By Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.

It is not every day that one has the privilege of working alongside a man whose very name commands respect and admiration across Nigeria’s legal landscape. I consider myself immensely fortunate to have shared that experience with Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN. On this occasion of his birthday, I reflect not only on the profound impact he has had on my own professional journey but on the indelible mark he has left on the legal profession and the broader pursuit of justice in Nigeria.

Chief Ozekhome is not merely a legal practitioner; he is a force of nature. His courtroom victories, often secured under the harshest scrutiny, have become the stuff of legend. Yet, his true strength lies in his unwavering commitment to justice—especially for those who are too often overlooked. What stands out most about him is his deep sense of purpose, an insatiable drive to advocate for the common man, to challenge entrenched systems, and to push boundaries that others may view as immovable.

Having worked closely with him, I can attest without hesitation to his mastery of the law, which is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His knowledge spans diverse areas in ways that make the title of “legal encyclopedia” not just a compliment, but an accurate description. He doesn’t just understand the intricacies of the law—he wields them as tools to carve out justice where others may see only impossibility. His ability to distill complex legal issues and weave them into nuanced arguments reflects not only a brilliant legal mind but a deep thinker who grasps the critical role that law plays in shaping society. When it comes to knowledge of the word of God, Prof. has the entire scriptures easily on his lips.

Time and again, I have been struck by his boundless energy and relentless pursuit of what is right. In a world where it is all too easy to be swallowed by the status quo, Chief Ozekhome, SAN remains unyielding. Whether he is defending human rights or championing the causes of the marginalized, he approaches every case with the same fiery resolve, driven by a core belief that justice is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. Even in the most controversial and unpopular cases, he stands firm, propelled by a profound sense of duty and purpose.

What resonates most deeply with me, however, is his generosity in mentoring the next generation of legal minds. Chief and Professor Ozekhome, SAN embodies the belief that true greatness is not about hoarding power or knowledge, but about sharing it. He has always made time to impart his vast experience, teaching not just the technical nuances of the law but also the ethics, resilience, and courage required to stand up for justice. His willingness to pass on wisdom, his openness to fresh ideas, and his steadfast support for young lawyers make him not just a leader but a pillar of the legal profession.

Chief Ozekhome’s passion for the law is unmatched. His love for the legal profession is palpable—it shines through in his discussions of cases, in the intensity of his arguments, and in his vision for the evolution of Nigeria’s legal system. He is driven not by personal gain, but by the belief that the law can—and should—serve as an instrument of positive change. His practice, though steeped in tradition, is forward-thinking, constantly pushing for progress in how the law can better serve society.

The unique nature of his practice warrants special recognition. Chief Ozekhome is not just an advocate; he is a scholar, an activist, and a visionary. His ability to merge rigorous legal arguments with a profound compassion for humanity distinguishes him in a league of his own. His practice is as much about winning cases as it is about setting precedents that will benefit society long after the judgment is delivered. His eloquence, both in court and in his legal writings, reflects a mind that is ever questioning, ever probing, and always pushing the boundaries of legal thought in Nigeria.

Chief Ozekhome’s life and career are defined by his relentless pursuit of justice—not just for the powerful, but for the powerless. He has an extraordinary gift for breathing life into even the most obscure cases, giving them the same attention and dedication as any high-profile matter. That is what truly sets him apart—not just the accolades or courtroom victories, but the countless lives he has quietly transformed. These victories may not always make headlines, but they are victories that matter all the same.

Today, we celebrate not only the birthday of a great lawyer but also the legacy of a man who has given so much to the legal profession and to the cause of justice in Nigeria. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a giant among us, yet he carries his greatness with humility, always focused on the greater good.

Happy birthday, Sir!

Here’s to many more years of good health, groundbreaking advocacy, and the continued pursuit of justice. May you continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to learn from you, and may your legacy continue to uplift the profession you hold so dear.

Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is a Legal Practitioner and Managing Partner at Law Corridor, Nigeria.
https://lawcorridor.org.

The Founder/President, Silec Initiatives Amb. Sunny Irakpo, who doubles as an Anti-drug Advocate, U.S. Government Exchange alumnus of the International Visitor’s Leadership Exchange Program (IVLP) in Combating Drug Addiction and opioid crisis, Certified by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on drug prevention, treatment and care sensitization, has lauded the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, for putting the youth in the forefront in his Prosperity Agenda, and extending a hand of partnership to SILEC in order to help develop the youth of the state for national and global competitiveness.

He further appreciated the confidence the governor has ‘in our noble endeavour’.

Irakpo’s appreciation is contained in a statement he signed himself, and made available to this medium.

The statement reads:

Putting the youth in the scheme of things is the thrust of the Bayelsa State Government. The People’s Governor His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State has redoubled his efforts and commitment to transform the lives of the youth by engaging in meaningful socio-economic activities so as to disarm social vices that could serve as hindrance to development in the state in line with his Prosperity Agenda.

The giant strides of the governor have been seen in various aspects, including infrastructural development. In fulfilling his promises to the people of Bayelsa State, particularly the youth, His Excellency has once again taking a brillant step by extending collaboration to Silec Initiatives, a pragmatic and foremost non-profit making organization of international repute to help address critical issues as its affects the youth.

An official letter of approval addressed to the founder, Silec initiatives Amb. Sunny Irakpo as conveyed through the office of the Special Adviser on Trade and Investment to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs Owanari Rowland Harry, a dedicated and passionate public servant, states “I am glad to inform you that, the office of the Special Adviser on Trade and Investment to the Governor of Bayelsa State His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri , a lover of youth and the MAN of the people has graciously approved the partnership proposal of your noble organization Silec Initiatives whose programs and activities across the globe are commendable and impactful, to implement value based and life transforming programs that will promote the state in line with the Prosperity Agenda (Seven Pillars) A.S.S.U.R.ED of His Excellency for purposeful youth engagement, infrastructural and social development,and economic growth” which our office rides to attract potential investors for rapid development to the state.

Response to the partnership, Founder/President Silec Initiatives Amb. Sunny Irakpo, Anti-drug Advocate, U.S. Government Exchange alumnus of the International Visitor’s Leadership Exchange Program (IVLP) in Combating Drug Addiction and opioid crisis, Certified by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on drug prevention, treatment and care sensitization thanked His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri for putting the youth in the forefront in his Prosperity Agenda, exemplified by extending a hand of partnership to SILEC in order to help develop the youth of the state for national and global competitiveness. This sheer confidence in our noble endeavour is highly appreciated.

Your Excellency, let me use this medium to appreciate you for appointing a dynamic, disciplined, result- oriented young professional in the person of Owanari Rowland Harry, whose work will continue to resonate in the state and beyond. It is my conviction that the appointment of
Mrs Owanari Rowland Harry as the Special Adviser on Trade and Investment to the Executive Governor of the state will be of immense value as she will use her wealth of experience to empower the youth of the state to be economically engaged and prevent them from involving in social vices such as drugs and substance abuse ,criminality and prostitution that can put the state in bad light. This exceptional and youth concern leadership is commendable. Together, we shall do more.

It will be recalled, in 2022 Silec Initiatives, took the anti-drug campaign to Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan community in Otuoke, Bayelsa state and partnered with Church of Nigeria Diocese of Ogbia (Anglican Communion) under His Lordship Rt. Revd. James Oruwori. As a result of the huge success recorded, there was clamour for more SILEC presence in the state to help rescue the youth from social vices bedeviling the youth.

Founder/president Silec Initiatives, Amb. Sunny Irakpo, however, appealed to the youth to shun social vices and join this life transforming movement that will attract development in line with His Excellency Prosperity Agenda.

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) on Monday confirmed its strategic participation as a registered exhibitor at the November 5th to 7th World Travel Market ( WTM) with a prolific and innovative hashtag, capturing its massive membership presence and marketing reach.

The beautiful electronic flyer design rolled out from the stable of the association public relations officer, Mrs Adeola Adewole, amply signifies the intent of the association leadership to maximise the full potential of digital technology in marketing communications as nanta members who have registered and confirmed their participation, are encouraged to further escalate their brand and organisational skills through the coloured electronic flyer embossed by the a colourful wtm logo, indicating NANTA registered pavilion for easy location for trade enquiries and information about Nigeria cultural tourism products and offerings.

The association, apart from the “I will be at WTM,” will weekly unveil additional hashtags to drive robust digital marketing presence and reach, targeting foreign trade opportunities interested in Nigeria cultural tourism market and in addition to tagging global tourism groups and tourism platforms thus saturating global media space with nanta’s exponential hunt for corporate communities and individuals on search engines looking for creative marketing links and ready markets.

On its wtm delegates platform, about a hundred members of the association with visas and confirmed hotel bookings have embraced the NANTA/WTM hashtag train with their pictures and agency’s identity, flourishing their Facebook, Instagram and other social media handles, deliberately tagging their vast local and international contacts which has endeared the association to the Reeds exhibition, organisers of the biggest global tourism trade event.

The reeds exhibition organisation urged participating individuals, trade groups, and exhibiting nations to the November 2024 event slated for excel London to invite friends and associates to join the happy world of cultural tourism to mingle, buy offering packages and share experiences from diverse cultures and peoples from over hundred countries.

Yinka Folami, President of NANTA, stated that the commitment of nanta to Nigeria cultural tourism promotion is unquestionable and a selfless determination to put Nigeria first before personal or group gain

“I have heard about people questioning our intentional patriotic efforts, and my answer is that we as Nigerians must support our country and people before we can be taken seriously. Many years ago, most of our nanta icons were invited by foreign airlines, all expenses paid to come to wtm and under study how to leverage on the opportunities and contacts at the trade event in order to help sell Nigeria to the world. Those were the good old days when our principals were more Nigeria centric, but things have changed, and we in nanta must take the initiative to revive and sustain the presence of Nigerian cultural tourism beyond our shores.”

Susan Akporiaye, the immediate past president of NANTA, who drove the NANTA WTM mission during her tenure as a deliverable tailwind string of economic gain for nanta members, expressed happiness at the participation of nanta members this year for the third time, which promises to be bigger and better.

“It’s a revolution, and we are happy for the massive interest and support from our members. We are also happy to have awakened the consciousness of Nigerians to the need to put our country above our anxieties and worries. We are not in competition with our country or any trade groups. I believe someone, a group, should show the way when things are down and nanta has burned candles, made huge sacrifices, and shown absolute patriotism and pride in what is ours, our culture and creative economy,” Akporiaye said.

Pastor (Mrs) Chinyere Umeasiegbu, NANTA’s first national deputy president, who is coordinating the groundswell participation of nanta family at WTM, disclosed that the number of NANTA members heading to the global tourism trade event may hit an all time high of about two hundred if those awaiting their visas scale through.

“Marketing Nigeria destination at WTM this year is a game of numbers, and we intend to positively as we always done to bring the world to our exhibition stand. It is a mission of possibilities, and we are determined to lead from the front. This is not a jamboree or recreational outing. It is strictly serious business to showcase Nigeria and what we can do and trust our members, the Nigerian community in the UK has been mobilised to storm our pavilion and support our efforts to make Nigeria a preferred destination,” she said.