The President of the Nigerian Bar Association Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called on young legal practitioners across the country to embrace leadership with purpose and responsibility. He made this charge during the National Summit of the , held on April 23, 2026, in commemoration of the Forum’s 20th Anniversary. The event brought together young lawyers from across Nigeria, serving as both a celebration of two decades of impact and a platform for charting the future of the legal profession.
Addressing participants on the theme “Rising to Lead,” Osigwe emphasized that the future of the legal profession rests significantly on the preparedness, integrity, and commitment of its younger members. He underscored the need for intentional leadership built on competence, ethical standards, and continuous development, while urging young lawyers to take advantage of mentorship opportunities and remain resilient in an evolving professional landscape.
Read full statement below;
There are moments in the life of a profession when reflection meets responsibility, and the future calls boldly for leadership. The National Summit of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Forum, held on April 23, 2026 to commemorate its 20th Anniversary, was one of such defining moments. It was not only a celebration of two decades of impact, but a powerful reminder that the destiny of our profession is being shaped, even now, by the energy, vision, and commitment of its young lawyers.
Speaking on the theme “Rising to Lead,” I commended the leadership and members of the Forum for building and sustaining a vibrant platform that has consistently empowered, mentored, and advanced young lawyers across Nigeria.
I shared a simple but important message that leadership in our profession must be intentional. It must be rooted in competence, guided by integrity, and driven by service. The future of the Bar will be determined by the choices young lawyers make today, how prepared they are, how committed they remain to learning, and how firmly they uphold the ethics of our noble profession.
I encouraged young lawyers to see leadership not merely as a title, but as a responsibility, one that is earned through discipline, consistency, and a genuine commitment to impact.
In today’s rapidly changing world, resilience, adaptability, and innovation are no longer optional. They are essential. I urged members of the YLF to continue investing in their growth, seek mentorship, and embrace opportunities that will position them for excellence.
As I concluded, I called on every young lawyer to rise above limitations, pursue excellence relentlessly, and boldly prepare to lead, both within the Bar and in the broader society.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
