legal diary News

  November 2026 The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has announced the winners of its 2026 Essay, Poetry and Spoken Word Competition, organised as part of its Annual Conference in Umuahia, Abia State. In a statement issued by the Chairperson of NBA-SPIDEL, Dr. Uju Agomoh , the competition attracted 57 entries from law students and young lawyers across Nigeria. The competition, held under the conference theme, “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development,” sought to encourage emerging legal professionals to explore pressing issues affecting justice, human rights, democracy and national development. WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION Law Students Category 1st Position: Favour Ofie Ebiara, University of Calabar — ₦75,000. 2nd Position: Frank Okike, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus — ₦50,000. 3rd Position: Madu Chidera Ebenezer, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus — ₦25...

Nigeria's former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN will today deliver the Keynote Address at the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) Annual Conference. The conference is holding at the world-class International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Abia State, themed “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development.” All delegates are to be seated by 8:30 am. The Keynote Session is the highlight of the Opening Ceremony at which the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya SAN, and several past NBA Presidents among other public interest stakeholders are expected to deliver their addresses.  Osinbajo's address will be interrogated by a formidable panel of respondents including Prof. Pat Utomi, founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL); Lisa Henry, Sec...

Monday, 9th November 2026 | Abuja In a remarkable demonstration of respect, solidarity and appreciation for exemplary leadership, members of the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), on Monday, 9th November 2026, paid a surprise birthday courtesy visit to Abdul A. Ibrahim, SAN , a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Chairman of the Branch. The delegation was led by the Branch Chairman, Yakubu Philemon, SAN , as part of the Executive Committee's commitment to celebrating the contributions of past leaders who have played significant roles in the growth and development of the Unity Bar. Abdul Ibrahim, SAN, who served as Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch from 2008 to 2010 , remains a respected elder of the Branch whose leadership and contributions to the legal profession continue to inspire successive generations of lawyers. The surprise visit provided a memorable opportunity for the Branch leadership to per...

Monday, 9th November 2026 | Abuja In furtherance of its commitment to strengthening institutional relationships, promoting professional unity and fostering intergenerational engagement within the Bar, the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), led by its Chairman, Yakubu Philemon, SAN , on Monday, 9th November 2026, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN , Founding Principal Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP and a distinguished Past Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch. The visit formed part of the Branch leadership's ongoing strategic engagements with past chairmen, respected elders and prominent stakeholders whose contributions have shaped the growth and development of the Unity Bar. Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN, is a distinguished legal practitioner, accomplished Bar leader and respected figure in Nigeria's legal profession. As a former Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch, his leadership and contributions remain an imp...

November 7, 2026, will remain memorable for several reasons. It was a day I had the privilege of joining other illustrious sons and daughters of Abia State, distinguished personalities and outstanding achievers across politics, commerce, industry, law and the economy to receive an award in recognition of my contributions to Nigeria and Abia in particular. The gathering brought together some of the most prominent personalities associated with Abia and Nigeria's development. Among the distinguished guests were the performing Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff; the ADC governorship candidate, Mr Gbadebo Rodes-Vivour, and former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Samson Ogah; and the Chairman of the Occasion, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa. We were also honoured by the presence of our Royal Father of the Day, Eze...

…As Branch Moves to Strengthen Professional Development, Mentorship and Integration of Young Lawyers Reported by Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch, under the leadership of its Chairman, Yakubu Philemon, SAN , is set to host its 2026 New Wigs Induction and Mentorship Ceremony, alongside a Cocktail Party, in a landmark initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of legal practitioners. The much-anticipated event is scheduled for Tuesday, 1st December 2026, at the NBA National Secretariat Auditorium, Central Business District, Abuja , with the induction and mentorship ceremony commencing at 1:00 p.m. , followed by a cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m. Organised through the Branch's Induction and Mentorship Committee, chaired by Mrs. Wendy Kuku, SAN , the programme seeks to provide newly called lawyers with practical guidance, professional exposure and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with ex...