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Mrs. Efosa Etomi – Working Towards a Successful 2019 Lagos Bar Dinner

Mrs. Efosa Etomi (nee Akpata) is the eldest daughter of the late Hon. Justice Ephraim Ibukun Akpata, a former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Mrs. Patricia Kehinde Akpata. She had her early education at Idia College Benin City, Our Lady’s High School, Warri and Queens College, Lagos, before proceeding to the University of Benin, where she initially studied Sociology and Political Science before eventually changing her course of study to Law. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989. Unlike her husband, George Etomi who is widely recognised as a pillar of commercial law in Nigeria – Efosa channels her abiding passion for litigation into her work at the Chief FRA Williams Chambers. In her chats with Newswire Law and Events Magazine, she credits her tutelage under the late luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria as one of the greatest influences of her legal career. She and George are the proud parents of 5 children, two of them legal practitioners also (or learned colleagues, as she prefers to call them).

Excerpts:

Who is Mrs. Efosa Etomi? Please share your background, early life and education with us. >>> My name is Efosa Etomi, Nee Akpata. I am the eldest daughter of the late Hon. Justice Ephraim Omorose Ibukun Akpata and Mrs. Patricia Kehinde Akpata. I have four brothers and two sisters. I am married to Mr. George Etomi, and I am a mother of 5, 2 of whom are my professional colleagues. I had part of my early schooling at Idia College Benin City, Our lady’s High School, Warri and Queens College, Lagos. I gained admission into the University of Benin initially to read Sociology and Political Science and later changed to Law. I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989.

You’re married to one of the most respected commercial lawyers in Nigeria, who sits at the helm of a formidable law firm. Why are you not in partnership with your husband? >>> It is interesting that you ask this question because I am asked the same question all the time. The main reason is that my husband’s Firm is primarily a commercial law firm with predominant emphasis on solicitors work whereas I have a deep passion for litigation. Joining Chief. Williams Chambers was one way of driving this passion. Working directly with late luminary Chief Rotimi Williams was a blessing. However If you ask my husband he will tell you that he doesn’t want to bossed twice, at home and in the office! (laughs)

Take us through your practice areas and explain your love for, and experience in, litigation. >>> As I said earlier I have a deep passion for litigation and this has seen me cover practically all areas of litigation except perhaps handling political cases which are handled by other partners in the firm.

The role of the Chairman/Chairperson is a key one on an occasion such as this. What is your peculiar role as the Chairperson of the 2019 Dinner? >>> I know exactly what you are talking about. My husband incidentally was the Chairman of the 1999 Law Dinner Committee of the Branch. This was the Millennium dinner and it entailed a lot of hard work. Every minute detail must be captured. We must not forget that it is an occasion to bring our colleagues and well wishers together after a long and busy year to unwind in a convivial atmosphere in the finest spirit of our tradition at the Bar. It affords networking opportunities, catching up with friends, clients and family and to raise funds for our dear Premier branch. Therefore the attention to detail is paramount so we don’t assemble nearly 1,000 people only to bore them. Happily our branch is known and respected for its quality events and this will not be different.

Can you please tell us more about the theme for this year’s dinner and what informed it. >>> The Theme for this year’s dinner is the Great Gatsby. It is a throwback to the fashionable 20s where from dressing to eating, from relaxation to outings, elegance was the watch word. It is like saying’ work hard, play hard. The Branch Chairman and I will be around to welcome elegantly dressed Colleagues and guests to what promises to be an evening of fun and laughter.

There is always more work to do as Chairman than one initially expects. How have you assembled your planning committee and the volunteers for the event? >>> One thing I must say for our profession is that the spirit to serve is phenomenal. Not only have I seen remarkable enthusiasm amongst my Committee members, there is an unending list of volunteers. Our meetings are well attended and we get brilliant ideas on how to make this the best dinner ever. As you probably know by now, one of our own, the Vice President of the Federal Republic will be our special guest of honour. Aren’t you impressed about how Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN identifies with the profession in spite of his busy schedule.? We feel honoured by him and I seize the opportunity to wish him a happy 30th wedding anniversary.

What is your special surprise for this year’s dinner and your desired outcome(s) for the day? >>> Since it is a surprise I will not reveal anything. Just know there will be surprises!

How effective is your reaching out to Branch members and expected guests in respect to the necessary information about the dinner? In other words, what’s the level of awareness out there as at now? >>> Awareness is very high. This is one reason I treasure my co chair, Dapo Akinosun, Esq and other team members. We have Managing Partners and very senior lawyers from the leading firms in our corner, we also have some of our most respected members who traverse the print and electronic media making sure our event enjoys headline coverage. Magnificent team. I must add Co-Chair keeps everyone in step. We are enjoying sponsorships from law firms and corporate bodies but we could do with some more.

Apart from the usual activities and souvenirs that characterize end-of-year dinner events such as this, what other special features should attendees expect? >>> Again this is a secret. You must attend to know!

As the Chairman, what would you like the 2019 edition to be remembered for? >>> I want this to be remembered as the best dinner. One that gave value for money and one that was the high point of a successful year for our members and their guests.

What do you intend be the take-home message of this year’s event for attendees? >>> You’ve probably heard the old adage “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Finding time for fun and joy doesn’t just balance the time you spend at the office, they actually make it possible for you to be more efficient and effective when you are there. Ensuring you spend the optimal amount of time prioritizing joy will ensure you avoid being left with regrets later in life. I think it’s a good time for Lagos Branch members to come together as usual, we have every reason to give thanks and celebrate.

The NBA Lagos Branch 2019 Annual Bar Dinner will hold on Thursday December 12^th at 6pm. The event which will be chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN is expected to be most glamorous. The venue is Harbour Point 14, Wilmot Point Road, Ahmadu Bello Street, Victoria Island Lagos.

Theme: THE GREAT GATSBY
…….Have you bought your dinner tickets? What are you still waiting for ?

Sponsorship Rates
Platinum: #2,000,000
Gold: #1,500,000
Silver: #1,000,000
Bronze: #500,000

Dinner Rates
1-7 years post call : #5,000
8 -14 years post call : #10,000
15 – 20 years Post Call: #15,000
Above 20 years Post Call: #20,000
SAN & Benchers : #30,000

Goodwill Messages
Full Page: #100,000
Half Page:#50,000
Quarter Page: #25,000

Payment Details
Account Name: N.B.A Lagos Events Account
Account No:0728253326
Bank Name: Access bank

For Sponsorship & Table Booking, call:
Soibi: 08033385116
Gloria: 08033217760
Uchenna: 08098030060

……..Hurry and get your tickets now!!!

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