A Gathering of Heavyweights: Punuka Holds 2018 Annual Lecture in Lagos
In its 70-odd years of existence, the law firm of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors has carved for itself an enviable reputation as a fully integrated and multi-dimensional business law practice, providing advisory, dispute-resolution and support services to a diverse client base, which includes individuals, corporate organizations, multinationals and government agencies. From time to time – and especially during the leadership of its current Senior Partner, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN – the company has signposted its record of continuous success with periodic headline events, which never fail to attract the cream of society – the glitterati, the academia, the business and political elite, and so forth.
The company’s 2018 Annual Lecture was no different. Held to mark the 71st anniversary of the firm, the lecture, titled, ‘Building Sustainable Businesses in Film, Television & Music Sectors: Challenges for the Industry & Government,’ saw a distinguished parade of guests pack the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos to the rafters to hear an accomplished galaxy of speakers and discussants explore the evolution of Nigeria’s creative industry and plot its future progress.
NEWSWIRE Law & Events magazine’s correspondent in Lagos reports that the choice of the former Governor Donald Duke of Cross River State as the event’s chairman was an apt – given his administration’s landmark investments in culture, tourism and the creative industry during his 8-year tenure. His absence, however, did nothing to take away from the shine of the ceremony, as other high-flyers such the special guest of honour, Prince Abimbola Olashore; the guest speakers, Mr. Obi Asika and Dr. Ese Stephen Owie, more than made up for the former governor’. Also, the presence of another recognized culture entrepreneur, Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce – who represented the president of the Nigeria senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the event.
In his address of welcome, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, was obviously elated to announce to the assembled guests that, also in commemoration of its 71st year of existence, the company was unveiling its new logo to reflect its current persona and direction. He called on relevant stakeholders (especially the government) to give more attention to the creative industry in recognition of the versatility of the Nigerian economy. He noted the 12.81% growth of the industry in the 3rd Quarter of 2016, and its contribution of N54bn to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), and called for clear regulatory guidelines and roles for key players. This, he said, will ease the creative industry’s transition into a full-blown ‘creative economy.’
The Special Guest of Honour, Prince Abimbola Olashore, an accountant and financial advisor of note who also holds professional certifications in engineering, expressed similar sentiments as Chief Idigbe, SAN, as did other speakers who made presentations or offered their perspectives on the sub-themes during panel discussions – such as Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, a renowned broadcast marketer who recently served as the registrar of the advertising practitioners council of Nigeria (APCON); Obodoechina (Obi) Asika, lawyer, record label executive, an icon in the music and sports industries, and a Royal Prince in the ancient Onitsha Kingdom; and Dr. Ese Stephen Owie, a foremost legal scholar and former commissioner in Edo State; Chinedu Angus Chuwuji, the current CEO of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON); Angela Anukam, head of the legal and advisory unit at the media group, Consolidated Media Services (owners of a slew of urban radio channels in Lagos); and Isioma Idigbe, an associate at Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors and head of its media and entertainment department.
The ensuing question-and-answer session was moderated by Michael Dale Williams, an international marketing consultant and former managing director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau. A national of Jamaica, Williams is currently head of marketing and media sales at EbonyLife TV.
The intellectual heavy lifting was followed by a short documentary narrating the over 7 decades of Punuka’s eventful and illustrious history.
Thereafter came one of the high points of the evening – the unveiling of the firm’s new logo, along with the cutting of the anniversary cake.
A number of distinguished personalities at the event were presented with special awards by Punuka’s managing partner, Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe, with the assistance of Iheanacho Dike-Udensi and Tobenna Nnamani.
A vote of thanks by the aforementioned Toby Nnamani brought the event to a close against the backdrop of soulful music and exchange of pleasantries and reminiscences among old friends and acquaintances.
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