As the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gboko Branch marks its 2025 Annual Law Week, legal icon and former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb (UK), has extended warm felicitations to the branch leadership and members. Commending the theme, “Modernising Legal Practice as a Catalyst for Nation Building: Prospects and Challenges,” Akangbe emphasized its timeliness and relevance in an era where technology and innovation are reshaping the legal landscape.
Highlighting the growing role of digital tools in enhancing justice delivery, Akangbe noted the transformative impact of e-filing, virtual court sittings, digital case management systems, and AI-powered legal research. He also pointed to the evolving influence of blockchain and smart contracts in commercial law. While these developments hold significant promise, he urged practitioners to remain vigilant about cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations. Akangbe praised the Gboko Branch for driving this crucial dialogue and expressed confidence that the deliberations will enrich both the legal profession and national development.
Read Full Statement Below;
I extend hearty felicitations to the Chairman, Executive Members, Planning Committee, and the entire membership of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gboko Branch, on the occasion of your 2025 Annual Law Week themed “Modernising Legal Practice as a Catalyst for Nation Building: Prospects and Challenges.”
This timely and relevant theme resonates with the urgent need to reposition the legal profession in line with global best practices, particularly through technology and innovation. Today, the digitisation of court processes – e-filing, virtual hearings, and digital case management systems – has enhanced access to justice and improved procedural efficiency.
AI-driven legal presearch is reshaping legal research, while blockchain and smart contracts are redefining commercial law practice.
These advances offer great prospects but also present challenges around cybersecurity, regulatory adaptation, and legal ethics. As legal practitioners, we must not only embrace these tools but also help shape the laws that govern them – ensuring they serve justice, equity, and national development.
I commend the Gboko Branch for placing this critical conversation at the heart of your Law Week. I have no doubt the insights shared here will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing evolution of our profession and, by extension, our nation.
Wishing you a successful, impactful, and inspiring celebration.
Warm regards,
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb(UK)
Former Chairman NBA Lagos Branch.
