The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has urged young lawyers to prioritise integrity, competence and continuous skills development as the legal profession adapts to evolving demands.

Osigwe made the call while addressing participants at the NBA Young Lawyers Forum (YLF), Maiduguri Branch Summit, which focused on preparing early-career lawyers for long-term relevance in the profession.

In remarks shared by the NBA on X on Thursday, the senior advocate stressed that competence remains a foundational requirement for effective legal practice, noting that it is firmly embedded in the Rules of Professional Conduct.

According to him, lawyers cannot effectively discharge their professional responsibilities without building and sustaining the necessary knowledge and skills. He added that competence is central to earning client confidence, gaining respect within the justice system and remaining competitive in an increasingly specialised legal environment.

Osigwe also highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience, explaining that relevance in the legal profession depends on a lawyer’s willingness to continuously learn and respond to economic, professional and systemic challenges.

He further emphasised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as a critical tool for repositioning young lawyers for growth, excellence and leadership, particularly at a time when the legal industry is undergoing rapid change.

The NBA president expressed optimism that the discussions and engagements at the summit would help equip participants with the competence and resilience required to contribute meaningfully to the future of the Nigerian Bar.

Source: Punchng