Distinguished Partners, COO, Esteemed Colleagues, respected Clients, and ever-resilient Nigerians.
Today we do not just celebrate a date on the calendar. We celebrate a covenant. On October 1st, 1960, our fathers stood and declared: Nigeria is free. Free to think, free to build, free to lead Africa.
Sixty-six years after, we gather as a Firm, not just as lawyers and professionals, but as stewards of that freedom.
Dear Fellow Nigerians,
It is now more than saying, that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” - Proverbs 14:34.
Aristotle expressed the need to act right clearer by reminding us that “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly.”
Our nation has seen highs and lows. We have seen oil and agricultural booms and hard reforms. We have seen military rule and democratic promises. Yet through it all, Nigeria remains. Why? Because the spirit of the Nigerian is resilient. We do not break.
As a Firm, we understand nation-building. A firm, like a nation, cannot survive on talent alone. It needs justice, diligence, and integrity. That is what we preach daily in our Ethical Handbook and that is what Nigeria needs today.
Today, I have three charges for us:
1As Professionals: Let us be the Justice Nigeria needs.
Our clients trust us and most times depend on us for major life decisions: business, family, succession among others. Let us not cut corners or introduce them to the endemic, systemic corruptions and injustices that exist within the Nigerian Business and Justice architecture - whether in dispute resolution, debt recovery, property acquisitions or corporate/statutory compliance. Let us not bribe to get justice!
According to Plato, “Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.” This is no different from the scriptures in Isaiah 1:17 which encourages us to “Learn to do right and seek justice.”
If law firms fail, the nation fails. If institutions collapse, the nation sinks and is covered in dust!
2As Leaders: Let us build institutions, not just income.
Nigeria’s problem is not lack of ideas. It is lack of institutions that outlive individuals. As a Firm, we are building a partnership that will outlive us — with capital, with ethics, with succession. You must prepare to live beyond yourself.
Many reputable businesses have collapsed and are in complete ruins today because no structure was created for the businesses to survive the owners; we must live to break these barriers. According to Stanford research, only 30% of family businesses survive into the second generation. We are determined to be among that 30%. A nation that will command lasting existential value must have men whose visions and legacies survive them. We must have investors who do not live for the moment, but whose drive, dream and focus constantly propels towards building trans-generational legacies.
The governments must provide the right environment and policies for an enduring business growth and on our part as professionals, we must remain dedicated to, dogged and resilient in ensuring the right policies are implemented for a communal good.
As Peter Drucker said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things — and institutions are what make that possible after you are gone.”
Think beyond yourself!
3As Citizens: Let us do our part.
As the Lead Partner, I cannot build the Firm alone, likewise, the President cannot build Nigeria alone. In your unit, in your department, be diligent.
For us to stand tall as a nation, we must instill diligence in our citizens, especially the youth. We must all unite to accept that the global impact we’ve long desired will not come through individual/systemic complacency, but through diligence, commitment and innovations.
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings” - Proverbs 22:29.
Confucius, in his words said: “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
At a time when our nation is being compared to China, India, Japan, Dubai and others in terms of innovation, technological advancement, and leadership; we need more men to rise up with the conviction needed for nation building, with grit, courage, determination, demonstrable commitment and innovations that will keep our nation afloat on the global stage.
Come early. Serve excellently. Mentor a junior. That is patriotism.
My dear colleagues,
I know the economy is tough. I know the Naira has tested us. I know young people are tempted to leave — the Japa wave. But I say to you today: Someone must stay and build… And today, everywhere I turn to in this great nation, I see the builders!
As John F. Kennedy challenged, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
And as our Lord assures us, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” - Psalm 33:12.
We stayed. We are building. And by God’s grace, this Firm will be a testimony that you can build something excellent in Nigeria and from Nigeria to the world.
Let us not curse this nation in our boardrooms, religious centers, homes and even WhatsApp groups. Let us bless it with our work.
To our clients: Thank you for believing that excellence can still be built in Nigeria. Your trust is why we are still here.
On behalf of the Partnership Board, I say Happy Independence Day to every member of staff, every client who trusts us, and every Nigerian home and abroad.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live our Noble Profession!
Long live this Firm!