A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chukwudi Enebili, has raised concerns over the continued erosion of ethical standards in the legal profession, describing the trend as worrisome and dangerous to the future of justice in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch centre, on Friday, Enebili, who chairs the 2025 Law Week Planning Committee, said the nation was going through a “trying period,” which had also taken its toll on the legal profession.
“We are going through a very trying period, not just as a country but also within our profession.
“That is why the theme this year was chosen to remind us where we are as professionals and as Nigerians,” he said.
The 2025 edition of the NBA Ikeja Annual Law Week is themed “Preserving the Legal Profession for Tomorrow.”
Enebili described the theme as “both timely and necessary,” given the observed decline in professionalism and ethical conduct among legal practitioners in recent years.
The week-long event began on Friday, July 11, with a Jumat prayer at the Old Secretariat Mosque.
On Sunday, a church thanksgiving service was held at the Bar Centre.
An opening cocktail is scheduled for Monday, July 14, at 5:00 pm, also at the Bar Centre.
The flagship plenary session will take place on Tuesday, July 15, at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, delivering the keynote address.
In addition, the day will feature a special “Young Lawyer Session” themed “Walking Steadily to the Top” a showcase of 30 young legal professionals who have made significant accomplishments in the courtroom.
The evening will close with the chairman’s dinner in honour of Chief Emeka Ozoani (SAN).
On Wednesday, July 16, plenary sessions will resume at the Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, with a keynote address by Prof Fabian Ajogwu (SAN).
Other speakers lined up for the event are Prof Kemi Pinheiro (SAN); Prof Foluke Dada, Dean of Law, Caleb University; and Oyinkansola Badejo-Olusanya.
Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Mr Dele Adesina (SAN) are also expected to speak during the various sessions.
The Law Week will climax with the Alao Aka-Bashorun Memorial Lecture on Thursday, July 17, at Providence Hotel.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Adeniyi Quadri, said this year’s Law Week would take a deep look at the future of the profession and explore ways to preserve its legacy and integrity.
Quadri said as part of its highlights, the week-long event has, over the years, been a platform both for consistent stimulation of ideas and critical engagement with pressing national and international socio-political issues.
“This Law Week is not just another gathering. It’s a call to action. We are focusing on strategies to safeguard the future of the legal profession because if we don’t act now, we may not have much left to protect,” he said.
Credit: punchng.com
