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Profiles in Excellence: Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe, and Chukwuka Ikuazom Nwabueze, SAN

INTRODUCTION:

Nigeria is home to many accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. In this article, we will delve into the lives and achievements of three remarkable individuals: Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe, and Chukwuka Ikuazom Nwabueze, SAN. These legal luminaries have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian legal landscape, and their stories are a testament to hard work, dedication, and excellence.

MAZI AFAM JOSIAH OSIGWE, SAN:

Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, is an Abuja-based lawyer from Nnewichi-Nnewi, Anambra state. He obtained his LL.B (Hons) from the University of Nigeria in 1997 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999.

He started legal practice with Chike Chigbue and Co., Abuja Office in 1999 and presently is the Senior Partner of his own Law firm called the LAW FORTE (Legal Practitioners, Corporate Consultants and Notary Public) which he founded in 2002. He became a Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In 2007 he obtained a Master’s of Laws Degree (LL.M) from the University of Jos. He holds a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration and is currently a doctorate student (PhD in Law) at the University of Jos. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).

At various times he had had cause to carry out research in various areas of the law including Corporate and Business Law; Land law, Banking law, Intellectual Property; International Commercial Law, Telecommunications, Energy, Oil and Gas Law; Domestic arbitration, International Commercial Arbitration etc.

As a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja (the Unity Bar), he had at various times had the privilege to serve in various committees such as the Law Reporting Committee, 2003-2005, Bar Dinner/Awards Committee, 2004 and Secretary, Committee on Continuing Legal Education, Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja, 2005-2007 and 2009 till 2010. He also had the honour of being part of the Executive Committee of the Unity Bar as the Publicity Secretary, from 2006-2008. He was the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja from 2011-2013, and Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association from 2014-2016

Osigwe’s legal career thus spans over three decades, during which he has handled numerous high-profile cases and argued several landmark judgments before the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His expertise in Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Judicial Review has earned him recognition as a leading authority in Nigerian jurisprudence. In further recognition of his contributions, he was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2020.

TOBENNA CHIGBO EROJIKWE:

Born on the 16th of March, 1974, Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe is a distinguished legal practitioner and academic based in Lagos State. Erojikwe holds an LL.B (Hons) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is the chairman of, Governing Board of NBA, Institute of Continuing Legal Education. He is a Partner at the prestigious law firm, Law Crest LLP.

Erojikwe’s legal career has been marked by his dedication to teaching and research. He has taught at several Nigerian universities and authored numerous articles and books on various aspects of Nigerian law. His expertise in Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and Human Rights has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences and seminars. Within the Nigerian Bar Association, he has shown his reliability as can be seen with the aforementioned position he held for more than a year and from other positions like being the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee of the 2022 NBA’s Annual General Conference in Lagos.

CHUKWUKA IKUAZOM NWABUEZE, SAN:

Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom is a Lagos-based lawyer from Otolo-Nnewi, Anambra state. He is a partner at the highly rated law firm, Aluko & Oyebode where he started working in 2022 and now heads the Taxation practice at the firm. He was the former NBA Chairman Lagos Chapter (2017). Nwabueze hails from a family of distinguished legal professionals. He obtained his LL.B (Hons) from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar subsequently. He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2020.

Nwabueze’s legal career has been marked by his passion with regard to human rights, with a lot of accounts all over social media of his activism in protecting the human rights of oppressed citizens. He is the Chairman of the NBA’s Security Agencies Relations Committee.

CONCLUSION:

Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe, and Chukwuka Ikuazom Nwabueze, SAN, are shining examples of excellence in the Nigerian legal profession. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to the law have made a significant impact on the legal landscape of Nigeria. Their stories serve as an inspiration to young legal professionals and a reminder of the importance of excellence in all aspects of life. The trio have been cleared to contest for the president of the Nigerian Bar Association. Whoever of them wins, surely the future of the Nigerian legal landscape is in safe hands.

Written by:

Chukwudi Kene Okeke