Stories by Steve Aya
Gavel International Magazine will honour six outstanding Nigerian Lawyers with Lifetime Achievement Awards at its Annual Lecture and Awards scheduled for November 17, 2026, in recognition of their excellent contributions to the authorized career, Civil Society and nationwide improvement.
The Awardees embody a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and human rights advocate, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; constitutional Lawyer, Mr Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; and former pioneer Chairman of the NBA Section on Business Law, Mr George Etomi.
Others are property and housing knowledgeable, Mr Kayode Filani, and environmental rights Lawyer, Mr Inuro Wills.
The awards type a part of the Ernest Sesei Ikoli Foundation/Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards, an initiative designed to have fun distinguished Nigerians whose skilled achievements and public service have made vital contributions to society.
Gavel International, a web based information platform with a particular give attention to legislation, the administration of justice and the rule of legislation, maintains that an efficient justice system and respect for the rule of legislation, are indispensable to nationwide improvement.
The platform started its annual lecture sequence in 2015 with the general public presentation of For the Love of Their Nation: Lawyers as Agents of Change in Nigeria, authored by its writer, Mr Mustapha Adekunle Ogunsakin. The guide was offered by former Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN, whereas the overview was delivered by a former General Secretary of the NBA, Mr Dele Adesina, SAN.
Participants included main authorized practitioners and public commentators comparable to Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Mr Dele Adesina, SAN; Mr Femi Falana, SAN; Prof Chidi Anselm Odinkalu; Mr Richard Akinnola; Dr Reuben Abati; and Mrs Shola Shoyele. Prof Osinbajo additionally delivered the keynote deal with.
In 2024, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, delivered the keynote deal with at the annual lecture.
The fundamental lecture, titled The Judiciary because the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media and Legal Perspectives, was delivered by Mr Dele Adesina, SAN, a former NBA General Secretary and Life Bencher. The occasion was chaired by outstanding company Lawyer, Mr Gbenga Oyebode, MFR.
The 2025 lecture centered on The Impact of National Security Policies on Vulnerable Communities: A Human Rights Perspective. It was delivered by famend authorized practitioner, Prof Yusuf Ali, SAN.
Meanwhile, all of the Awardees have formally accepted the honours.
In a letter dated September 9, 2026, Dr Agbakoba expressed gratitude to Gavel International, for recognising his contributions to human rights and civil liberties. He described the Award as each a private honour, and a renewed duty to advance justice and defend basic rights.
“I accept this award, not merely as a personal achievement, but as a renewed responsibility to continue supporting the cause of justice and human rights”, he mentioned.
The former NBA President additionally acknowledged the contributions of colleagues, mentors, relations, associates and organisations whose assist, he mentioned, had helped form his work and achievements. He expressed explicit appreciation to the organisers for contemplating his contributions worthy of recognition, including that he hoped his journey would encourage youthful Nigerians to defend justice, defend weak individuals and promote the dignity and rights of each human being.
The November 17 occasion is anticipated to deliver collectively main figures from the authorized career, media, public service and different sectors to mirror on the administration of justice and have fun distinguished service to the nation.
