The National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Port Harcourt Diocese, in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association, presents its webinar lineup of speaker, panelists, and facilitator.

SPEAKER – JUSTICE DR. RITA OGUGUO

Hon. Justice (Dr.) Rita Oguguo was born to the late Sir Joseph and Lady Florence Obodo of Agba Ndele, Emuoha Local Government Area, Rivers State. She obtained her LL.B from the University of Calabar in 2002 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003. She later earned an LL.M (2005), an M.Phil (2016), and a Ph.D. in Law (2018) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. In addition, she holds a Diploma in Catholic Theology from the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA).

Justice Oguguo began her legal career at S. O. Nwogu & Co., where she demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. She later joined the Rivers State Judiciary as a Magistrate and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation) and subsequently Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration) of the High Court. In recognition of her excellence and integrity, she was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Rivers State in September 2025.

Beyond the courtroom, Justice Oguguo is deeply committed to her faith and community. She is an active member of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), where she has held leadership roles at the diocesan, provincial, and national levels. She also serves as a Lady Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John International.

Justice Oguguo is married to Sir Casimir Oguguo, a respected legal practitioner. Her exemplary service to both the Church and the legal profession continues to inspire Catholic lawyers and the wider legal community alike.

THE PANELISTS

Rev. Fr. Clement Ability Ukata, a native of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is a distinguished Catholic priest renowned for his pastoral dedication, academic excellence, and expertise in Canon Law. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Theology, as well as a Master’s degree and a Licentiate in Canon Law (STL). Born in February, Fr. Ukata has continued to exemplify unwavering commitment to the Church through his pastoral ministry and scholarly contributions to ecclesiastical jurisprudence.

Juliet Nkeiruka Ogbonna Esq is a graduate of the University of Benin, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, and called to the Nigerian Bar in Abuja, she has amassed over two decades of post-call experience. She began her legal career in litigation before transitioning into corporate practice, where she has distinguished herself as a seasoned corporate lawyer. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, and the Catholic Lawyers, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA).

CHAIRMAN/FACILITATOR

Anthony Ezenwoko was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1998. He is a Chartered Mediator and Conciliator, as well as a member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and the National Peace Institute.

With a deep passion for service, he has made significant contributions to the legal profession, particularly within the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, where he has served in various capacities. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Legal Minds Mentorship Initiatives, a visionary platform committed to mentoring young lawyers, promoting professional ethics, and fostering leadership development within the legal community. Through the Initiative, he has organized numerous capacity-building programmes, interactive mentorship sessions, and outreach projects designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical legal experience.

Since his call, Anthony has maintained an active legal practice, having worked with reputable law firms including J.L.D. Dagogo & Co., J.E. Duncan & Associates, and Allagoa & Allagoa – Solicitors, before founding and managing Renewal Chambers, where he continues to practice.

A devout Catholic, Anthony is deeply rooted in his faith and dedicated to living out the values of integrity, justice, and service. His commitment to both the Church and the legal profession reflects his belief that true leadership is grounded in faith, discipline, and the pursuit of the common good.