As the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch, popularly known as the Unity Bar, hosts its 2025 Annual Law Week, former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, has extended a goodwill message, calling on legal practitioners to embrace innovation and explore new frontiers. He commended the theme of the event, “Unlocking Opportunities: New Frontiers,” describing it as timely in light of the nation’s evolving legal and socio-economic realities.
Citing the iconic words of Lord Denning in Parker v. Parker (1953), Akangbe emphasized the need for the legal profession to move beyond traditional boundaries. He urged lawyers to courageously engage with emerging areas such as technology, policy innovation, and global best practices. Concluding his message, he encouraged participants to use the Law Week as a platform for strategic collaboration and reform-driven dialogue that would reposition the legal profession as a catalyst for national development.
Read full statement below;
GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NBA ABUJA BRANCH (UNITY BAR) ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 2025 ANNUAL LAW WEEK
I extend my warmest felicitations to the Chairman, Executive, and entire membership of the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) on the occasion of your Annual Law Week.
The theme, “Unlocking Opportunities: New Frontiers,” could not be more timely. In a legal and socio-economic climate marked by uncertainty, lawyers must courageously explore new paradigms, embrace innovation, and engage meaningfully with emerging frontiers—technology, policy, and global best practices.
May we be reminded of the words of Lord Denning in Parker v. Parker (1953) 2 All E.R. 121: “If we never do anything which has not been done before, we shall never get anywhere. The law will stand still while the rest of the world goes on…”
Let this Law Week serve not just as reflection, but as a rallying call for strategic collaboration and reform-minded advocacy.
May your deliberations birth ideas that transcend the moment and reposition the legal profession as a dynamic driver of national progress.
I wish you a successful and impactful Law Week.
LATEEF OMOYEMI AKANGBE, SAN, FCIArb(UK).
Former Chairman NBA Lagos Branch
