What Does Christmas Mean to Lawyers?

This is the time of the year that Lawyers wind down, temporarily close shop, and rest from the herculean and dauntless task of lawyering in a challenging environment like ours. Christmas Day is tomorrow. How will Nigerian Lawyers spend this season of thanksgiving and celebration? Your guess is as good as ours. In spite of the inclement economic atmosphere that presently pervades the country, most Lawyers positively state that the season will be joyous, if only to show gratitude to God for seeing us through the year. THISDAY LAWYER Team sampled the views of some senior Lawyers  

NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN – A time for Introspection, evaluation, and decision-making

For me, Christmas is a joyous celebration of God’s unconditional love, demonstrated through the gift of His child. It is a season when we commemorate the extraordinary act of God’s kindness and love to us all. It is also a reminder of the importance of extending love, compassion, and empathy to those around us.

This special season offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, foster meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories. 

Also, as the year draws to a close, the beginning of the new year also invites us to reflect on our experiences, accomplishments, and challenges. I equally use the time for introspection, evaluation, and decision-making, allowing me to set new goals and aspirations for the upcoming year.

May this Christmas season be a time of joy, love, and renewal for you and your loved ones.

Dame Priscilla Kuye, First Female NBA President (17th) – A time for spiritual examination 

This is a time when we should examine ourselves spiritually and prepare to receive Jesus, the newborn baby, worthily, in our hearts. It teaches me detachment from the world in certain ways, as Jesus was born in a shamble in Bethlehem.

I will spend time with my family. I shall attend all the relevant Masses, worship, and thank God.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous 2025 and beyond.

O.C.J. Okocha, OFR, SAN, the 19th/Millennium NBA President  – It’s a time for love and joy

Christmas is the Christian Celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah. Even though a Christian Feast, it is celebrated worldwide by all.

For me, Christmas is a time for joy, love and goodwill to all, especially family and friends. I always try to celebrate Christmas at home with my family, and we all celebrate the love of God.

And, at this time, I wish all my fellow citizens of Nigeria, and all of our humanity, joy, love and peace.

Funke Aboyade, SAN – I’ll be exploring new places

Christmas/New Year for me, is a period to shut down physically and mentally, then to take stock of the year, with gratitude for God’s mercy. It’s also a time for poignant memories of my Dad, Professor Ojetunji Aboyade, who passed away in 1994 on New Year’s Eve.

I’m an adventurous traveller and love exploring new places, so, I’ll spend the period doing just that.

Aare Muyiwa Akinboro, SAN, former NBA General Secretary – I’ll spread and show love

Apart from the religious aspect of Christmas, which is the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, Christmas is a time for personal assessment of the year, a period to count your wins, and also areas that call for improvement. It is a period to refocus in preparation for the new year. Also, it’s a time for Thanksgiving. It is a period to spread love and show love, to not only our friends and neighbours, but also to the needy and the less privileged. To me, Christmas is a period when we should put on our best clothes of kindness and gratitude to God, because it’s only by Grace that we are counted among those who are celebrating.

I have travelled a lot this year, and I definitely will be spending the Christmas in the company of my family and my loved ones, taking it slow in a fun filled way. I have a lot to thank God for. 

Sam Zibiri, SAN – A reminder of the Greatest Gift

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, a time to reflect on God’s boundless love and the hope He brought to the world. It’s a season to express gratitude, share His love with others, and spread joy through acts of kindness and compassion. For me, Christmas is a reminder of the greatest gift we’ve received, and the call to give selflessly in return.

This year, I’ll be celebrating with family, focusing on fellowship, worship, and thanksgiving. As we step into the New Year, I look forward to embracing God’s purpose with renewed faith and hope for the future.

Ricky Tarfa, SAN – I’ll engage in acts of charity 

The true essence of Christmas is the celebration of the incarnation of God’s love, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. It is a festive season and time to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who brought hope, redemption, and salvation to humanity. Christmas is a reminder of God’s unconditional love, mercy, and grace, and the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. As we exchange gifts, spend time with family, loved ones, and engage in acts of charity, we are called to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas: the selfless love of God, manifested in the person of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, and the transformative power of faith, hope, and love in our lives. 

We shall be spending the Christmas and New Year in celebration with family, loved ones, clients, friends, colleagues, well-wishers and praying that God almighty, in his infinite mercy, will continue to bless and prosper us in the new and blessed year 2025.

Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN – It’s a time to be with my brood of Grandchildren

I will spend my Christmas with my large brood of lovely grandchildren, nine in number, both girls and boys. I look forward to them giving my wife and I special Joy of the Christmas season, as we remember our Lord and Saviour whose Birth almost 2000 years ago, is the most revolutionary spiritual event of all time. 

I wish everyone an opportunity to enjoy this great season, in spite of the great challenges. My advice is be happy and grateful to God, for everything.

Temitope Abiodun  – A time to share and be merry

Christmas means a time for me to celebrate Our Lord Jesus Christ with family, friends and loved ones; offer praises and thanksgiving to God and reflect on the significance of the birth of Christ. It means a time to share, a time to be merry, a time to show good will and forgiveness, a time to reach out to the needy and generally put smiles on the faces.

I will be spending my Christmas and New Year with my family, friends and loved ones.

Uche Val Obi, SAN – Despite hard times, we’ll do something for the Vulnerable  

Christmas is a season that gives us joy, love, and hope. It is a special festive season among Christians to spend time with family and loved ones, share special meals, exchange gifts, and adorn our homes and premises with Christmas decorations such as trees, lights, and sing Christmas carols.

Apart from these secular connections to Christmas as a joyful period of merriment typified by the generous, happy and entertaining Santa Clause, we also connect to Christmas celebration spiritually reflecting on Jesus’ mission of salvation, identifying him as the Light of the World, and his role as the Prince of Peace, Servant King and the source of eternal life. It is therefore, a season to demonstrate patience, love and generosity. Obviously times are hard, but we could do something little that could still impact the vulnerable ones amongst us.

Wishing all Christians a joyful Christmas season and holidays.

Augustine Alegeh, CON, SAN FCIArb [UK], 27th NBA President – Christmas means everything to me

Christmas is a period to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, who saved us all from condemnation and offered himself as the supreme sacrifice to cleanse our sins, so that all who believe in him can enjoy everlasting life in heaven. In celebrating his birth, we also celebrate the unique opportunity he has given us to enjoy everlasting life. Christmas means everything to me, as a Christian. 

Christmas and New Year holidays, will be spent with family and friends. It’s a time to celebrate the blessings and grace of God in our lives in 2024 and to pray for more grace, protection and blessings in the New Year. 

Pauline Abulimen, SAN – We should prepare our hearts to receive Jesus

Christmas is an annual Christian festival, commemorating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Christians, we should prepare our hearts to receive Jesus, putting smiles on the faces of those less privileged and reaching out to our neighbours, families and friends. But, regrettably, we are all preparing for the fun fair, and neglecting to do the needful most times. We think it is all about buying new clothing, and eating jollof rice and chicken. Let’s use this season to prepare our hearts, and make sure they are clean and sacred enough for our Lord’s coming and dwelling. 

I will be having a quiet Christmas with my family and friends, while we all strive to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus, and keeping him in our hearts always.

Sebastine Hon, SAN – I will mingle with the local folks

It is the tradition of my Church to have an annual retreat during the Christmas period, so, I do not necessarily celebrate it. I normally travel home to mingle with the local folks, after the retreat. I have also, for the past nine years, organised the S.T. Hon Unity Football Cup Competition in Gboko. Thereafter, I wait for and participate in the Crossover Night, on the eve of new year till the early hours of new year. I then receive visitors in my house for celebrations, which is at times done in my mother’s residence.

Charles Ajuyah, SAN, former Delta State A-G – I will share goodies with neighbours 

To me, Christmas signifies a time of joy, marking the fulfilment of God’s promise of redemption and love for mankind. It is celebrated in remembrance, much like any significant event in a person’s life, and it embodies the very essence of the season.

By the grace of God, I will be celebrating Christmas with love, prayer, and by sharing with my neighbours. These acts reflect the spirit and expectations of this special time. As we approach the new year, 2025, Christmas also fills us with hope, a hope for a better and more fulfilling year ahead. I aspire for Nigeria to become a better place, where the government genuinely supports the less privileged. I pray for safety in our communities, impactful power supply, accessible medical care, effective educational policies, and increased employment opportunities for our youth.

Mike Igbokwe, SAN – I will spend time thanking  God for His mercies, goodness and faithfulness 

Christmas means to me the time to celebrate the birth of my Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ and appreciate Him for saving my soul, and for the work of redemption on the cross that I have been enjoying. 

I will be spending Christmas with my family and friends. On New Year’s Eve into the New Year, I will be attending an event called Open Heavens that is organised by the House of Praise Church, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Artists such as Joe Mettle, Don Moen, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Todd Delaney and Ryan Ofei will be performing, whilst Pastors Wale Akinsiku and Tope Akinsiku will be ministering too. Admission is free and attendance is both in person and virtual at open heavenstoronto.com. It promises to be a great event, that I don’t want to miss. During the day I will spend time thanking God for His mercies, goodness, faithfulness, love and for all He has done for us, and for letting my family and I see 2025. Thereafter, I will spend time with family and friends.

Prof Roland Otaru,  SAN – Time for sober reflection 

Christmas symbolises peace, grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time for sober reflection, and for us to leverage on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. To all Nigerians, a Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year in advance

Omoruyi Omonuwa, SAN, former Edo State Attorney-General – I will be praying for peace in Edo State

This is a season of love, joy, and togetherness. It is a period of sharing. It reminds us of the beauty of giving, the hope of new beginnings, and the light that shines even in the darkest times. This Christmas for me, will afford another opportunity to be with family and share good times with loved ones. I will also use the time to pray for peace in my State, Edo State given the political tension that is palpable there. 

It’s a time to celebrate the gift of life, reflect on my  blessings, and share peace and kindness with everyone around me.

Ayo Akintunde, SAN – Embracing joy and warmth of the season

Christmas is a time of reflection, gratitude, and joy. It is a season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a season to spend quality time with my loved ones, create lasting memories, and show appreciation. For me, it is also a time to spread kindness and generosity to the less privileged, and sharing the joy of the season. 

This Christmas and New Year, I plan to spend quality time with my family, embracing the joy and warmth of the season. We will exchange thoughtful gifts, extend kindness to others, and participate in activities that bring happiness to those around us. Our celebrations will also include attending charity events, gatherings, and special occasions. We will visit loved ones, reflect on the past year, and plan for the year ahead.

Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN – I will be sending prayerful greetings to friends 

Christmas is a season of joy, peace, happiness, goodwill towards all men, and a period of rejoicing among families, friends and acquaintances. It is a season that significantly demonstrates the love of God for humanity. Hence, He sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who was named Emmanuel because God sent Him to save and to reconcile man back to Him.

That is why we say, Jesus is the reason for the season. I recognise that, the period is a time for rest and renewed Grace. So, I take my rest during this period. I renew my vow of love and worship with God, acknowledging His Grace to see the season once again, of course, with members of the family. I will send as I usually do, season’s and prayerful greetings to my friends and loved ones. I also know as I do, that it is a season to give and be a blessing to others, as the Lord enables one to do. 

Prof Ernest Ojukwu, SAN – It will be extra special for my family, as one of my daughters is getting married 

Christmas is a season of profound significance to me. It embodies love, hope, and renewal—a time to reflect on the blessings of the year, to give thanks, and to extend kindness and generosity to those around us. As a Christian, the celebration of Christ’s birth reminds me of God’s ultimate gift and calls me to embrace humility, service, and compassion. This season is also about fostering unity and strengthening relationships with family and friends, cherishing the bonds that sustain us throughout the year. It is a time to pursue peace, and celebrate life in its fullness.

This Christmas is extra special for my family and me, as one of my daughters will be getting married. The occasion adds a deeper sense of joy and gratitude, to the season. It will be a time of family togetherness and celebration, blending the beauty of Christmas with the joy of a wedding.

Alongside this, I also plan to engage in moments of spiritual reflection and thanksgiving, appreciating the privilege of witnessing such significant milestones. I hope to find ways to give back to the community, and share this spirit of joy and love with others around me.

This Christmas promises to be one of unforgettable memories, a celebration of love in its many forms—faith, family, and the union of hearts.

Boma Alabi, SAN, former President of Commonwealth Lawyers Association – A time of thanksgiving 

I know it has become fashionable to have “happy holidays” instead of a “merry Christmas “. In this case, I actually can have my cake and eat it. Christmas is the reason for the season, and very central in my Christmas. I make every effort to follow HIS injunctions, as conveyed to us in the Holy Bible. The fact that advent also marks the end of the year means that, it is additionally for me, a time of Thanksgiving. 

I love Lagos during this period. There is so much to do. Musicals, concerts, plays, and of course, the beaches. Most enjoyably, spending quality time with family and friends.

Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Past NBA General Secretary – I will spend time with kith and kin in the village  

Christmas for me is a period of celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, but, the Christmas season or period is also a period of stock taking and review of performance targets that I set for myself for the year in review. It is a season of reflection, a season of thanksgiving and love. 

As a family, we will travel down to the village to spend time with kith and kin, participate in community activities and development programmes, and generally engage the grassroots with a view to share knowledge and perspectives.

Jean Chiazor-Anishere, SAN – I will be cooking and sharing meals  

For me, Christmas is a time to reflect on themes of hope, love, joy and peace. Beyond its religious significance, Christmas is characterised by gift-giving, festive meals, family gatherings, parties and acts of kindness. I love Christmas Season, because it also symbolises togetherness, gratitude and the spirit of generosity.

I will spend it with my loved ones, cooking, sharing my meals and wines. I also love to decorate my huge Christmas tree with friends and loved ones, and it is a time I give out gifts to my clients in appreciation of their patronage over the year and exchange gifts with friends and loved ones.

I look forward to visiting the Jazz club with friends. Its merry making with my son, who will be visiting from England. Well, it’s not only party all the way, but I will also have some personal reflection by attending Church service and carol nights because its only at Christmas, that one gets to listen to and sing the evergreen and melodious Christmas carols.

For the New Year, 2025, I look forward to the exciting fireworks and the New Year’s Eve gathering to count down to midnight. I look forward to writing meaningful and achievable resolutions and goals for the New Year.

I hope to use the first days of the New Year to relax, reset and focus on self-care.Then as the New Year settles in, make plans with my son on his work in England and other projects.

The New Year celebrations to me, is not complete without going to the beach for a good picnic with my son and some old friends of his and mine.  

Paul  Harris Ogbole, SAN –  I will visit the Motherless Babies Home

Christmas is a time to renew our minds, with the knowledge of God’s love for mankind. It is a time to remind ourselves of the Jesus Christ who came into world, to demonstrate the love of God in salvation. 

I will spend the Christmas and New Year with family and friends, visit the Motherless Babies Home and attend Christmas Carols.

Epilogue 

For Nigerian Lawyers, there will obviously be little work and plenty play, this Christmas and New Year Season. Letting down our hair this week and the next, resting from court appearances and our busy schedules, it will be Lawyers merry-making in the cities and their villages, in the spirit of the Yuletide. Despite the economic hardship that Nigerians have faced this year, this season is always a time of joy and thanksgiving to God. THISDAY LAWYER Team wishes all Lawyers an extremely Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 2025 and beyond.