Today, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, the Main Hall, ICC (Alhaji Jubril Martin’s Hall) will host one of the most anticipated breakout sessions of the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC).
Themed “Building the Future Firm – Nigerian Law Firms Must Evolve to Compete on a Global Scale,” the session will interrogate how Nigerian law firms can rise beyond local limitations and compete internationally.
At the heart of the discussion is Nigeria’s urgent need to strengthen its legal institutions. The country continues to lose millions in revenue and countless job opportunities because of the shortage of firms operating at international standards.
The panel will highlight why law firms must embrace stronger partnerships, specialization, technology-driven practice, and sustained investment in young lawyers to secure the profession’s future and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Panelists
Dr. Tominiyi Owolabi – Lead Presenter
Dr. Owolabi is the Managing Partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP with over three decades of expertise in project finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and oil and gas financing. Widely recognised as a leading authority in Nigeria’s energy sector, he has advised on some of Africa’s most transformative transactions, including the region’s largest loan syndication in the past year. An Eisenhower Fellow and alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Leading Professional Services Firms programme, he is consistently ranked among Africa’s top lawyers by global rating agencies.
Dr. Cally Cussons
A respected strategist, Dr. Cussons brings deep insights into organizational models, law firm management, and professional growth. His thought leadership focuses on reshaping legal practice through innovation, capacity building, and the cultivation of institutions that endure beyond individuals. His expertise is central to charting a sustainable future for Nigerian law firms.
Adeola Seun Adedipe, SAN
Co-founder of ALPHA & ROHI, Adeola is a seasoned litigator elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2023. He is well known for landmark victories, including the celebrated Supreme Court case CBN v. Interstella, now a leading authority on garnishee proceedings in Nigeria. With over 15 years of practice, Adeola exemplifies the blend of courtroom excellence and visionary leadership needed to shape globally competitive firms.
Gladys Omage
Gladys Omage is the Founder of GOLEGAL, a transnational law firm with presence in North America and Africa. Licensed in both Canada and Nigeria, she brings nearly two decades of experience spanning private practice, public service, and policy advisory. She has held senior advisory roles with Canadian federal agencies, co-authored the influential legal text The Art and Essentials of Judgment Writing, and is a passionate advocate for equity-driven reforms and technology in law. Her cross-border expertise highlights the opportunities Nigerian firms can harness in the global legal marketplace.
Dr. Agada Elachi, SAN – Moderator
As moderator, Dr. Elachi brings his wealth of professional experience and judicial insight to guide the dialogue. His role ensures that the conversation remains focused on practical strategies and actionable solutions for building stronger, more competitive law firms in Nigeria.
This session reinforces a vital truth: Nigeria cannot afford to operate in isolation. To unlock its economic potential, the country needs law firms that can compete on the global stage, empower young lawyers, and serve as true partners in national growth.
