ERSTWHILE CHAIRMAN OF THE NBA-SBL YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM LAUDS AKPATA, SAYS YOUNG LAWYERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A CONSTANT CONCERN FOR HIM
The last few weeks have seen a barrage of campaigning for the position of the NBA President and as we approach the election, some might ask why Olu Akpata is the right person for this significant position.
In February 2017, Olumide Akpata, the then NBA-SBL Chairman asked me to be the Chairperson of the NBA-SBL Young Lawyers Forum and proceeded to itemize his plans for young lawyers (as well as law students) for almost an hour. That became a constant subject whenever we spoke, “Madam Chair, what are your plans for young lawyers this month?” This was usually followed by a number of suggestions on the technical or soft skills activities we could achieve. Working with Olu, you are encouraged to believe you can accomplish any task as he fosters potential and growth.
‘Olu For All’ isn’t just a collection of words, he works tirelessly to ensure young lawyers are constantly afforded development opportunities whilst also encouraging senior colleagues to invest in the future of the profession through assisting with said development. He did not delegate these tasks but personally took up the mantle of ensuring seminars, internship as well as mentorship were made available for the new wigs; the NBA-SBL Mentorship program was one of the last projects he pushed for with the YLF. With the right support, I believe Olu will push for the necessary upgrade we need to get our profession operating on a productive trajectory particularly, with the present difficulty facing the World.
-Bukki Olabiyi, 2017-2019 Chairperson NBA-SBL Young Lawyers Forum (YLF)
