25th June, 2024
Mrs. Folake Solake (SAN), the first female lawyer in Nigeria, has lauded the establishment of the Society for Notaries Public (SNP).
The society’s launch and induction of new members took place, last week, in Lagos.
The 92-year-old Solanke, reputed to be the matriarch of the Nigerian Bar, commended the Society. She urged the SNP not to indulge notaries public found to commit “acts of misconduct.”
“Those who commit breaches in their notarial practice must be reported to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for action. Consequences must follow infractions so that our dear country and institutions can prosper,” she said.
Also, President and Master-in-council of the SNP, Mrs. Marlies Allan, explained that the need to protect the “integrity and credibility of notarial services” led to the formation of the Society.
Speaking at the launch of SNP, former chief judge of Lagos state, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retd.), said the event had opened “a new chapter” in the history of notary practice in Nigeria. As she said, the NSP would unify and give notaries public in the country a common voice. Phillips, who is life patron of the NPS, lauded the initiative, especially the society’s effort to revolutionise the practice using technology.
At the same time, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, threw its weight behind the formation of NSP. Representing the chief justice of Nigeria, Mr. Justice Kayode Ariwoola, Hadiza Bamaiyi, head of notary of the Apex court, emphasised at the event the critical role notaries play in litigation and other legal processes.
“The Supreme Court relies on your expertise and professionalism to facilitate smooth transactions, resolve disputes, and promote economic growth,” Bamayi told new members inducted into the society.
Other dignitaries at the event include Comptroller C.I Nwadike, representing
Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap. Members of the diplomatic corps at the event include Mr. Abdulla AlQahtani, head, visa center of the United Arabs Emirates, and the deputy consul-general, South African High Commission in Nigeria, Mrs. Sebo Lenyai.