Former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has called on the legal community to create an enabling environment for young lawyers to meaningfully contribute to discussions and developments shaping the new global legal order.
Fashola made the call in his keynote address at the NBA Unity Bar Young Lawyers Forum Summit held in Abuja. The event, themed “The Business of a Lawyer: Discovering the Gems Beyond the Courtroom”, explored emerging opportunities for young lawyers beyond traditional courtroom practice.
According to a statement issued by the Forum on Saturday, Fashola urged young lawyers to embrace the business side of the profession, stressing that with evolving industries and enterprise growth, lawyers have critical roles to play in areas such as advisory services, due diligence, contract drafting, representation, and other aspects of professional legal practice.
Chairman of the YLF Abuja Branch, Najib Waziri, outlined the summit’s focus areas to include “the business of a lawyer in the aviation and maritime sectors, e-commerce and the creative industries, and the extractive industries.”
He aligned with the keynote speaker’s view that “young lawyers must position themselves as solution providers in order to create and sustain a niche across diverse areas of legal practice”.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, Steve Emelieze, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to the professional growth and development of its members, noting that thousands of young lawyers are called to the Nigerian Bar annually and need proper guidance to thrive.
The summit, which drew over 500 participants, featured senior lawyers and notable personalities, including the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), Barr. Marry Tufano-Eche, as well as lawmakers such as Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, Ibrahim Bello Muhammed, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, and Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
The speakers collectively recognised the potential and critical role of lawyers in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and urged participants to uphold ethical standards that distinguish them in delivering quality services to clients.
Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, Ekpa Stanley Ekpa, expressed optimism that participants would benefit from the rich and empowering sessions on emerging career opportunities beyond the courtroom, particularly in the fame economy, technology, and aviation sectors.
The summit featured three panel sessions:
Wings and Anchor: The Business of a Lawyer in the Aviation and Maritime Sectors”, which featured speakers such as Professor Gaya Ayodele, Barr. Marry Tufano, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, Mrs. Irene Imade Ideva, Adedolapo Akinrele, SAN, Olufemi Oyewole, SAN, and Ajekigbe.
“E-Commerce, Talent Management and Creativity: The Business of a Lawyer in the Fame Economy”, with industry leaders including Stanley Alieke, Ubi Franklin, Mutiu Tijani, Olajumoke Olayiwola, William Umoh, Funmilayo Olowofeso, and Khadija Adebanke Ajede.
“The Extractive Industries”, which featured Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, Osefan Anegbe, Umar Oba Adelodun, Abdul-Jabbar Hashim Kolo, and Favour Ime.
