𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 – 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚

Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has urged the legal community to empower young lawyers to take active roles in shaping the emerging global legal landscape.

Fashola made the call while delivering a keynote address at the NBA Unity Bar Young Lawyers Forum Summit in Abuja, themed “The Business of a Lawyer: Discovering the Gems Beyond the Courtroom.” He emphasized that as industries evolve, young lawyers must seize opportunities in advisory services, due diligence, contract drafting, and other specialized areas of legal practice.

According to a statement released by the Forum on Saturday, Fashola highlighted that the profession’s growth lies in recognizing its business dimension. He urged young practitioners to embrace innovation and adaptability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The YLF Abuja Branch Chairman, Najib Waziri, explained that the summit focused on opportunities for lawyers in aviation, maritime, e-commerce, creative industries, and the extractive sectors. He stressed the need for young lawyers to position themselves as problem-solvers capable of carving out distinct professional niches.

Also present at the event, NBA Abuja Branch Chairman, Steve Emelieze, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to guiding new entrants into the profession, noting that thousands join the Bar annually and require proper mentorship to thrive.

The summit drew over 500 participants, including senior lawyers and public figures such as NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), Barr. Marry Tufano-Eche, and lawmakers Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, Ibrahim Bello Muhammed, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, and Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Summit Planning Committee Chairman, Ekpa Stanley Ekpa, expressed optimism that the event would help participants discover opportunities in technology, the fame economy, and aviation.

Panel sessions explored diverse themes such as “The Business of a Lawyer in the Aviation and Maritime Sectors,” “E-Commerce, Talent Management and Creativity: The Business of a Lawyer in the Fame Economy,” and “The Extractive Industries.”

Speakers collectively emphasized the critical role of lawyers in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation and maintaining ethical excellence in service delivery.