Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe Urges Lawyers to Innovate, Adapt, and Excel At Nnewi Law Week

 

The legal profession in Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and according to Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, now is the time for lawyers to rise to the occasion with courage, vision, and relentless self-improvement. This message took center stage at the 2025 Law Week celebration hosted by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nnewi Branch, in his honor.

Held under the theme “Facing the Future,” the event brought together legal minds from across the country, all drawn by the urgent need to discuss the evolving nature of legal practice in Nigeria. Osigwe, President of the NBA and one of the most prominent voices in legal reform today, used the platform to challenge the profession to rethink its role in an era marked by innovation, disruption, and new expectations.

Delivering his keynote address to an attentive audience, Osigwe made it clear that change is no longer a concept to prepare for in the distant future; it is already unfolding around the legal industry. He emphasized that lawyers must not merely react to change but must become active architects of the new legal order.

“Our profession is transforming, and we must transform with it,” Osigwe said. “To remain relevant, we need to cultivate the right mindset, deepen our knowledge, and sharpen our skills.” He highlighted the importance of being prepared, adaptable, and proactive, pointing out that legal practitioners must learn to recognize and seize emerging opportunities if they hope to thrive.

Far from delivering a routine speech, Osigwe offered a stirring call to action. He praised the Nnewi Branch for organizing the event and acknowledged their thoughtful recognition of his contributions to the legal community. However, he was quick to steer the conversation toward broader issues affecting lawyers nationwide, including the urgent need for continuous professional development.

Rather than passively observing technological and procedural shifts in the legal world, Osigwe urged lawyers to be at the forefront of innovation. He noted that automation, digital systems, and changing client expectations are reshaping legal services globally, and Nigeria must not lag behind. Only through sustained learning and strategic planning, he argued, can Nigerian lawyers position themselves as globally competitive professionals.

He also spoke of the NBA’s commitment to future-proofing the profession. According to Osigwe, the association has significantly expanded its programs in continuing legal education and skill-building, ensuring that lawyers across the country have access to tools that can help them navigate modern legal challenges. These initiatives, he said, are not optional luxuries but essential components of professional survival and excellence.

“It’s no longer enough to rely on traditional legal training or outdated systems,” he warned. “Every lawyer must take responsibility for their growth and invest in lifelong learning.” His message was especially resonant with younger lawyers in attendance, many of whom expressed appreciation for the clarity and urgency of his remarks.

As the event progressed, discussions revolved around equipping lawyers with future-centric tools, mentorship structures, and digital literacy. The Nnewi Law Week succeeded in not just honoring Osigwe, but in fostering meaningful dialogue about the direction the profession must take.

By the close of his address, Osigwe left the room with a resounding message of purpose: the legal profession must not just survive the future but lead it. He encouraged lawyers to recommit themselves to excellence, uphold the integrity of the legal system, and strive toward building a more unified and forward-thinking legal community.

The atmosphere in the hall reflected both inspiration and determination. Attendees left not just with notebooks full of ideas, but with renewed purpose. The event marked a turning point for many, who now see the future not as a threat to their practice but as a horizon of possibilities waiting to be shaped by those bold enough to lead.

Law Week 2025 at the NBA Nnewi Branch was more than a ceremonial gathering. It became a catalyst for self-reflection, reinvention, and a collective call to elevate legal service delivery in Nigeria to meet the demands of a changing world.