The Family Story Behind Lubabatu Tijjani’s Call to the Nigerian Bar
By Muhammad Tijjani Abdulsalam
The applause rose in waves as hundreds of newly qualified lawyers filed into the auditorium in Abuja, dressed in their ceremonial attire. Families searched eagerly for familiar faces, cameras flashed from every corner, and tears of joy flowed freely. Among the proud parents in the audience was the Accountant-General of Kogi State, Hajia Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko, whose smile reflected years of hope finally fulfilled.
For many in attendance, it was another Call to the Nigerian Bar ceremony. For the Onumoko family, however, it was the culmination of a dream nurtured over many years—a journey marked by faith, perseverance, sacrifice and unwavering family support.
Interestingly, when Barrister Lubabatu Ozavize Tijjani proudly took the oath that admitted her into Nigeria’s legal profession, she did more than earn the right to wear the coveted wig and gown. She became the latest chapter in a family story built on education, discipline and service.
Behind every successful lawyer is often a network of people who prayed, encouraged, sacrificed and believed. The celebration surrounding Lubabatu’s achievement was therefore not simply about one individual but about everyone who helped make the dream possible.
In few hours after the high profile reception, Dr. Onumoko broke her silence with a heartfelt message filled less with personal celebration than with gratitude. She began by giving all glory to Almighty Allah. According to her: “The successful Call to the Nigerian Bar of my beloved daughter is by the infinite mercy, unfailing grace and abundant blessings of Almighty Allah”.
The influential Accountant-General’s words reflected the humility that many Nigerian families express when celebrating major milestones. Rather than claiming credit, she attributed the success to divine favour.
Yet faith alone did not define the journey, like thousands of aspiring lawyers across the country, Lubabatu’s path was dodged by years of academic commitment, countless hours of reading, examinations, and the demanding training associated with legal education.
Undoubtedly, for every examination passed, there were anxious moments, and for every success celebrated, there were sacrifices that remained unseen by the public.
And for those closest to the family understood that the Call to the Bar represented much more than one day’s ceremony. It represented years of determination quietly unfolding behind the scenes. Perhaps that explains why the family celebration quickly transformed into a celebration shared by loved ones, the well wishers, and an entire community.
Present at the reception was a roll call of who is who in Kogi politics and across political divides, and the list includes political leaders, senior government officials, traditional rulers, colleagues, civil servants, religious leaders, professional associates and friends all converged to congratulate the family.
In a rare display of humility, Dr. Onumoko acknowledged each gesture with deep appreciation, thanking everyone who honoured the family with their presence, prayers, goodwill messages and encouragement before, during and after the ceremony.
Among those she specially recognised were former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu Oyibo, the Ohi of Okene, members of the National and State Assemblies, commissioners, local government officials and numerous associates from different walks of life.
To the family, however, every visitor mattered equally, and for every handshake, every embrace,
every congratulatory text, every phone call, and for every prayers each became part of a memory the family says it will cherish for years.
In her words: “Every visit, phone call, congratulatory message and act of kindness reaffirmed the enduring bonds of friendship, unity and shared goodwill that our family holds dear.”
“We remain sincerely grateful for the love and support shown to us during this memorable occasion,” she added. But those simple words perhaps captured the true essence of the celebration.
In Nigerian culture, success is rarely viewed as an individual achievement. Families celebrate together. Friends rejoice together. Communities claim ownership of milestones achieved by one of their own. That spirit was evident throughout the family’s message of appreciation.
Rather than speaking only about her daughter’s achievement, Dr. Onumoko devoted much of her statement to thanking others—a reminder that gratitude often gives deeper meaning to success.
She described the Call to the Nigerian Bar as a significant milestone and prayed that it would mark the beginning of a distinguished legal career characterised by integrity, excellence, compassion, professionalism and unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law. It was a prayer that resonated beyond one family, and attracted thunderous amen.
For Lubabatu, the ceremony marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another—one that carries both privilege and responsibility. And for her mother, it was a deeply personal triumph.
Beyond the titles, official engagements and responsibilities of managing the finances of Kogi State stood a woman experiencing one of motherhood’s most rewarding moments. Indeed, it was the quiet satisfaction of seeing years of investment in a child’s future bear fruit.
In essence, it was the fulfilment of prayers whispered over many years, and a full proof that dreams patiently nurtured can become reality.
In the end, the story of Barrister Lubabatu Ozavize Tijjani’s Call to the Nigerian Bar is about more than a certificate or ceremonial gown. It is the story of a dream nurtured by faith, strengthened by family, sustained by community and crowned with success.
And perhaps the most unforgettable image from that memorable day in Abuja was not merely that of a young lawyer taking the oath, but that of a mother whose greatest honour was watching her daughter step confidently into a profession dedicated to justice, service and hope.
Muhammad Tijjani Abdulsalam is the President, Kogi Central Journalists Guild and can be reached at enyinono@yahoo.com
