NBA-SLP 2025 Conference Young Lawyers Sponsorship: The Display and Sharing of Names and Pictures of the Sponsored Young Lawyers on NBA Platforms is Demeaning and Unacceptable. 

Mary Akanbi

April 24, 2025

By Olumide Martins Esq

I understand how the worsening Nigerian economic situation has affected both citizens and the legal profession, especially the Young Lawyers who have to survive through the prevalent  economic hardship on a daily basis. So, when NBA organizes conferences such as NBA AGC, NBA-SLP and other fora programs and events which support lawyers, particularly the Young Lawyers, with continuing legal education, professional development and networking opportunities  and Young Lawyers are unable to afford such fees and other logistics implications, it always provides an opportunity for sponsorship by Senior Lawyers. Taking into consideration the current economic complexities and realities, I do not blame Young Lawyers that take advantage of such sponsorship openings whenever it presents itself.

However, I strongly object to the display of sponsored young lawyers’ names and pictures on NBA platforms. This suggests a hidden agenda and ulterior motive behind the sponsorship. I believe that young lawyers should demand better welfare and treatment and stop presenting themselves to Bar politicians as willing tools to be flagrantly exploited and manipulated to secure political ambitions. After this, what next – we go back to the status quo???

It would have been a different case if the lawyers themselves came out to show their appreciation. This just goes to show that the sponsorship is nothing but a thinly veiled power play.

We have heard of senior lawyers sponsoring young lawyers to attend events, pursue professional courses and degrees within and outside Nigeria, without them coming out to say what they did. For a  senior member of the bar to descend that low to score political point says a lot and leaves me with many unanswered questions as to what value he will bring to young lawyers should he lead our prestigious bar.

I therefore plead and urge the Young Lawyers to henceforth demand for policies that will improve the welfare of Young Lawyers and the overall interest of the bar.