The crème of the Legal profession in Nigeria met on Saturday, November 30, 2019, for the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) Annual Dinner, welcoming the newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria and presenting the BOSAN Scholarship Awards.
In his remarks, the Key Note Speaker, Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, CON, noted the need to adopt a philosophy that helps to build corporate morale, rather than one that destroys self-confidence. He recalled that the Nigerian High Commission in the UK (2002) at the height of the noise identifying Nigeria mainly with advance fee fraud (4-1-9) practice, chose to promote a change in the narrative by seeking out and celebrating Nigerians who were performing impressively. He called for re-prioritisation and consolidation of efforts towards ensuring that Nigeria becomes a haven for the rule of law.
Also in attendance were the First Female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief ‘Folake Solanke, CON, SAN; Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke; Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN; Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, Chairman of Council of Legal Education; Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Hon. Justice Garba Lawal, JCA; Hon. Justice Aboki, JCA; Hon. Justice Coker of Lagos High Court; and Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, the Solicitor General of Lagos. The Chairman of the occasion, Chief ‘Folake Solanke CON, SAN, urged the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria to pursue Nationalism as a higher calling, for the cause of the well-being of humanity.
Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, the Chairman of Continuing Legal Education for the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), in his presentation, highlighted the aims and core values of BOSAN as Promoting professional responsibility, amongst members and maintaining and defending the professional integrity of the members of the Body; Promoting the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, the highest professional standards of legal practice, legal education and the advancement of advocacy and jurisprudence. Ajogwu highlighted the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics, conducts, etiquette and discipline; and ensuring and maintaining the dignity of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
The formal presentation of the 38 Newly Elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria was conducted by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, assisted by Mr. Lanre Onadekan, SAN. Prof. Ajogwu, SAN, noted that of the 120,000 lawyers in Nigeria, only 548 (approximately 0.46%) have been elevated to the position of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He implored all present to be aware that the burden of leadership lies heavy on the Senior Advocates of Nigeria, adding that to whom much is given, much more is truly expected.
Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) presented the Scholarship Awards, a scholarship recognising exceptional academic excellence through cumulative grade tests, to the BOSAN Scholars for the year 2019. The proud BOSAN Academics are Buloka Fatima Alada of the University of Ibadan, Comfort Nguher of the University of Jos, Chioma E. Echebiri of Babcock University, Unyime Anieti Akpan of Afe Babalola University, and Olajumoke Janet Sorungbe of the University of Lagos.
Secretary to BOSAN, Chief Seyi Sowemimo, SAN, and Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, SAN, commended the efforts of the members and committee heads of BOSAN.
