AKANGBE HONOURS PREDECESSORS AT LAGOS NBA CHAIRMAN’S DINNER

The MUSON Center venue of the 2021 Law Week of the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association was at its glittering best as guests arrived for the Chairman’s Dinner. The event was graced by lawyers in both the Inner and Outer Bar. NBA President Olumide Akpata was a notable presence, as was the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of medals of honour to past Chairmen of the Premier Bar branch by the incumbent, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe as part of his speech and final acts as Chairman. Among those who were honoured were, in order of succession, Chijioke Okoli, SAN, Taiwo Taiwo (in absentia), Alexander Muoka, Otunba Martins Ogunleye and Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN. All were designated Chairmen Emeritus.

Akangbe also honoured two groups dedicated to the betterment of the welfare of female wigs in the country, the continent of Africa, and the world – as he presented two cheques,  each worth half a million naira, to the Nigerian affiliates of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the African Women Lawyers’ Association (AWLA).

As the clock ticked on his tenure, Akangbe was the very picture of joy and gratitude as he recounted the many successes of his 2-year stewardship as helmsman, one of which, he said, is the tremendous progress made in the construction of the NBA Lagos  Bar Center in Lekki. He also paid tribute to members of his executive committee for their support and commitment to the growth of the branch.

Also speaking, NBA President Akpata lauded the outgoing Chairman of the Lagos Bar for his commitment in carrying forward the legacy of excellence for which the Premier is known. Describing the Chairman’s Dinner as an exquisite occasion worthy of the Premier Bar, Akpata said there was a revolution going on in the Nigerian Bar, and Lagos is leading the charge in that revolution, thanks to leaders like Akangbe.

Another highlight of the evening was the cutting of the cake as Akangbe, flanked by his wife, members of the outgoing executive council and others, did the honours.

The toast to the continued  growth and prosperity of the Lagos NBA Branch was proposed by Lagos State AG, Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN as a memorable evening of fine dining and great music (as provided by the Sharp Band) came to a close.