As the 2025 edition of the NBA Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) Calabar Summit gathered momentum, one of Nigeria’s distinguished legal icons, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, FCIArb (UK), FIMC, and Life Bencher, delivered a powerful goodwill message that resonated deeply with young legal professionals across the country.
Addressing participants as the keynote speaker, Akinboro extolled the dynamism and promise of today’s young lawyers, hailing them as visionaries actively reshaping the future of the legal profession.
“At the heart of every great profession is a generation willing to reinvent it,” he stated. “Today’s young lawyers are not waiting for the future—they are shaping it.”
In his message, Akinboro emphasized the need for bold thinking and principled action, encouraging young lawyers to embrace innovation without compromising integrity.
“You are proving that excellence can be dynamic, that integrity and innovation can go hand in hand, and that the law can be both a profession and a powerful tool for change,” he said.
Recognizing the growing influence of young voices in the legal ecosystem, the Life Bencher described them as “architects of a new legal face,” whose creativity, clarity, and courage are essential to revitalizing the justice system.
He urged attendees to remain inquisitive and value-driven, noting that the relevance of their contributions to society will be measured not only by courtroom success but by their broader impact on justice and equity.
“Stay curious, stay principled, and never lose sight of the impact your voice can make,” he advised.
Akinboro also commended the Calabar Branch of the YLF for curating a summit that provides a timely and empowering platform for dialogue and collaboration.
“May this summit be a launchpad for ideas, collaboration, and meaningful change,” he said. “Together, let us embrace a new legal face—and confidently build the future of law.”
The goodwill message set a high tone for the summit, reinforcing the transformative potential of young lawyers and the need for continuous mentorship, reform, and innovation within the legal profession.