The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, has successfully concluded its 2025 Law Week and Merit Awards, named in honour of Aare Afe Babalola. Tagged “Aare Afe Babalola Epe Law Week 2025, ” the weeklong series of activities, which kicked off on Friday, July 25, was marked by vibrant participation, professional enrichment, and social camaraderie among members of the legal profession and beyond.
The event commenced with a spiritually enriching Jumat prayer session, a thanksgiving service to God. The event was held at Aleke Central Mosque, Epe, Lagos, to acknowledge the presence and contributions of Muslim members of the legal community. This was followed by an international Press Conference and a visit to GUTS Radio, Epe, Lagos.
The event continued the following day with a wellness twist to the celebration, the Branch organized a health walk and aerobics, drawing a strong turnout from lawyers. The walk, which started at the Ibeju Lekki Local Government Secretariat to Eleko Junction, not only promoted healthy living among legal professionals but also fostered greater bonding among members outside the courtroom. The wellness exercise was followed by a community-focused environmental sanitation exercise, reinforcing the NBA’s commitment to social responsibility and community development.
Thereafter, excitement grew around a keenly contested novelty football match between the NBA Epe Branch and their counterparts from NBA Ikorodu. The friendly fixture showcased not just athletic talent but also the deep camaraderie that binds different branches of the NBA together. While the result was secondary as NBA Epe took the day, winning 2-1, the energy, laughter, and sportsmanship on display made the match a major highlight of the week.
Members of both branches were later treated to a refreshing beachside party at Honeywell Beach Resort, Museyo, Ibeju Lekki, providing a rare opportunity for legal practitioners to unwind amidst the scenic beauty of the beachfront.
On Sunday, members of the Bar attended a church Thanksgiving service at Christ Embassy Church, Alasia, where they were treated to a feast after the service. The worship service underscored the spiritual diversity within the chapter and the importance of unity despite religious differences.
The intellectual highlight of the Law Week started with a training titled “Traditional Alternative Dispute Resolution”. The training was anchored by the Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution Development and Conflict Management of Nigeria under the leadership of Prof. Akinola Ibidapo-Obe.
The training was followed by the mother of all lectures the following day, delivered by a renowned Professor of Land Law in Nigeria, Professor I. O. Smith, where he schooled guests in attendance on the importance of land management, providing fresh perspectives on the reason for government to ensure that the laws relating to lands are well mastered, understood and well obeyed by all including traditional rulers and the government.
The grand finale of the week was the Law Week Dinner and Award Night, hosted at the prestigious Jonaith Hotel and Suites in Songotedo. The event, which was organized in honour of Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist, was nothing short of glamorous.
The dinner was well-attended by judges of notable repute, lawyers, captains of industry, and key figures in the private sector, all of whom came to honour both the NBA Epe Chapter and Aare Emmanuelking for his exceptional contributions to legal advocacy, youth empowerment, and national development.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the NBA Epe Branch expressed gratitude to all who supported the Law Week. He particularly praised Aare Babalola, Aare Emmanuelking, and the Honourable Justice W. Animahun for their unwavering support and contributions to the legal profession and the Epe community at large.
As the curtains fell on the 2025 Law Week, there was a shared sense of pride and fulfilment among participants. Many attendees remarked that the event had set a new benchmark in both content and execution, blending professional development, community service, recreation, and social impact in an unforgettable experience.
With the bar set this high, expectations for the next NBA Epe Law Week are already building, and it’s safe to say that 2025 will be remembered as a milestone year in the branch’s journey.
