1.0 |
Theme : The theme of the 3-day seminar held at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja between the 17 th and 19 th July, 2006 was “ Legal Practice & Economic Prosperity ”. The intention of the organisers is that Papers to be delivered at the seminar will focus on how legal practitioners can benefit from the current reforms to enhance their practice and economic well being. |
|
|
1.1 |
The focus of participants was legal practitioners, corporate counsel, judges, policy formulators, civil servants, industry practitioners, legislators, law enforcement agencies, academics and all other stakeholders in legal practice. |
|
|
1.2 |
The thrust of the seminar was the inauguration of the 18 Committees of the Section On Legal Practice [SLP]; welcome cocktail for participants, an opening ceremony with a keynote address to be delivered by Prof. Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN. The business sessions commenced with Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN delivering a paper on “ Ethical Creation of Wealth in Legal Practice: Prospects and Challenges ”. The final business session on Day 3 was a paper delivered by Paul Usoro SAN on “E-Legal Practice & Prospects of Litigation in Nigeria ”. |
|
|
2.0 |
DAY 1, Monday 17, July 2006 Inauguration Of SLP Committees |
|
The inauguration ceremony of the SLP Committees commenced with an introduction and function of the Committees by Mrs. Stella Ugboma, a Council member. The Chairman of SLP, Yusuf O. Ali SAN performed the inauguration ceremony. In attendance were: J.K. Jegede SAN and Mike Osuman SAN, Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of Legal Education and Professional Development Committee; A. B. Mahmood SAN and F. A. Osho SAN, Chairman and Vice chairman respectively, of the Committee on Professional Conduct and Ethics; A. O. Adelodun Esq., Chairman, Business Crime Committee; Chief A. S. Awomolo SAN and H. O. Ogunniran Esq., Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of Corporate Counsel Committee; Professor Taiwo Osipitan SAN, Chairman, Academic Forum Committee; Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, Chairman, Judges Forum; Emmanuel Ukala SAN and Mr. Tayo Oyetibo SAN, Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of Civil Litigation Committee; J. B. Daudu SAN, Chairman, E-Legal Practice; Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Chairman, Maritime and Aviation Committee; Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN, Vice Chairman, Legislation Committee; R. A. Lawal Rabana Esq. and Glanville-Abiboh, Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of Labour and Employment Practice Committee. |
| |
|
2.2 |
The Chairman of the occasion was Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN, who is the Chairman of the Media and Ethics Committee of the Senate. Mr. Tayo Oyetibo SAN represented the Guest of Honour, Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN. |
| |
|
2.3 |
Vote of Thanks was given by Chief Kunle Uthman, Secretary Section On Legal Practice, who invited all participants to proceed to an adjoining hall for cocktail in honour of His Lordship, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, GCON, immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria.
|
| |
|
3.0 |
Cocktail
|
|
Cocktail commenced at 6.45 pm. with drinks served. The Guest of Honour arrived at 7.35 pm, along with His Lordship, Justice Modibo Alfa Belgore CON, the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Also in attendance were Hon. Justice Niki Tobi JSC and Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour JCA. There was light music and admixture of judges, legal practitioners and academicians. Ceremony came to a close at 9.00 pm. |
| |
|
4.0 |
Formal Opening Ceremony |
| |
In attendance were Hon. Justice S. A. Belgore, CON, Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Chairman of the occasion; Chief Bayo Ojo SAN, the Federal Attorney General and Minister of Justice; Prince Lanke Odogiyan, President, Nigerian Bar Association; Prof. Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN, the Keynote Guest Speaker; Yusuf O. Ali SAN, Chairman, Section On Legal Practice; Chief J. K. Gadzama SAN, MFR., Chairman of the Seminar Organising Committee; Hon. Justice Niki Tobi JSC; Section On Legal Practice Council members, Chair and Vice Chair of SLP Committees; Seminar participants and various dignitaries. |
| |
|
4.1 |
In the Welcome Address of Yusuf O. Ali SAN, Chairman, SLP he expressed his delight at the successful inauguration of Committees’ Chair and Vice Chair. On behalf of the Council, he expressed gratitude to Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais GCON and Hon. Justice S.M.A Belgore, CON, Chief Justice of Nigeria, for their active participation in Day 1 of the Seminar. The SLP will serve as a forum that will afford legal practitioners opportunities to enhance the quality of their practice, and thereby become more prosperous. The various speakers are successes and celebrities within the context of legal practice. |
| |
|
4.2 |
The President of the NBA stated that the maiden seminar of the SLP is a welcome development. The Section on Business Law SBL had been inaugurated a few months ago and has since organized two workshops. He submitted that the legal profession all over the world is a prosperous one. The posture of its practitioners, very often distinguishes them from all others. It is a noble profession, which creates wealth and economic prosperity, which makes the practitioners radiate confidence at all times, and maintain a dignifying posture. The present situation where lawyers adorning their bibs and collars are found on “okadas”, “molues” or in “danfo” buses is absolutely unacceptable. The seminar will afford participants the opportunity to learn first hand, the secret of wealth creation, which leads to economic prosperity. |
| |
|
4.3 |
Chief Bayo Ojo SAN, Federal Attorney General and Minister of Justice expressed his gratitude to be invited to participate in the seminar. He used the opportunity to intimate participants on the efforts of his Ministry to create jobs for legal practitioners. He gave the example of decongestion of prisons, employment of at least 2 lawyers by all local governments in Nigeria and continuing legal education. |
| |
|
4.4 |
The Keynote Address by Prof. Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN, was divided into five parts. The first part discussed legal practice in Nigeria generally. The second part dealt with the role of the lawyer, the concept of rule of law and economic prosperity. The third part examined suggested reform for legal practice. In part four, he focused on remuneration of lawyers, especially that of new wigs and the final part advocated an expansion of the scope of legal practice in Nigeria. He recommended N50,000 (fifty thousand naira) as the minimum wage for young lawyers. Partnership was also strongly advocated as it allows for specialization, which is where legal practice is globally headed. |
| |
|
4.5 |
J. B. Daudu SAN and Mr. Femi Falana made a most lively discussion of Prof. Oditah’s Paper. Both conceded the importance of the recommendations of the Speaker and the need to restore the time-tested prosperity in legal practice. Chief Sena Anthony chaired the session. |
| |
|
4.6 |
All participants and guests had a buffet lunch at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers |
| |
|
4.7 |
Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN’s Paper on “Ethical Creation of Wealth in Legal Practice: Prospects and Challenges”, elicited a wide applause from the audience. He recommended a minimum wage of N80,000 for new wigs and admonished that any law firm that pays less as start up salary is unfair. His passion in legal practice is advocacy, where he derives the most satisfaction. This is inspite of his exploits in the corporate entrepreneurial world. |
| |
|
4.8 |
Views expressed by the Discussants, Oronto Douglas and Otunba Jimi Oduba SAN was in tandem with that of Dr. Babalakin, the lead speaker. Legal profession will guarantee prosperity for its hard working and industrious participants. Specialization and continuing legal education is the future of legal practice. |
| |
|
5.0 |
SECTION DINNER |
| |
The SLP had a Section dinner at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja in honour of Hon. Justice S. M. A. Belgore CON, the Chief Justice of Nigeria. In attendance were Hon. Justice Ejiwunmi, Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Niki Tobi JSC, and other Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. |
| |
Also in attendance were Justice Bode Rhodes Vivour JCA, Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Life Bencher, and members of the inner and outer bar. |
| |
|
5.1 |
Presentation of plaques to donors and sponsors was held. The categories of donors were platinum, gold and silver, given in the denomination of donors. Dr. Wale Babalakin (N2m), Otunba Jimi Oduba SAN (N1m) and the EFCC (N1m) received Platinum plaques. Other donors’ list given by the Chairman of SLP also received plaques. |
| |
|
5.2 |
The dinner ended with closing prayers by Hon. Justice M. L. Uwais GCON. |
| |
|
6.0 |
3RD SESSION |
| |
The topic for the session was “e-Legal Practice & the Prospects of Litigation in Nigeria”. Hon. Justice Niki Tobi JSC, the Chairman of the session lampooned participant for coming late. He stated that it was a grave offence for a justice of the Supreme Court to be kept waiting by lawyers. J. K. Gadzama tendered apology on behalf of the participants, and all rose in unison to placate his Lordship. |
| |
|
6.1 |
Mr. Paul Usoro SAN delivered the lead paper. He stated categorically that e-legal practice is the key to prosperity in legal practice. All practitioners must take advantage of the Internet and cyber space. It enables networking and reduction in the work force. Recently his law firm, Paul Usoro & Co. was engulfed in fire. All his files were saved because the computer’s hard disk was not destroyed in the fire incident. It is also easier for lawyers to communicate via e-mail, which saves a lot of paper work. Ownership of a computer laptop is mandatory to all lawyers. |
| |
|
6.2 |
The Discussants, Mena Ajakpovi Esq., Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, and the representative of Prince Yemi Adefulu, concurred wholeheartedly with the views of the lead speaker. It was their further submission that all legal and judicial work should be e-legal practice compatible. Even legal work at the apex courts, such as filing of briefs of argument can be done by e-mail, if the Registry of the courts are properly organised. All practitioners of law are obliged to be computer literate and versed in the benefit that the Internet offers the practice of law. There was very lively discussion from participants. Otunba Jimi Oduba SAN stated that he bought his first computer more than 15 years ago. Inspite of his perceived knowledge it has just dawned on him, having listened to the lead speaker and other discussants, that his knowledge of its utility value is barely minimal. Computer literacy education is certainly the future of legal practice. |
| |
|
6.3 |
Hon. Justice Niki Tobi JSC presented certificates of attendance to selected participants, while Hon. Anyanwu and Mrs. Stella Ugboma; both Council members of the SLP, presented certificates of attendance to the others. |
| |
|
7.0 |
CLOSING |
| |
The Seminar came to an end at 12.45 hours.
|
| |
|
8.0 |
REGISTRATION |
| |
Miss Bukky Kawu, Miss Jennifer Jacob and Mr. Ibrahim Salim Olasupo competently handled the registration exercise. Seminar bags and materials were promptly handed over immediately after registration, to both pre-seminar registration participants and those who registered at the conference. |
| |
|
9.0 |
RAPPORTEURS |
| |
The rapporteurs during the seminar were Mr. Babatola Akanni, Miss Joy Okeaya Inneh, Miss Diane Marcus and Miss Josephine Kandozia. All have submitted their report, the basis of the Seminar Communique. |
| |
|
10.0 |
VENUE OF SEMINAR |
| |
The Abuja Sheraton Hotel & Towers provided first class seminar facilities, delicious meals and competent personnel, all of who ensured that the seminar was very successful. Mrs. Yetunde Dada Olutekunbi, the Banquet Sales Co-ordinator ably co-ordinated the social segment of the 3-day seminar, and further ensured that resource persons were properly accommodated in the hotel. |
| |
|
11.0 |
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS |
| |
A list of all registered participants is the Appendix 1 to this report, while Appendix 2 is the list of exhibitors who displayed their wares at the entrance lobby to the seminar hall(s). |
| |
|
12.0 |
APPRECIATION |
| |
The Council of the Section On Legal Practice [SLP], of the Nigerian Bar Association expresses its most sincere gratitude and profound appreciation to Hon. Justice Salihu Modibo Alfa Belgore CON, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais GCON, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Niki Tobi JSC and all other justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who attended the 3-day seminar. We also appreciate the presence of His Lordship Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JCA, who was session Chair and participated fully in the programme. We are also grateful to all the judges of the High Court of Abuja and magistrates who attended the Seminar. The presence of the Chair and Vice Chair of the various committees who attended the inauguration ceremony made the occasion extremely colourful. We are indeed very grateful to Prof. Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN who delivered the Keynote Address and thereby set in motion a very educative and enlighten seminar. The presence of Chief Bayo Ojo SAN, the Federal Attorney General and Minister of Justice, with other key officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice is greatly appreciated. Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN epitomises a successful and industrious legal practitioner. He gave the largest donation to the SLP, printed copies of his Paper for all participants. His recommendation of N80,000 minimum wage for new wigs is in reality with the spiral inflation in the Nigerian economy. We are also honoured by the presence of Prince Lanke Odogiyan, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, inspite of his obvious ill health prior to the ceremony. We are also very grateful to J. B. Daudu SAN, Mr. Femi Falana, Oronto Douglas, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Prince Yemi Adefulu and Mena Ajakpovi. Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, Director of Research in the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies ably discussed the paper on e-Legal Practice and the Prospects of Litigation in Nigeria presented by Mr. Paul Usoro SAN. Mere words are not enough to express our gratitude to Mr. Paul Usoro SAN, who flew in from London on the 19 th July 2006 to deliver his Paper. The erudition and the delivery were very lively and all participants in unison agreed that e-legal practice is the way forward in the legal profession. We are also grateful to Mr. Gbolahan Gbadamosi, Judicial Editor, Guardian Newspapers, Jude Igbanoi, ThisDay Newspaper, Onyema Omenuwa, Law Editor of Daily Independent, the crew from Channels Television, Nigerian Television Authority and African Independent Television, Talatu Bengalama of Ray Power F.M., Miss Maria-Assumpta Offiong of Yinka Craig and Associates and other registered members of the fourth estate of the realm gave the Seminar wide coverage. We are grateful to the staff of Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers for their exemplary services, patience, and diligence in discharge of duties during the 3-day seminar. |
Click here to view the list of Seminar Participants
|
MAIDEN SEMINAR >
