Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, has called on legal practitioners, particularly female lawyers, to embrace digital technology and forensic tools as essential components of modern courtroom practice. Akangbe made the call while speaking as a panelist at the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Enugu State Branch Spark Lecture themed “Digital Technology in the Courtroom,” where leading legal minds examined the growing impact of technology on justice delivery.
Speaking on the topic, “Leveraging Forensic Techniques to Meet the Legal Demands of the Modern Courtroom: A Focus on the VAPP Law,” Akangbe stressed that the legal profession is rapidly evolving and now requires lawyers to develop stronger competencies in digital evidence, forensic analysis, and innovative legal strategies. He also commended the women of AWLA Enugu for their commitment to professional development and inclusiveness, noting that the future of the Nigerian Bar must be driven by collaboration, innovation, and purposeful leadership.
Read full statement below;
ENUGU AWLA SPARK LECTURE
I was deeply honoured to join the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Enugu State Branch, at their insightful Work Lecture on “Digital Technology in the Courtroom.”
As a panelist, I had the privilege of speaking on “Leveraging Forensic Techniques to Meet the Legal Demands of the Modern Courtroom: A Focus on the VAPP Law,” where I shared perspectives drawn from my experience as a litigator and legal practitioner navigating the realities of today’s evolving justice system.
Our profession is changing rapidly, and the modern courtroom now demands a better appreciation of technology, digital evidence, forensic tools, and innovative legal strategies to strengthen justice delivery and improve access to justice for all.
Beyond the enriching conversations, I was truly humbled by the warmth, acceptance, and overwhelming show of love extended to me by the distinguished women of AWLA Enugu State Branch. Their reception once again reaffirmed an important truth that leadership is not about gender, but about competence, character, capacity, inclusiveness, and genuine commitment to service.
I remain inspired by the dedication, brilliance, and contributions of women in the legal profession, and I strongly believe that the future of the Nigerian Bar must be built on collaboration, mutual respect, innovation, and purposeful leadership.
I sincerely thank AWLA Enugu State Branch for the honour, hospitality, and opportunity to share ideas on the future of legal practice in our rapidly evolving world. Together, we can build a stronger, more progressive, and more responsive Bar for all lawyers.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe SAN
Past Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch
Candidate, NBA Presidential Election 2026
