Nigeria Legal Awards 2024 Rolls Out Red Carpet for 13th Edition

By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com |
posted June 07, 2024

The 13th Nigerian Legal Awards (NLA), organized by ESQ Legal Practice Magazine and Mr. Lere Fashola, will be held on July 7, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigerias. With the theme: “Flamboyantly Nigerian,” the event aims to celebrate excellence and the impact of lawyers on Nigeria’s development.

During a press conference held on Tuesday at the NBA Centre, High Court, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Fashola outlined the timeline for the event, noting that this year’s awards will focus on the impact and innovations of the recipients in promoting legal practice within the changing socio-political landscape of Nigeria.

Importantly, he revealed that the evaluation process for the winners of awards in the various categories will be overseen by carefully selected unbiased panelists to ensure transparency.

On the D-day, the evening will begin with a red carpet opening at 5:00 PM, promising an evening of elegance, celebration, and recognition.

According to Mr. Lere Fashola, “The Nigerian Legal Awards, now in its 13th edition, represents a beacon of excellence within the Nigerian legal landscape. Established by ESQ Legal Practice Magazine, these awards celebrate the pivotal role of lawyers as catalysts for economic prosperity and societal development. They serve as a platform for spotlighting exceptional achievements, innovation, and unwavering dedication within the legal profession.”

Since its inception, the Nigerian Legal Awards (NLA) has become a sterling benchmark for the legal profession in Nigeria. Fully supported and endorsed by the Nigerian Bar Association, British Nigerian Law Forum, and the Nigerian Lawyers Association (USA), the event also enjoys support from prominent corporations like Coca Cola Plc, Seven Up Plc, Cadbury Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Fan Milk Plc, among others.

The organizers have disclosed that the Nigerian Legal Awards 2024 will feature 26 categories, covering a diverse range of sections. These categories honor excellence across various aspects of legal practice, including (1) practice-based awards for law firms, (2) corporate in-house categories for in-house lawyers, (3) recognition of rising stars under 40, and (4) editor’s merit awards for outstanding legal icons. In each category, efforts are deliberately designed to celebrate the exemplary achievements and contributions of the legal professionals.

Over the years, the Nigerian Legal Awards have had a profound impact on the legal profession, by not only showcasing the achievements of Nigerian legal professionals on the global stage but also, has become a veritable resource platform for networking and access to interactive opportunities for Nigerian lawyers in the global legal community

The NLA has recognized and honored numerous legal icons and trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and society. Some of the past recipients of various categories at this prestigious award event include former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON (2019); Honourable Justice Muhammed Uwais GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON, former Governor of Ondo State (2015); Chief Mrs Folake Solanke SAN, First Female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Sandie Okoro, Former Vice President and General Counsel of the World Bank (2019); Ms. Beatrice Hamza Bassey, Group General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Atlas Mara Limited (2021) and Prof. Yinka Omorogbe SAN, the General Counsel and Company Secretary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (now former).

Other awardees are Mr. Kofo Salam Alada, Director Legal, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Tinuade Awe, General Consel and Company Secretary, Nigerian Exchange (Now Former), the late Abimbola Ogunbanjo CON, Chairman of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (2018); Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN CFR (2017); Chief Afe Babalola SAN (2014); Chief Mrs Pricilia Kuye First Female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (2010); Chief Mrs Hairat Balogun OON. (2010); Mr. Gbenga Oyebode MFR, Myma Bello Osagie and Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and other esteemed individuals and stakeholders.

Overall, the organizer of the Nigerian Legal Awards (NLA), ESQ Legal Practice Magazine, has been acknowledged by legal professionals as a leading publication dedicated to promoting excellence, integrity, and professionalism within the legal profession in Nigeria. Through their awards, special events, publications, empowerment, training, and other initiatives, they have continued to inspire and empower legal practitioners with the information and critical peer review resources needed to meet the digital challenges of modern society.

The driving force behind this initiative to continually celebrate lawyers for their positive contributions is Mr. Lere Fashola. As the Publisher of ESQ Legal Practice Magazine, Co-Founder and CEO of ESQ Trainings Limited, and Convener of the Nigerian Legal Awards, Fashola said, “I’m committed to providing a platform for legal practitioners to achieve excellence and economic well-being through their professional endeavors.”