As part of efforts aimed at improving the capacity of Civil Service Legal officer’s and State Counsel’s professional abilities, Edo State Government through its Training Arm, the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), has completed a two-day intensive legal training for Public Legal professionals in the State. Consequent upon the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) mandate that Attorneys maintain active practice licenses through continuing legal education, the training, which started on the 5th of August to 6th of August, 2025, was fully accredited for Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) points and it covered Civil Litigation, Prosecution and Legal Brief Writing.
Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, Ph.D., described the Training as a timely intervention to improve legal drafting and advocacy throughout the Ministry of Justice. He expressed concerns about the deteriorating quality of some State Counsels’ Legal briefs, pointing out the importance of clarity, depth and precision in Legal Writing.
According to Dr. Osagie, “A Legal Officer’s responsibility is to convince the Court with arguments that are precise, succinct and compliant with the Law. A well-written brief is not just readable but also strategic, convincing and grounded in the relevant laws and facts”.
He dwelt on the topic, “The NBA’s MCPD Regulations”, which mandates all active Attorneys to complete a minimum of five Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours per year through NBA-ICLE-accredited programmes.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice cautioned the Legal practitioners that their NBA Stamp and Seal, which are essential for court filings and legal documentation, may be lost if they do not comply, appreciating the Governor for his ongoing support for the Legal Community, which included sponsoring leading legal officials to attend the African Bar Association Conference in Ghana and approving conference fees for numerous State Counsels from 2024 – 2025.
In her opening remark, the Director-General of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, Mrs. Gina Otamere, reiterated the State Government’s dedication to developing a skilled Legal workforce.
“The welfare of its employees is very important to the Edo State Government, especially when it comes to professional development and capacity building for those in the Legal Profession”. She asserted.
Mrs. Otamere appreciated the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo for his visionary leadership and sustained commitment to strengthening the Public Service, while commending the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq., for the valuable insights and guidance for ensuring that the training was a success.
Meanwhile, Hon. Chief Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwem (Rtd.) led a thorough examination of Legal Brief Writing on the first day, emphasizing the value of compelling legal authorities, logical structure and clear issue framing, while a practical session on Legal Prosecution, including Charge Preparation, Evidence Handling and Effective Courtroom Strategy, was presented by Sylvester O. Imhanobe, Esq.
Dr. Ohiogwehei Candy (Rtd.), represented by Mrs. Victoria Adeleye, led the Civil Litigation Session on the second day, emphasizing Case Initiation, Adherence to Process, and Enforcement of judgments. Sessions on Ethics and Professional Behavior in the Civil Service were delivered by Barr. T. E. Ulinfoh, a retired Permanent Secretary of the Office of the State Secretary General’s Office, who emphasized the value of honesty, responsibility, and adherence to the rule of law.
A Question and Answer Session accorded participants the opportunity to seek clarification and testify of gaining useful insights into managing intricate litigation on behalf of the State from the sessions.
Giving the closing remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Aigbavboa Aikefe, appreciated the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, the Director-General of JOOPSA, facilitators and participants, for their dedication and patience. She advocated for more training, expressing optimism that there would be an improvement in the delivery of Legal Services as a result of the Training.
The training demonstrates the Edo State Government’s ongoing commitment to bolstering institutional capability and encouraging career advancement in the Public Service of the State.
Ebuanekpe Joy
Public Relations Officer
JOOPSA
PHOTO CAPTION
Front Row: Middle: Honourable Chief Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwen; 5TH Left, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie; 4th Left: Director General, JOOPSA, Mrs. Gina Otamere; 3rd Left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Aigbavboa Aikefe and other participants at the event held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City.
