in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, June 25, 2026, the sole sponsor of the proposed ₦263 million project, Lesi Maol, reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that strengthen institutions, promote education, and drive sustainable development across Ogoniland.
Represented by a former Secretary to the Khana Local Government, Henry Kpunee, who is also the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit, Maol noted that the auditorium would provide a permanent home for legal activities in Bori.
He added that the edifice when completed would also contribute to the professional growth of lawyers and expand access to legal education and civic engagement within the region, stressing that strong institutions remain the foundation of every progressive society.
Maol, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Giolee Global Resources, described the project as a strategic investment in the legal profession and the administration of justice in Ogoniland, challenging the NBA to sustain its advocacy on issues affecting the Ogoni people.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and National President of the NBA, Afam Osigwe, who was represented by his First Vice President, Sabastine Anyia, expressed appreciation for the honour done the NBA with the commencement of the project.
“I am privileged to be here today for this groundbreaking ceremony. It is a thing of honour to observe this special day. It is a day that every member of the Bar is proud of. To say this is our bar centre is a special honour.”
Other stakeholders, who spoke at the event, commended Lesi Maol for supporting the initiative, describing the project as another demonstration of his commitment to institutional development, human capital advancement, and the strengthening of critical professional bodies in Ogoniland.
They described the project as a fitting tribute to renowned human rights lawyer and environmental justice advocate, Ledum Mitee, whose contributions to the promotion of justice, democracy, the rule of law and the Ogoni struggle continue to inspire generations of legal practitioners.
The symbolic groundbreaking ceremony was performed on behalf of the sponsor and KAGOTE President, Lesi Maol, by a retired Assistant Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Lenusikpughi Kpaghi, alongside leaders of the Nigerian Bar Association, members of the Bench and Bar, and other dignitaries.
Architectural designs of the project show that the complex will comprise a 2,000-capacity meeting hall, offices, conference facilities, and support services designed to host seminars, conferences, continuing legal education programmes, alternative dispute resolution sessions, and other professional engagements.
The facility, which is situated opposite the Zonal Hospital in Bori, is expected to become a landmark legal infrastructure serving not only the NBA Bori Branch but the wider legal community across Ogoniland.
The project is also expected to address a long-standing challenge faced by the NBA Bori Branch. Owing to the absence of a befitting meeting facility in Bori, the branch has, over the years, held its statutory meetings at the NBA House in Port Harcourt.