Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Thursday joined former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, senior members of the Nigerian judiciary and other eminent Nigerians in Abuja to honour renowned legal practitioner and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON, at a public lecture and presentation of publications marking his 80th birthday.
The event, organised by the Body of Benchers, brought together Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as well as Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other distinguished members of the legal profession.
The public lecture was titled “Prioritising Ethical Conduct and Anti-Corruption Measures in Governance in Nigeria” and featured a keynote presentation by Simon Kolawole, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cable Media and Publishing Limited.
Governor Otu used the occasion to celebrate Agabi as an accomplished son of Cross River State whose eight decades of life and public service have been marked by excellence, hard work, commitment and ethical conduct.
He described Agabi as a distinguished patriot and statesman whose contributions have extended beyond the legal profession to national development and public service.
According to the Governor, Agabi’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s respected legal figures represents a story of perseverance, professional excellence and service to humanity.
Otu said Cross River State remains proud of Agabi’s place in the history of the state and Nigeria, adding that his experience, wisdom and counsel would continue to be valued as the state pursues its People First Agenda.
The Governor also used the gathering to make a broader case for continuity in governance, arguing that sustained leadership is important for consolidating development and achieving long-term national progress.
“Most nations who have come great have leaders who stick over time,” Otu said, stressing that Nigeria must move beyond unnecessary struggles for political power and maintain continuity that allows development efforts to take root.
He said Nigeria was at an important point in its national development and urged citizens and leaders to remain focused on moving the country forward despite existing challenges.
Reflecting on Agabi’s life, Otu said the former Attorney-General had demonstrated that achievement and prosperity could be pursued without abandoning ethical principles.
He described Agabi as a mentor whose influence has extended across generations, noting that many people who benefited from his guidance have gone on to mentor others.
“As Cross River State, we are very proud of you,” Otu told Agabi. “You belong to all of us. Nigeria, as a nation, will continue to need your wisdom and counsel, particularly at this time of nation building.”
The Governor thanked Chief Agabi for the inspiration his life continues to provide and commended the Body of Benchers for organising the public lecture and publication presentation in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, public service and nation-building.
Agabi, a native of Bekwarra in Cross River State, has served Nigeria in several capacities, including as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and remains one of the prominent figures associated with the country’s legal profession.
The event further provided an opportunity for Cross River State to publicly celebrate one of its most prominent legal figures as he marks eight decades of life and service. Earlier in July, Governor Otu had described Agabi as an enduring source of pride to Bekwarra, Cross River State and Nigeria.
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