In a comprehensive and emotionally charged email to Nigerian lawyers, Tobenna Erojikwe, the frontline candidate for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidency, has marked the conclusion of his tenure as Chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) while presenting his vision for the future of the NBA.
Erojikwe began his message by expressing gratitude: “I am writing to thank you for your participation in the training and events organised by the Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) over the last couple of years under my leadership as the Chairman of the NBA-ICLE. All our achievements would not have been possible without your active support and participation.”
Reflecting on his time at the helm of NBA-ICLE, Erojikwe wrote, “My tenure as Chairman of NBA-ICLE is winding down, and I will be moving on to other things.” He then pivoted to his future aspirations, stating, “I am now ready to bring that same transformative leadership to the entire Nigerian Bar Association. In particular, I am contesting to be the President of the NBA in the elections scheduled to be held on 20th July 2024.”
Erojikwe’s message detailed the remarkable turnaround of the NBA-ICLE under his leadership. “When we assumed office at the NBA-ICLE in late 2021, that institute was moribund and existed merely on paper,” he recalled. He then listed numerous achievements, including:
– “Turned the NBA-ICLE into the most visible and impactful organ of the NBA through our various activities and programmes;”
– “Contributed towards capacity building and expansion of the practice areas of lawyers by facilitating over 135 training sessions across 40 areas of law, 127 thematic topics, and with an aggregate of about 60,000 lawyers attending the training for free;”
– “Established a career development centre for young lawyers aimed at providing career support and bolstering the career development of NBA members;”
– “Set up a 700-man mentorship scheme to address the absence of a structured post-qualification grooming system within the Nigerian legal profession;”
– “Set up strategic partnerships with leading global firms like Akin Gump, Allen & Overy, Mishcon de Reya, McDermott Will & Emery etc, and with organisations like ALX (in partnership with Mastercard), Olaniwun Ajayi LP, NLNG Learning Academy, Nigeria Content Monitoring and Development Board. amongst others;”
Erojikwe also highlighted the institute’s financial transformation, noting they had “turned the NBA-ICLE from a cost center to a self-sustaining institute capable of funding its own operations by facilitating paid training to government ministries, departments and agencies, corporate bodies and other bodies.”
Looking toward the future, Erojikwe outlined his vision for the NBA: “to recreate an Association that operates efficiently, upholds the dignity of the Bar, prioritises members’ welfare, enhances access to justice, and empowers its members to excel.” He added, “I have set out a clear roadmap in my manifesto on how I plan to achieve these.”
Reflecting on the NBA-ICLE’s achievements, Erojikwe stated, “These achievements, for me, are heartwarming because I consider them to be the kind of value that professional associations like the NBA should add to its members. However, I am convinced that there is still so much that we can achieve together, hence my decision to run for the office of the President of the NBA.”
As the election approaches, Erojikwe appealed to his colleagues for support: “I do hope that as we go to the polls next week, you will remember all of these and the general value that we have been able to add to the practice of our members and vote for me as the next President of the NBA.”
He concluded his message with a personal touch: “I will be counting on your support.”
This heartfelt and detailed message not only marks the end of a successful tenure but also sets the stage for Erojikwe’s bid to lead the NBA into a new era of growth and transformation, building on his proven track record of revitalizing and innovating within the Nigerian legal community.
