Olumide Akpata Has Played Notable Roles in the NBA" Alhaji Femi Okunnu, SAN, CON, Endorses Olumide Akpata for NBA President
I, Lateef Olufemi Okunnu, SAN CON, unreservedly endorse Olumide Akpata for the position of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Our country Nigeria was shaped by the vigor and strength of youth. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Tafawa Balewa were all in their 40s when Nigeria attained independence.
I was in my mid-20s when on the platform of the Nigeria Union of Great Britain and Ireland with 33 branches in the UK and Ireland, we joined the struggle for the independence of Nigeria in the 1950s. And I was in my early 30s as a Federal Minister when we developed Nigeria’s infrastructure between 1967 and 1974. We did all these with clear vision and unrivaled tenacity obtainable in our passionate young age.
The Nigeria we have today is in decline and the elders must pave the way for the young people to rebuild this country. This also applies to the legal profession. It is time we allow the likes of the brilliant and energetic Olumide Akpata to take over the reins of leadership of our Association. We cannot wait any longer and the time for the shift is now.
I do not make this endorsement lightly for I know one or two other contenders. In endorsing Olumide, however, I have taken note of young age, his unparalleled capacity for hard work and stellar performance. Besides the other notable roles he has played at the NBA, , I can personally attest to the fact that Olumide Akpata judiciously and credibly served on the NBA Lagos Branch Building Committee which I chaired many years ago.
Anyone who comes in contact with Olumide Akpata will very quickly discern that he is endowed with qualitative leadership traits, which I daresay the Bar desperately needs at this time.
Olumide Akpata definitely has what it takes. He stands tall among the pack.
I therefore commend, endorse and recommend him for the position of President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
-Alhaji Olufemi Okunnu, SAN CON
