With the 2023 Annual General Meeting and Lecture come and gone, we’re thrilled to reflect on the enriching experience. The gathering at View Point Hotel, Benin City, was a testament to the dogged dedication and exceptional expertise within our maritime legal community, fostering networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The 14th AGM of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), held November 16 to 18, 2023, featured a noteworthy election. This election marks a renewed mandate to bolster the efforts of the Comité Maritime International at the national level.
The following esteemed members were re-elected to key positions within our Association:
President: Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN
1st Vice-President: Mr. Mike Igbokwe, SAN
2nd Vice-President: Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN
Hon. Secretary: Dr. Emeka Akabogu
Treasurer: Mrs. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore
Assistant Secretary: Mrs. Nneka Obianyor
Financial Secretary: Mrs. Seyi Adejuyigbe
The Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Omolola Ikwuagwu was elected for the first time.
The AGM featured a captivating keynote lecture delivered by maritime icon Greg Ogbeifun, followed by a scintillating panel discussion debate on the theme “Urgent Regulatory Reform in the Maritime Industry: Setting the Agenda for the New Administration.”
Members had the opportunity to explore the history of the ancient city, with visits to the national museum at Benin City’s iconic Ring Road. The museum showcased historic artifacts, photographs, and documents, including images of the sacking of the palace of the Oba of Benin by British soldiers. Noteworthy was the carved stool used to convey coded messages about the kingdom’s state to Oba Ovonramwen, who was on exile in Calabar.
Day 2 featured the Annual General Meeting and two debates, one on the dispute resolution: Arbitration or litigation, and the second, a panel discussion on networking within the industry. Members thereafter had another excursion, this time touring the impressive facilities of the innovative technology driven Diverse Autocare Limited.
The climax of the event was a gala night where members were thrilled with a rich cultural display of the Edo culture and a lucky dip where members won exciting prizes!
A sincere “thank you” to our esteemed speakers, sponsors, and every participant for making this year’s AGM a resounding success.