By Suleiman Shehu
A former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, has been sworn in as a Notary Public of Nigeria.
Gbolarumi was sworn in with 21 others by the Chief Judge (CJ) of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, at the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, on Friday.
The CJ was represented by the Oyo State High Court Deputy Registrar, Litigation, Mr Abdulateef Adebisi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a notary public is a legal practitioner who prepares, attests to, certifies documents and serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents.
Addressing newsmen after the ceremony, Gbolarumi said he was grateful to God for his appointment, having applied for it in 2024.
He described the appointment as a positive development for him and society at large.
Gbolarumi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, identified accuracy and integrity as some of the qualities worthy of a notary public.
He said the position required serious responsibility and commitment, pledging to contribute his quota to uphold the profession’s expected standards.
“I will do my very best to contribute positively and uphold the standards expected of the profession.
“You know we have a large number of lawyers in this country.
“Many people applied, but not everyone got the opportunity.
“When you consider the thousands of lawyers applying, maybe 10,000 to 20,000, it is very competitive. So, being granted the opportunity is significant,” he said.
Another notary public, Mrs Fatimoh Gbadamosi, said honesty and impartiality were qualities required to serve.
She added that such an individual must not be biased or prejudiced in any matter.
“This role involves telling the truth at all times, as you are required to witness transactions and authenticate documents.
“These duties can only be carried out by someone of proven integrity,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Moses Solanke
