At the NBA Ikeja Branch’s November Knowledge Sharing Session, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, OFR, SAN, presented a thought-provoking paper on “Succession Planning in Legal Practice,” captivating an audience of senior and junior lawyers alike. In his lecture, Dr. Pinheiro underscored the importance of strategic planning to ensure the longevity and resilience of legal practices. The Knowledge Sharing Session held during the November Meeting of the NBA Ikeja branch on Monday, November 4, 2024.
With his usual depth and academic rigor, Dr. Pinheiro emphasized how crucial succession planning is for every practitioner, regardless of age or rank within the Bar. He stressed that having well-thought-out succession plans is vital for building enduring legal practices that can continue to provide high-quality services long after their founders have moved on.
He also advocated for partnerships as a strategic way to create stronger, more resilient firms. Dr. Pinheiro warned against the typical “one-man-show” model often seen in Nigeria, sharing examples of practices that collapsed when their founders passed away or became incapacitated. He argued that partnerships offer a more stable and profitable business structure.
Encouraging young lawyers to think ahead, Dr. Pinheiro shared personal encountere from his early career, illustrating the importance of developing succession strategies. He pointed to successful law firms that had implemented such plans, allowing for smooth transitions even after the loss or retirement of their founders.
The turnout for the event was very impressive, with NBA Ikeja Branch members and senior colleagues from other branches present. NBA Ikeja Branch Chairman Mr. Seyi Olawunmi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Pinheiro for his invaluable contributions, both intellectual and financial, towards the Branch’s growth.
This Knowledge Sharing Session has undoubtedly inspired attendees to take significant steps in securing the legacy of their legal practices. The information was circulated via WhatsApp by the Publicity Secretary of the branch, Adelaja Patrick Agboola, Esq. AICMC, ensuring that even those unable to attend could benefit from Dr. Pinheiro’s valuable insights.
The national power grid appeared to have collapsed again on Tuesday.
Checks by our correspondent confirmed that the grid lost power generation around 1:39 pm.
As of 1 pm, power generation was 2,711 megawatts, having previously peaked at 3,631 MW.
Earlier, power generation peaked at 3,934.77 MW around six o’clock in the morning.
However, between 2 pm and 3 pm, hourly generation dropped to 0.00 MW.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria confirmed that “the national grid experienced a partial disturbance at about 1:52 pm today, 5th November 2024.”
TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah said, “This followed a series of line and generator trippings that caused instability in the grid and, consequently, the partial disturbance of the system.”
She stated that data from the National Control Centre revealed that a part of the grid was not affected by the bulk power disruption.
“TCN engineers are already working to quickly restore bulk power supply to the states affected by the partial disturbance. Presently, bulk power supply has been restored to Abuja at 2:49 pm, and we are gradually restoring it to other parts of the country.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our electricity customers,” she said.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday arrested Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate-past governor of Delta state.
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, was arrested over alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.
Daily Sun gathered that the amount is part of the 13 percent derivation fund set aside for oil-producing states, including Delta State.
Sources in EFCC, told Daily Sun that the funds were allegedly diverted between 2015 and 2023.
The former governor, Okowa, was arrested yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, when he reported to the EFCC office following an invitation over the matter.
The former governor is also being probed over another N40 billion allegedly used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas — a facility being developed by UTM Offshore Limited in Akwa Ibom state.
Okowa was said to have failed to account for the utilisation of the alleged funds. The anti-graft agency is also investigating Okowa over the alleged diversion of funds “to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba.”
The Zamfara State Government has provided financial aid to students sponsored to Cyprus International University by the previous administration led by former Governor Bello Muhammed Matawalle, expressing concern over the difficulties faced by the students.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, highlighted the challenges these students encountered, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability.
“The present administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dauda Lawal, is committed to addressing the grievances of these students, It is essential to set the record straight and clarify the issues surrounding their sponsorship,” Madawaki stated.
According to him, the Matawalle administration sponsored 93 Zamfara indigenes to study various courses at the university in 2020.
However, he noted that the sponsorship process was marred by “dishonesty and outright selfishness.” He criticised the lack of a documented Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the university, stating, “No documentary evidence exists that outlines the responsibilities of each party in this arrangement.” The commissioner revealed that a consultant was hired to negotiate the students’ admissions and arrangements with the university, which included a “full package” deal that entailed accommodation and feeding costs being handled by the university.
“Unfortunately, the students were charged for meals they did not receive, and this has contributed to their hardships,” he added.
Madawaki said the challenges worsened in 2022 when the Matawalle administration ceased funding for the students, leaving them to face severe financial constraints and accumulating debts.
“The previous administration left these students at the mercy of the university, which took advantage of the poor arrangement,” Madawaki lamented.
The commissioner pointed out that in response to the situation, Governor Dauda Lawal took significant steps to alleviate the students’ plight, following a meeting with the university officials, the Zamfara State government initiated payments to cover outstanding tuition and accommodation fees.
“On November 13, 2023, we sent N84.7 million to the university as part of the tuition fees. Additionally, N30.9 million was provided to student leaders to cover accommodation costs for the next three to six months,” Madawaki stated.
Despite these efforts, issues with the university’s billing practices persisted, Madawaki said, detailing findings from a recent delegation sent to Cyprus to address these matters.
“We discovered discrepancies in the students’ accounts and that the university had placed students under deportation orders. The Nigerian Embassy is currently addressing this situation with the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he added.
He also pointed out systemic failures within the university’s bursary department, which reportedly withheld crucial information regarding payments and mismanaged student accounts.
“There are elements of dishonesty and insincerity that must be addressed,” he said.
He stressed that in light of these challenges, the Zamfara State government is working diligently to restore normalcy for the affected students, including settling outstanding fees for accommodation and feeding allowances, as well as renewing students’ expired passports and residency permits.
He added that Governor Lawal’s administration has also been commended for addressing outstanding scholarship payments for students in India and those at Crescent University in Abeokuta.
“We are committed to rectifying the wrongs of the past administration,” Maigatari concluded, emphasizing the government’s dedication to supporting the educational aspirations of Zamfara indigenes.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to wipe out poverty in Nigeria.
Sani made this known at a town hall meeting and sensitization event for the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund and Loans Scheme for SSMEs, organised by the Federal Government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry in Kaduna on Tuesday.
He was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Mr Ibrahim Muhammad.
He said, the fund, which includes the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and loan options for MSMEs, is designed to boost Nigeria’s economy by empowering local entrepreneurs.
Ikeja Golf Club to sue building control agency over ‘invasion’ Blackout: How Air Force bombed terrorists during restoration of electricity to North “This massive presidential initiative is proof that President Tinubu is a listening leader.
“Through these stimulus packages, small businesses and manufacturing enterprises will be revitalized, significantly benefiting both sub-national economies and Nigeria as a whole.”
He also emphasised the importance of MSMEs in driving job creation, innovation, and economic resilience, noting that Kaduna’s government is committed to fostering a supportive environment for businesses.
The governor praised the timing of the fund, calling it a valuable support for Kaduna State’s ongoing efforts to boost the local economy, create jobs, and encourage entrepreneurial growth.
He urged all stakeholders to spread awareness of the initiative to maximize its impact.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Caroline Bala, one of the beneficiaries of the grant, expressed gratitude for the financial assistance that enabled her to start a soya milk business after losing her previous job.
Bala said that her business has been thriving, with daily earnings between 10,000 to 15,000 Naira.
She urged the organisers to sustain the initiative and ensure that deserving citizens continue to benefit from the grant, which she described as a life-changing opportunity.
Another beneficiary, Mr Albert Ibrahim, said he utilised the grant to purchase herbicides for his farm, resulting in a bumper harvest.
He expressed hope that others would also have the chance to benefit from this scheme. Similarly, Summayya Ibrahim thanked the government for the support, adding that she looked forward to more assistance to enable wider outreach to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Muktar Aliyu, a cartoonist, said he used his grant to purchase specialisee software to enhance his creative work.
He also expressed appreciation for the scheme, noting that it has greatly impacted his career.
Additionally, Mrs. Joy Oghiadomhe of the Bank of Industry outlined the eligibility criteria for both the grant and loan schemes, emphasizing the administration’s intent to tackle economic challenges through MSMEs as a key sector for development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 100 beneficiaries in Kaduna received grants under this initiative.
Former Law editor and member of the editorial board of Daily Independent newspapers, Barrister Adam Adedimeji, has emerged Chairman, Lawyers in the Media (LIM).
Adedimeji was elected as the new leader of LIM, a forum of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) during an election virtually held on Monday, by the founding members.
The following candidates were elected: ADAM ADEDIMEJI Esq. – Chairman; SANDRA UMEH – Vice Chairman; ADELANWA BAMGBOYE – Secretary; JUDE IGBANOI – Treasurer; GBOLAHAN GBADAMOSI – Ex Officio i; CHARLES ODENIGBO – Ex Officio ii; JOHN UNACHUKWU – Ex Officio iii.
Adam Adedimeji a trained lawyer, journalist, and certified Islamic scholar, was LIM Secretary-General between 2014 – 2018. A media law practice and legislative drafting professional was until August 2024, a Senior Legislative Aide with the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja.
He is a Senior Partner at Blackstone Legal Chambers. An Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, he obtained his Law Degrees from Bayero University, Kano, University of Abuja, and the Nigerian Law School (NLS) and was a recipient of University scholarship during his undergraduate years.
His experience with Litigation and Corporate practice began in the firm of Dr. Abdulateef Adegbite and Co. and was for a brief period underwent tutelage with Adegboyega Awomolo SAN and Co law firm. Author of many legal and political articles and contributor to local and international journals, he was for many years Law Editor and Editorial Board member at Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of Independent titles.
An active member of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA; International Bar Association IBA and Commonwealth Lawyers Association CLA. He is also on the editorial board of ‘Bar News’, a conference journal of the Nigerian Bar Association.
A certified Islamic Scholar, author, and research fellow, Adam was for many years a tutor of Arabic language and Islamic Jurisprudence at the famous Arabic and Islamic Training Institute, Markaz, Agege, Lagos. While there, he served at one time or the other as PRO, Sermon Translator, and later Private Secretary to Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory (1917 – 1992), the internationally acclaimed Islamic Scholar and writer, founder of Markaz and the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland.
The minors detained over their involvement in #EndBadGovernance protests have been released from detention.
It was learnt that the minors who were released on Tuesday morning were being taken to Aso Rock to foster their reunion with their families.
The release of the minors was in compliance with the order made by President of Bola Tinubu on Monday Tinubu had instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to take all necessary steps to secure the immediate release of minors held by the Nigeria Police in connection with recent protests.
He also tasked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has been tasked with facilitating the safe return of the minors to their families.
Similarly, the Inspector- General of Police ordered a probe of the alleged maltreatment of the minors in detention.
Controversial social media personality and crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky has finally left the country hours after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody.
The crossdresser shared the update in a series of posts on his Instagram story on Monday morning. Announcing his departure in a now-trending video, he wrote, “See u soon Nigeria. Dis girl bought a first class ticket 3 times that is over 30 million. Raise bar for dis girl.”
Bobrisky successfully left Nigeria after two failed attempts. Bobrisky was re-arrested in Lagos last week by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at Murtala Mohammed International Airport while boarding a flight to London.
He was re-arrested a few days after his first arrest at the Seme border by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) while attempting to leave Nigeria. Bobrisky has been under investigation after an audio recording allegedly surfaced on social media in which he claimed to have bribed EFCC officers with N15 million.
Last week, he was detained by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Seme border while allegedly attempting to escape the country.
The cross-dresser has been under investigation after an audio recording surfaced in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed he was permitted to serve his six-month jail term outside of Kirikiri prison due to “influential connections”.
Scores of Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday, launching a large-scale protest over escalating fuel costs, chronic fuel shortages, and mounting economic hardship.
Led by Abdullahi Bilal of the (Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal) and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), the demonstrators demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.
Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.
The demonstrators condemned the current fuel subsidy regime, claiming it has only served to enrich a select few while leaving the majority struggling with high prices.
They called for full deregulation in the oil sector to ensure transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing.
Protesters also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.
They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.
Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.
They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.
Highlighting the impact of the fuel crisis on the economy, protesters cited inflation surpassing 24% and a 200% rise in fuel prices, factors they say are deepening poverty across the country.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens’ needs first. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.
Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal stated, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.
“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.
“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.
“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.
“We also demand an end to the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria. This harmful practice must stop immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable for the damage caused to our vehicles, businesses, and livelihoods.
“Nigerians have suffered long enough, wasting hours and days queuing for fuel. We demand a sustainable solution to the fuel scarcity crisis—no more excuses, no more delays. We deserve better.
“We also want to highlight the failure of the much-anticipated refinery. Nigerians were promised that this would solve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.
“This mismanagement has led to inflation reaching a shocking 24.5% as of November 2024. Fuel prices have increased by over 200%, plunging millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty.
“To the government, we say: enough is enough. Nigerians will not stand by while the oil cabal continues to thrive at the expense of our nation’s welfare. We demand accountability, and we demand it now.”
On their part, Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac, insisted: “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.
“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”
Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun
…As Uzoka-Anite assumes office as Minister of State Finance
Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief Nigeria’s economy is now at a new dawn of the threshold to attract investments, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has said.
He spoke this morning while welcoming the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who assumed office at the ministry, in Abuja, this morning.
Mr. Edun said that the two reforms (removal of fuel subsidy and the market determined foreign exchange rate) had opened the Nigerian economy to investors.
According to the minister, “All will be well as we go forward together to help complete the on-going economic reforms which are showing sustainability and signs of success.
“We do have for the first time in decades, the foreign exchange rate that is market-based. We do have market pricing of petroleum products. Those are the two fundamental reforms that were necessary and long over-due that Mr. President had the courage and boldness and dexterity socially and politically to implement and the determination to keep them implemented.
“So we stand on a threshold of a new dawn in terms of the ability of the economy to attract investment thereby increasing productivity, growing the GDP, creating jobs and reducing poverty.”
He said he and the staff were excited at the posting of Dr. Uzoka-Anite to the ministry as Minister of State.
His words, “They are excited at this opportunity to have a woman of elegance, substance, refinement and diligence and with a known passion for hard-work. So we thank Mr. President on behalf of the ministry for giving us the Minister of State. I thank him for giving me a helper. “I assure you of every support, encouragement and cooperation and let you know we want you to be free to express yourself, contribute and excel. As the Permanent Secretary of finance has said, we are all one family. “As President Bola Tinubu has always encouraged us, it’s all about consultation, cooperation, collaboration and team work. That is the basis of our efforts here together. And we are sure that you fit in smoothly. You will be like a duck going to the water.”
In her response, Dr. Uzoka-Anite who was formerly the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said she was apprehensive at the posting but determined to complement Mr. Edun and make a success of it, in the interest of the economy.
She said, “It’s a big privilege for me to be here to contribute to the development of Nigeria in this particular crucial sector-the finance sector. I just want to say that I am here to complement the efforts and the jobs that CME has been doing.
“It has been a challenging one year for you CME, especially since May 29 (2023) when the President took over and made that pronouncement. That was when that responsibility fell on your shoulders to guide and steer this economy towards economic stability and prosperity and also to make sure that the president’s vision and mandate to his people, especially during his campaign manifesto is materialized. “It’s a no small task that you have been given and coming to work with you, to be honest, I am a bit apprehensive. I know the amount of work and the pressure that you are under but again it is a privilege.
“I can only promise you sir, I am here to work with you, to support you, to complement your efforts to ensure that we achieve the mandate of his Excellency Mr. President and to uphold the honour and dignity of all Nigerians through your hard work.
“I am happy to be a part of your family and again to complement whatever everybody has been doing and I also look forward to more cooperation, collaboration, team and everything that will make us successful because when we succeed, Nigeria succeeds.”
