*Says “What You Know Is Your Worth”
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch, has charged young lawyers to take advantage of the numerous training and mentorship opportunities available to them today, noting that such platforms did not exist when he was starting out in the profession 20 years ago.
Akangbe made the remarks while speaking at the NBA Section on Legal Practice Young Lawyers Forum programme held at Aluko and Oyebode, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms.
The senior advocate reflected on the challenges he faced as a young lawyer, contrasting them with the opportunities available today.
“20 years ago when I was like yourself, I didn’t have the opportunity that you have today. Because today, more particular attention is paid to your clients,” Akangbe stated.
“So you find yourself being in collaboration with a company where they’re giving you this sort of training. You have organisations creating new employers. You have an organised employers forum. And you have different kinds of summits.”
“We never had that. We had to navigate things by ourselves. So congratulations to you for this opportunity,” he added.
Akangbe urged the young lawyers to seize the opportunities before them.
“I hope that we do take advantage of opportunities. Because if there are opportunities, there are good opportunities. Some will not take it. And some will take it,” he stated.
“And it’s not just industry. What you know is your worth as a man.”
The senior advocate highlighted the challenge of absorbing the large number of lawyers entering the profession each year.
“There’s 11,000, 13,000 entering into the profession every year. If you don’t have preparations for them, if you don’t have a market that can absorb them…” Akangbe noted, emphasising the importance of training and development programmes.
Akangbe spoke about his personal commitment to training and mentoring young lawyers.
He noted that he had spent significant resources training and exposing young lawyers to opportunities, stressing the importance of senior lawyers investing in the next generation.
In a statement following the event, Akangbe expressed his conviction about supporting young lawyers.
“I had the privilege of speaking at the NBA SLP Young Lawyers Forum programme at Aluko and Oyebode, engaging with some of the brightest young lawyers in our profession,” he stated.
“I spoke from a place of conviction. The future of the Bar depends on how well we support and empower young lawyers today.”
The past NBA Lagos Chairman acknowledged the challenges facing young lawyers.
“I understand the realities many of you face, and I remain committed to advocating for better welfare, stronger structures and real opportunities for growth,” Akangbe stated.
Akangbe defined his vision of leadership in the legal profession.
“To me, leadership is about responsibility, ensuring every young lawyer is seen, heard and supported,” he concluded.
Akangbe’s address to young lawyers at the Aluko and Oyebode event highlights the evolving landscape of legal practice in Nigeria and the increasing attention being paid to the development of young lawyers.
With between 11,000 and 13,000 new lawyers entering the profession annually — as the Nigerian Law School continues to produce large numbers of graduates — the question of how to absorb and develop this talent pool has become increasingly pressing.
The proliferation of training programmes, summits, and forums like the NBA SLP Young Lawyers Forum represents an attempt to address this challenge by equipping young lawyers with skills and networks that can help them navigate the competitive legal market.
Akangbe’s reflection that lawyers of his generation “had to navigate things by ourselves” underscores how much has changed in the profession over the past two decades.
His message that “what you know is your worth” serves as both encouragement and challenge to young lawyers: while opportunities exist, it is up to each individual to take advantage of them and build their competence.
For the Nigerian Bar Association, programmes like the SLP Young Lawyers Forum represent an important investment in the future of the profession — ensuring that the next generation of lawyers is equipped to maintain the standards and reputation of the Bar.
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
_______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
