The annual seminar of the Young Lawyers Forum of the NBA Benin Branch held on 13 December 2019 amidst much conviviality. It was an eye opening event attended by a host of important dignitaries.
Distinguished members of the bar and bench as well as other distinguished guests attended the seminar including Templars’ Partner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Omoaka who was also the keynote speaker at the Seminar.
Other panelists at the event included Dr Gabriel Arishe, Mrs Foy-Yamah, Mrs Theareser Eghe-Abe, Mr. Enahoro Aghomon, Mr Abraham Oviawe and Mr President Aigbokhan.
The Forum also seized the opportunity to present an award of excellence to Mr Akpata, in recognition of his stewardship and long-standing contributions to the Branch and his commitment to the development of young lawyers. The award was received on Mr Akpata’s behalf by Mr Omoaka, SAN, a partner in Templars, a leading commercial law firm in the country where Mr. Akpata is also a Senior Partner.
Speaking on the rationale for the award given to Mr Akpata, the chairman of the YLF Benin Branch, Mr Jude Ogbeide extolled Mr Akpata as a silent achiever and a mentor who has over time contributed immensely to the growth of Young lawyers in the Benin Bar by various acts which he has carried out. Mr Ogbeide said that the award bestowed on Mr Akpata was long overdue and that Mr Akpata espoused the finest traditions of the Bar that every young Lawyer should aspire to.
Mr Omoaka, SAN who received the award on behalf of Mr Akpata sent felicitations to the YLF Benin on behalf of Mr Akpata and assured of Mr Akpata’s unflinching and unwavering commitment in the face of numerous challenges to the development of Young lawyers in Nigeria.
The seminar then climaxed with an end of year party.
