Youth Representation In Governance Must Become A National Priority — Professor Olawuyi, SAN Urges Stakeholders

Frontline energy law expert and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (ARISP) of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN has called on stakeholders in public and private sectors to urgently address barriers that hinder active youth engagement and representation in governance, leadership, and entrepreneurship development at all levels in the country.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is also co-Chairman of the Legal Education Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), made these remarks at the 1^st Young Lawyers’ Forum organized by the NBA Ikere Branch in his honour. Themed “The Search for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria and the Role of the Young Lawyer” the event was organized to recognize Olawuyi’s trailblazing achievements as the youngest academic Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and his enormous contributions to youth empowerment, mentoring and legal education in Nigeria and beyond.

Moderated by a mix of current and past leaders of NBA, the event featured insightful presentations from senior lawyers, including the Chairman of the occasion and Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ekiti State, Olawale Fapohunda SAN, Dr. Doyin Awoyale who delivered the keynote lecture, Oludayo Olorunfemi, Executive Secretary Ekiti State Mortgage Board, the Chairman of the NBA Ikere Branch, Kikelomo Owolabi, and other panel discussants including Ayokunle Ogunleye, Michael Olaniyan, Adefolaju Ayobioloja, Dr. Ifeoluwa Olubiyi and a host of others.

In his welcome address, the Honorable Attorney General of Ekiti State, Olawale Fapohunda SAN commended the honoree, Professor Olawuyi, SAN, for his enormous and tireless contributions to the development of law and the society. He also emphasized the important roles that the economic empowerment of young lawyers can play in enhancing the development of Ekiti State and the country as a whole; and called on the NBA to continue to prioritize the professional development and welfare of its young members.

In his remarks, the honoree Professor Olawuyi, SAN noted that “Nigeria’s greatest asset is its vibrant young population. If adequately mentored and supported, Nigeria’s young population can unlock an era of technology-driven economic rebirth, social transformation, and sustainable development in key sectors. We must therefore join hands to urgently address barriers that hinder active youth engagement and participation in governance, leadership, and entrepreneurship development at all levels. I thank the leadership of the NBA Ikere Branch for finding me worthy of this monumental honour and I look forward to contributing even more to justice, legal education, and the sustainable development of our dear country.”

While highlighting the important roles of young lawyers in building vibrant and healthy communities and nation, Olawuyi called on all young lawyers to leverage their legal training to become the voice and conscience of the society. He also encouraged all NBA branches to identify priority areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and design tailored programs and seed funding that can accelerate the SDGs, especially in areas of youth entrepreneurship and empowerment, technology access, poverty eradication, gender justice and green growth amongst others.