Presidential aspirant of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, has emphasized the need for the legal profession to intentionally raise lawyers who are not only intellectually competent but also fit and proper in character, discipline, and ethical responsibility. Akangbe made the remarks while participating as a panelist during the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association Garki Branch, where discussions focused on “Mentorship & The Fit and Proper Lawyer.”
Speaking during the panel session, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria highlighted the enduring importance of integrity, professionalism, mentorship, competence, and commitment to justice in shaping the future of legal practice in the 21st century. He commended the leadership and members of the NBA Garki Branch for organising a forward-looking Law Week themed “21st Century Lawyer: Growing, Thriving & Becoming,” noting that the future strength of the Nigerian Bar would largely depend on how effectively senior members mentor, inspire, and prepare younger lawyers to lead with courage, excellence, and integrity.
Read full statement below;
BUILDING A FIT AND PROPER BAR FOR THE FUTURE
LATEEF OMOYEMI AKANGBE, SAN CHARGES LAWYERS AT NBA GARKI LAW WEEK 2026
I was honoured to participate as a Panelist at the NBA Garki Branch (Liberty Bar) Law Week 2026 during Panel Session 3 themed “Mentorship & The Fit and Proper Lawyer.”
The session was a remarkable platform to engage with colleagues and young lawyers on the enduring values that define legal practice — integrity, competence, discipline, mentorship, professionalism, and ethical responsibility in an evolving legal landscape.
As we continue to shape the future of the Bar in the 21st century, it is imperative that we raise lawyers who are not only intellectually sound, but also fit and proper in character, conduct, and commitment to justice.
I commend the Chairman, Executive Committee, and members of the NBA Garki Branch for organising a forward-looking and impactful Law Week centred on the theme: “21st Century Lawyer: Growing, Thriving & Becoming.”
The future of the Nigerian Bar will depend greatly on how well we mentor, inspire, and prepare the next generation of lawyers to lead with excellence, courage, and integrity.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
Candidate, NBA Presidential Election 2026
