In a compelling endorsement, Muyiwa Ayojimi, Partner at D.C.& A and Co-Founder of The Society for Notaries Public, has publicly thrown his support behind Tobenna Erojikwe for the upcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election. Ayojimi’s endorsement provides a personal insight into Erojikwe’s character and leadership style, offering a unique perspective to NBA members as they consider their choice for the association’s next president.
Ayojimi began his endorsement by recounting his first interaction with Erojikwe in June 2022. Despite never having met before, Ayojimi reached out to Erojikwe regarding a speaking opportunity for the Society for Notaries Public at the upcoming NBA Conference. Ayojimi recalled the conversation:
“Me: My name is Muyiwa Ayojimi i am your colleague and i co-founded the Society for Notaries Public here in Nigeria. I would like that this Society be given the opportunity to speak to Lawyers at the forthcoming NBA Conference in August.
Tobe: the society for notaries?
Me: Yes please! Are you a notary public?
Tobe: No. But I have not heard that before. So, what do you want to say to the lawyers because this is June and our program has been finalized.”
Despite the late request and the finalized program, Erojikwe showed openness to the idea, responding, “This sounds interesting, can you please put this together in a brief for me and i would share with my team for consideration and let us see and talk my brother.”
This interaction, according to Ayojimi, led to a significant opportunity for the society: “The Society did not only get a speaking opportunity at the conference, it featured on Day 1 of the conference and to an array of lawyers like the Matriarch of the Nigeria Bar and first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria- Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke SAN, CON, Mr. Alex Muoka amongst others, it was an impactful time to charge colleagues on the Society’s mission to professionalize, promote excellence and integrity in Notarial Practice in Nigeria.”
Ayojimi emphasised three key leadership attributes demonstrated by Erojikwe:
“Firstly, Tobenna is very accessible. Secondly, he has the ability to identify opportunities and maximise them for the benefit of all. Thirdly, he is always ready to give anyone wings to fly. Tobenna Erojikwe has shown these attributes and more not only on this occasion but at several times.”
The endorsement goes on to laud Erojikwe’s character and vision for the NBA: “Tobenna Erojikwe embodies the qualities of leadership, dedication, and vision that are essential for guiding our association towards a future of unparalleled success and influence.”
Ayojimi expressed his strong support, saying, “It is with great enthusiasm and unwavering conviction that I express my full support for Tobenna Erojikwe as the next President of our esteemed NBA, and I encourage you to do so as well.”
He further added, “Tobenna Erojikwe is not just a candidate; he is the kind of leader our association needs at this pivotal moment. His vision, experience, dedication, and commitment to inclusivity make him the ideal choice for President of the NBA.”
Addressing his colleagues directly, Ayojimi stated, “Dear Colleagues and Seniors, It is with great enthusiasm and unwavering conviction that I express my full support for Tobenna Erojikwe as the next president of our esteemed NBA, and I encourage you to do so as well.”
Concluding his endorsement, Ayojimi called for unity and progress within the NBA: “Together, under the exemplary leadership of Tobenna Erojikwe, we can build a stronger, more dynamic, and more influential NBA.”
The endorsement ends with a campaign slogan that encapsulates Erojikwe’s perceived strengths: “TOBENNA: Uniting Strength, Igniting Excellence.”
This robust endorsement from Ayojimi, a respected figure in the Nigerian legal community and co-founder of the Society for Notaries Public, is expected to significantly impact Erojikwe’s campaign. It provides NBA members with a personal account of Erojikwe’s leadership style, accessibility, and vision for the association, potentially influencing their decision in the upcoming election.
As the NBA presidential race heats up, endorsements like this one from key figures in the legal community will likely play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around each candidate. The election outcome will determine the future direction of the Nigerian Bar Association, making each endorsement and campaign message critical in the days to come.
