The Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, (UNIABUJA ) held its 2024 annual graduating Dinner and Award night, at the popular Barcelona International Hotel, Abuja, as the event turned out to be a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and recognition for prominent Nigerians, including the Chief Executive Officer of OANDO Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu, and other prominent Nigerians who have made significant marks in the legal profession. Guests who gathered at the at the Barcelona International Hotel, Abuja on Saturday, July 27, 2024, perhaps came to witness a mere ceremonial annual dinner of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, but they got more than expected.
From setting and attendance to the beautiful appearances of the students who appeared gorgeously in their ceremonial white and black dinner attire, the organisers didn’t leave anybody in doubt that they have put together a classical outing that would remain memorable in the minds of all for a long time. Though it was not the first one, the 2024 edition attracted dignitaries from various fields of human endeavour – lawyers, academics, politicians, business moguls and students – didn’t only wine and dine together for four hours, they savoured a quality lecture, delivered by an erudite scholar, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Afe Babalola University, unveiling of a well-packed journal in honour of Tinubu and presentation of awards of excellence to a few dignitaries and students from various levels of the faculty.
According to the Chairman, organising committee for the dinner, Mr. Rufai Tayo Uthman, the night was not only for merry making but also a special honourary ceremony held to celebrate and honour the oil industry giant, Mr. Adewale Tinubu.
According to him, the man Tinubu, a distinguished member of the Nigerian Bar and business genius and the CEO of one of the largest oil companies in Nigeria, Oando Plc was singled out for his contribution for humanity, Law and the country’s economy. The President of LAWSAN, University of Abuja Chapter, Lawal Farouq Ayobami, said the event was aimed at celebrating the achievements and contributions of Tinubu in the energy sector and energy law. He also said the ceremony is an opportunity for law students to interact with and learn from the seasoned lawyer and business leader, who has compassed the trajectories of the oil and gas industry to the apex.
The dignitaries include Prof. Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), Deputy Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake (Represented by Barr.
Chukudi Emmanuel Anyanwuocha ); Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagungu, SAN (Represented by Bar. Ogunrinde); Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN (Represented by Barr. Barnabas, the NBA National ASG Elect) also represented Barr.
Prada Uzodimma; Ayodele Ogunleye, SAN, the Principal Partner at legal Tuxedo & Associate; M.S Ibrahim, SAN, the Principal Partner M.S Ibrahim & Co; Mazi Afam Osigie, the NBA President Elect (Represented by Barr Etabah); Prof.
Aisha Sanni Maikudi, Acting VC University of Abuja ( representing Dr. Shajobi Ibikunle); Prof. Abdulrasheed Yusuf (represented by Dr.
U.E Okolocha ); Prof. Olarewaju Aladeitan, Prof.
of Energy and Natural Resource Law. Mr. Adewale Tinubu was represented by Mr.
Yomi Babalola, a team member of the Oando PLC legal department. Speaking on behalf of his CEO, Babalola brought the good wishes of Wale Tinubu and the entire Oando PLC team to the event. He said in his goodwill message that the oil mogul regretted not making it to the event but called on the students of the school’s Law Faculty to keep being ambassadors of hard work, good values and desirable principles.
Tinubu also encouraged students who are enthusiasts of the energy world to get involved in issues related to energy and energy law, absorb enough experience and look past the technical nature of this field. The keynote address entitled “21st Century Lawyers: Harnessing the benefits of the relationship between Law and Energy”, was delivered by the learned and decorated Prof. Olawuyi, who stressed the fact that the relationship between law and energy is the foundation upon which the Nigerian economy has been built for over 40 years.
He said, “From the discovery of oil down to this very day, many legislations, court decisions and policies have been made to exemplify the value of the relationship between energy and law.” Speaking further, the university lecturer cited as examples; the privatisation of Electricity Supply and Management was achieved through law; Privatisation of NNPC, which according to him was achieved through through law. To this end, Olawuyi pointed out that any stagnation or change in the energy sector that wishes to be sustained can only happen with the help of the law.
He also stated that the energy field is a pool of opportunity where 21st Century Law Students should venture into to harness boundless opportunities. He used himself and Mr. Tinubu as a testimony of the power of the energy industry.
The peak of the event was the presentation of a plaque of honour and a certificate of recognition to Tinubu by the Acting VC of the University, Prof. Aisha Sanni Maikudi, supported by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Abdulrasheed Yusuf.
Babalola, who stood in for Tinubu led the Journal launch session of the Juris Energia Journal, dedicated to his boss. The event was also used to celebrate some students who have stood out and achieved excellence in the calendar year in academics and extracurricular activities. Upon receipt of the OOL(Officer of the Order of LAWSAN), Aisha Idris expressed her gratitude to the dinner committee and the LAWSAN Exco for finding her worthy of this highest honour.
Another awardee, Akinkunmi Testimony upon receipt of the award of the Best Writer of the Year showered praises on the organizing committee of the dinner for making the platform possible to celebrate excellence in the academic community in LAWSAN. Looking back into the last 8 months under his leadership, the LAWSAN president expressed his deep appreciation to the Dean of the Faculty and other members of staff for their support and guidance. He also thanked the sponsors and partners of the event, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Council of Legal Education, the Pan African Lawyers Union, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Oando Plc, Access Bank, Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Youth and Sport Development, the National Assembly, Legal Tuxedo & Associate, J.
J USMAN & Co, Babalakin & Co, Wole Olanipekun & Co, A.U Mustapha, SAN & Co, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, Emeka Ozoani & Co, Afe Babalola University, Law Forte, Office of Sen. Akpoti Natasha Uduaghan, students and other stakeholders who made their dream a reality.
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