NBA-SBL Announces Historic Leadership Handover
Following the resounding success of the 2024 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) held in Abuja in June, the NBA-SBL has officially transitioned its leadership, marking a historic moment in the Section’s 20-year history. Dr. Adeoye Adefulu who served as the chairman for the NBA-SBL in the last 2 years, has officially handed over the mantle of leadership to Mrs. Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, who served as his Vice-Chair for part of his tenure; making her the first woman in 13 years and the second woman ever to assume the position of the Chairperson of the NBA-SBL.
The official handover ceremony took place at the Annual General Meeting of the NBA-SBL, at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, on the 28th of August, 2024, with members and stakeholders in attendance to witness this historic milestone. Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, Mrs. Ogiemudia expressed her deep sense of honour in assuming the role, acknowledging the pioneering efforts of previous predecessors, saving Mrs. Mfon Usoro the first female Chair of the NBA-SBL for the last. “It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of Mrs. Usoro and to be the second woman to hold this esteemed position. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors as we continue to advance the practice of business law in Nigeria,” Mrs. Ogiemudia stated.
Dr. Adefulu’s leadership maintained the high standards set by past Chairs while also raising the bar for the future. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including the launch of the popular Business Law Weekly webinar series that provides free knowledge sharing on various topical issues at 2pm on Thursdays, the successful organization of a Northern Zonal Conference in October 2023 and an Eastern Zonal Conference in March 2024 and two Annual International Business Law conference. Under his guidance, the SBL remained a beacon of excellence in the legal community, consistently delivering impactful programs and initiatives and championing legislative and regulatory advocacy. With Mrs. Ogiemudia now at the helm, the Section is poised for continued growth and innovation, driven by her vision and passion.
In her inaugural speech, Mrs. Ogiemudia emphasized the importance of innovation, education, and capacity building as cornerstones of her leadership. She highlighted the role of the NBA-SBL in shaping the landscape of business law in Nigeria, particularly in an era marked by rapid change and global integration. “Our responsibilities are both challenging and crucial as we navigate this dynamic environment,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking Section.
The leadership team under Mrs. Ogiemudia includes Baba Alokolaro as Vice Chair and Ayoyinka Olajide Awosedo as Secretary, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their new roles. The Annual General Meeting of the NBA-SBL was a celebration of the NBA-SBL’s legacy and a look forward to its future under an exciting new leadership.
About NBA-SBL
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) is a specialized section of the Nigerian Bar Association focused on advancing the practice and development of business law in Nigeria. The NBA-SBL hosts an annual business law conference that serves as a platform for legal professionals to engage with contemporary issues in business law, policy, and regulation.