Former Lagos State Governor and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has challenged the legal community to foster an enabling environment for young lawyers to actively shape the emerging global legal order through innovative contributions.

Delivering the keynote address at the NBA Unity Bar Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) Summit in Abuja, themed “The Business of a Lawyer: Discovering the Gems Beyond the Courtroom,” Fashola emphasized the need for young professionals to transcend traditional courtroom advocacy. The event, which attracted over 500 participants including senior lawyers, lawmakers, and industry leaders, highlighted untapped opportunities in advisory services, due diligence, contract drafting, representation, and other facets of legal practice amid rapid industry evolution and enterprise expansion.

In a statement issued by the Forum on Saturday, Fashola stressed that lawyers must position themselves as indispensable solution providers. “With evolving industries and enterprise growth, lawyers have critical roles to play,” he said, urging the profession to create spaces for youth to engage meaningfully in discussions driving legal developments.

Echoing this sentiment, Najib Waziri, Chairman of the YLF Abuja Branch, outlined the summit’s key focus areas: the business of law in aviation and maritime sectors, e-commerce and creative industries, and extractive industries. “Young lawyers must position themselves as solution providers to create and sustain a niche across diverse areas of legal practice,” Waziri affirmed, aligning with Fashola’s call for proactive adaptation.

NBA Abuja Branch Chairman Steve Emelieze reinforced the Association’s dedication to nurturing its members, noting that thousands of young lawyers are called to the Nigerian Bar each year and require robust guidance to flourish. “We remain committed to the professional growth and development of our members,” Emelieze stated, underscoring the ethical imperative of upholding standards that elevate service quality and drive Nigeria’s economic progress.

The summit boasted a roster of prominent figures, including NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), Barr. Marry Tufano-Eche, and lawmakers such as Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, Sen. Ibrahim Bello Muhammed, Sen. Bello Muhammed Goronyo, and Sen. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. Speakers collectively hailed the pivotal role of lawyers in national economic advancement, imploring participants to maintain integrity in client engagements.

Ekpa Stanley Ekpa, Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, expressed confidence in the event’s impact, predicting that attendees would gain invaluable insights from sessions on emerging careers in the fame economy, technology, and aviation. “Participants will benefit from rich and empowering discussions on opportunities beyond the courtroom,” Ekpa said.

The program featured three dynamic panel sessions:

  • Wings and Anchor: The Business of a Lawyer in the Aviation and Maritime Sectors, moderated by experts including 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 contributions from industry trailblazers such as Stanley Alieke, Ubi Franklin, Mutiu Tijani, Olajumoke Olayiwola, William Umoh, Funmilayo Olowofeso, and Khadija Adebanke Ajede.
  • The Extractive Industries, led by Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals), Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, Osefan Anegbe, Umar Oba Adelodun, Abdul-Jabbar Hashim Kolo, and Favour Ime.
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