By Ladapo Kolade
His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Rivers State counterpart, His Excellency Governor Nyesom Wike are among the prominent Nigerians expected from all works of life to grace the 19th edition of the Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, Annual Lecture, aimed to preserve the outstanding legacies of the late human and civil rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
The Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, has almost for two decades rolled out the drums yearly to celebrate the greatness of Fawehinmi and his contribution to the development of law, legal profession and human rights protection. This year edition of the annual lecture is taking place on Sunday, 15th January, 2023 at the LAHL Bevent Centre of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikeja and is with the theme: “Free, Fair and Credible Election as Indispensable Tool for National Development.”
To speak on the topic of the day in honour of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the renowned lawyer, activist, writer, publisher, philanthropist and social critic is the United Nations’ International Elections Commissioner, Mrs. Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, a learned colleague. With Mr. Mike Igini, a colleague and former Resident Electoral Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State and Commodore Kunle Olawunmi, a Public Affairs Analyst & Commentator, as the discussants of the topic of the day.
Governor Sanwo-Olu will be the Chief host, the President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, will be the Host. The Chairman of the occasion will be Professor Akin Oyebode, former Vice Chancellor of University of Ado-Ekiti.
The Special guests of the day are the Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, Chief Judge of Lagos State and Governor Nyesom Wike, (Life Bencher) of River State.
The focus of the programme is on how to ensure free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, this could not have come at a better time. The guest speaker is experienced in the conduct of elections in Africa and beyond and is better placed to share her wealth of experience with Nigeria. The organizers intend to engage rapporteurs who will help out during the programme so it will be easy to transmit the helpful points that will be raised to the Nigerian local electoral body (Independent National Electoral Commission) INEC. This gesture will be part of NBA Ikeja’s modest contribution to finding lasting solutions to our country’s electoral challenges.
According to the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, the program promises to be memorable.
Patrick Agboola Esq
Publicity Secretary, NBA (IKEJA BRANCH)
