By Dormene Mbea
Chief Lesi Maol, President of KAGOTE and Chief Executive Officer of Giolee Global Resources Ltd, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the Barr. Ledum Mitee Bar Auditorium, assuring that the landmark project will be completed and commissioned for use by legal practitioners in the near future.
Maol gave the assurance on Sunday, July 5, 2026, during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the auditorium, a legacy project being built in honour of renowned Ogoni legal icon, Barr. Ledum Mitee, by the Bori Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The project is fully sponsored and executed by the KAGOTE President through Giolee Global Resources Ltd.
Speaking after inspecting the facility, Chief Maol commended the standard of work already achieved, expressing confidence that the auditorium would soon be delivered to provide a befitting home for members of the legal profession in Ogoniland.
According to him, the Barr. Ledum Mitee Bar Auditorium is more than just a physical structure, describing it as a symbol of hope, integrity and excellence for present and future generations of Ogoni people.
He said the project is intended to inspire young Ogonis to embrace the legal profession and other noble careers by demonstrating that integrity, diligence and commitment to service always leave enduring legacies.
“Building this iconic auditorium is a message to every Ogoni that hard work, integrity and dignity are rewarded. It is my hope that this project will encourage more of our young people to study law and become responsible citizens who will contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Chief Maol noted that lawyers remain indispensable to the advancement of any society, stressing that justice, good governance and sustainable development thrive where the legal profession is strong.
He expressed optimism that more Ogonis would continue to distinguish themselves in law and other professional fields, adding that investing in institutions that promote legal excellence would contribute significantly to the overall development of Ogoniland.
The KAGOTE President further recalled that, over the years, he had sponsored law school education for several Ogoni students as part of his commitment to human capital development. However, he explained that he decided to embark on the construction of the Barr. Ledum Mitee Bar Auditorium as a lasting legacy that would benefit generations of lawyers and legal practitioners. Chief Maol reaffirmed his commitment to the timely completion of the project, assuring members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Bori Branch, and the entire Ogoni community that the auditorium would soon be commissioned and put into use as a centre for legal practice, professional development and the administration of justice.