The 63rd edition of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, with the theme “Getting it Right and Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building,” kicked off with grandeur at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Nigeria’s capital city. The opening ceremony, was graced by thousands of legal luminaries and distinguished personalities.
As the conference continue, there were several activities lined up for the day, and one event you shouldn’t miss is the breakout session III themed: “Artificial Intelligence and the Legal Profession in Nigeria”
Now that AI has disrupted the practice of law globally, setting a new stage for legal practice, it’s imperative to get it right in order to harness the opportunities and understand the regulatory requirements so as not to trip into the pitfalls that come with navigating this new terrain.
Join industry experts like Dr. Olatunbosun Tijani, Ph.D., Honorable Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy; Mr. Opeyemi Olugasa, MD/CEO LawPavilion Business Solutions; Mr. Idris Mohammed, FCIArb, Managing Partner, Fama Farm; Ms. Josephine Uba, Brand Manager, Auko & Oyebode; Mr. Mars Ikongbe, Partner, Everlaw Associate and Ms. Aisha Bala, Founding Partner, PennPromise as they have riveting discussions and share profound insights on optimizing the vast opportunities AI brings to the legal landscape.
Date: Today, 28 August 2023
Venue: M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Abuja
Time: 11:40 am – 1:00 pm
Throughout this event, we will keep you updated with daily recaps featuring the most captivating moments and essential happenings.
Here’s a snapshot of the opening ceremony’s highlights:
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau commenced his address by recognizing the presence of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the person of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, past Presidents of the bar, legal icons, guests and Delegates who took part in giving a foundational structure in the nation building of the Bar. In his opening address, he referenced Sir Christopher Williams(the first Nigerian to be called to the Bar both internationally and locally), as a legal practitioner who got it right in his legal practice hence the theme of the conference and urged lawyers to emulate the act of discharging their legal duties as the temple of justice with due diligence.
NBA President Yakubu Maikyau underscored that this year’s conference revolves around aspects of issues affecting the country – security, economy, and the administration of Justice. President Maikyau gave a statistical attendance of this year’s Annual Conference to be 16190 and emphasized his administration’s commitment to support the President of the Federation in ensuring that the nation advances toward a better place, marked by the smooth administration of justice in the country.
While delivering her keynote address, Hon. Justice Gladys Olotu, representing the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, lauded the efforts of the delegates and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). She urged them to persist in their commendable work and embrace the conference’s overarching theme of “Getting it Right.”. Hon. Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized the imperative of unity in achieving success in nation-building. He stressed the need for collective effort and shared responsibility among citizens, advocating for the observance of national ideals and patriotism. Mr. Fagbemi expressed his commitment to utilizing the office of the Attorney General as a platform for driving improvements, including legal and policy reforms., adding the need for everyone to prioritize the nation’s interests, uphold the rule of law, and ensure justice prevails. He concluded by wishing the NBA a productive conference.
Mr. Tony Elumelu, the Chairman, UBA Group and Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation was also present at the conference. In his speech, he acknowledged Nigeria’s achievements, citing that the US Secretary of State was born in Lagos and the global accomplishments of its citizens, while recognizing the challenges that have driven some to seek opportunities abroad. Mr. Elumelu underscored the necessity of nation-building to forge a united society, transcending Nigeria’s diversity.
He pontificated further that, nation building is not the responsibility of the government or leaders alone, but that of the people. Expanding on this, he articulated the following points, amongst others as key elements of nation-building:
- Unified front/collaboration to reset Nigeria.
- Fundamental renewal of the socio-economic facet of Nigeria i.e. renewal of the social contract.
- Long-term policies, which equate maximum gains
- Sacrifices, as nation-building is not a quick fix.
- Investment in the educational and entrepreneurial culture of youths/young ones.
- Nurturing entrepreneurship, which he termed ‘Africapitalism’.
- Hope
- Investment in women, families, and communities.
- Investment in the power sector.
- Creating structures that reward success.
- Investment in the administration of justice, as no country thrives without the rule of law.
- Investment in security.
- Investment in a brand new Nigeria.
- Investment of resources and money locally, so that Nigerians are respected abroad.
Mr. Elumelu concluded by emphasizing that history should remember this generation for its collective efforts toward nation-building, transcending personal achievements in favor of serving the broader interests of the black race.