Conference Sessions

YMG conference

Panel Session 1

10.00am – 11.00am

Session Coordinator: Jolaade Falade

Session Title: Oral Advocacy in Arbitration – Guide to Effective Advocacy

This panel explores the use of AI in the practice of arbitration and the opportunities, risks and challenges associated with its use.

Session Overview:

Effective oral arguments in arbitration require a complex mix of impossible, yet simultaneous skills. Counsel is required to speak, listen, think, remain flexible, stay on track, read an outline or script, search for citations, prepare responses to questions, watch the clock, consult with co-counsel, make judgement calls, watch the arbitrators and opposing counsel, take notes for later, worry about the translations, remember all details of all documents, and remember to breathe.

This requires mastery. For young arbitration practitioners, tips from the experts who have had a career as arbitration counsel, but more importantly, as arbitrators themselves can make all the difference. This session will provide young arbitration practitioners with important technical, cultural and strategic nuances that make a real difference in oral advocacy in arbitration.

The session will touch on important topics such as achieving the fundamental purpose of oral advocacy, crafting a compelling factual and legal narrative, tribunal dynamics, understanding the tribunal, tips for not losing sight of important case objectives, the use of demonstratives, etc.

The technical session will be followed by a mock presentation of opening submissions in arbitration based on a case study. 

Presenters :

  • Emokiniovo Dafe – Akpedeye – Managing Partner, Compos Mentis LP
  • Adetola Adebesin – Associate, Stephenson Harwood LLP

Speakers

  • Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN – Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi LP
  • Perenami Momodu – Consultant/Head of Africa Practice, Gately Legal

Tea Break

11.00 – 11.15am

Panel Session 2

11.15am – 12.15pm

Session Coordinator: Ajibola Salvador

Session Title: Principles and Practice of Mediation in Nigeria’s Evolving ADR Landscape

Session Overview:

Mediation has been given the spotlight under the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023. It is increasingly becoming popular among businesspeople and contracting individuals seeking a quick resolution of cases while preserving their relationship and confidentiality.

This panel session will explore the principles of mediation and the mediation process to give the audience the underpinnings of mediation. The practical application will be explored in the mock mediation session showcasing private meetings with the parties and their Counsel.

The aim of this session is to give participants a good understanding of mediation especially the nuances of a mediator (who is not a decision maker) and the role of Counsel to assist, and not become a hindrance to mediation. The session will also aid young practitioners in advising clients on the most suitable means of ADR for their disputes as well as provide opportunities for business development and other income streams within their practice.

Speakers

  • Racheal Osibu, MCIArb, FICMC – Partner, Osibogun, Osibu & Partners

     

  • Achere Cole (Mrs.) FCIArb – Director, Lagos State Multi Door Courthouse

     

  • Gloria Anuri Ohia, MCIArb, FICMC – Principal Partner, The Mediation Place

     

  • Dr. Agada Elachi, SAN, FCIArb, FICMC – Managing Partner, Greenfield Chambers

Fireside Chat

12.15pm – 1.30pm

Session Coordinator: Tochukwu Amaefule, MCIArb

Session Title: The Successful Arbitration Practitioner – Career, Capacity, Conduct!

Session Overview:

This fireside chat presents a unique opportunity for YMG members to engage with two of the most prominent arbitrators out of Africa in a semi-formal environment. The fireside chat will cover important topics useful for the development of a career in arbitration including building capacity, career tips, ethical dilemmas, remaining visible and relevant, mentorship, etc. The fireside chat will be held under the Chatham house rules.

Speakers

  • Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN – Senior Partner, Bayo Ojo & Co

     

  • Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN, C.Arb – Managing Partner, Doyin Rhodes-Vivour & Co

Moderators

  • Joy Mgbado – Senior Associate, Aluko & Oyebode

     

  • Raymond Nkannebe – Senior Associate, Wole Olanipekun & Co

Networking Lunch

1.30pm

Opening Ceremony

TIME

ACTIVITY

3:30pm – 4:00pm

Arrival & Registration of Delegates / Distribution of Conference Materials

4:00pm – 4:25pm

Welcome by Master of Ceremonies/National Ceremonies/ Recognition of Dignitaries

4:25pm – 4.30pm

Recognition of Sponsors – Larry J

4.30pm – 4.40pm

Cultural Performance

4:40pm – 4:50pm

Welcome Address by Conference Co-Chairs

4:50pm – 5:15pm

Good will messages from

1. Chair of the CIArb Nigeria Branch

2. Lagos State Governor’s Rep

3. Yobe State Governor’s Rep

5:15pm – 5:35pm

Keynote Address

 

5:35pm – 5:45pm

Formal Declaration of the Conference – Attorney General of the Federation

5:45pm – 5:55pm

Group photo session

6:00pm

Networking/ Welcome Cocktail

Panel Session 1

9.00am – 10.30am

Session Title: The National Arbitration Policy: Striking a Balance Between Localization and Internationalization.

This panel explores the practical and policy implications of the National Arbitration Policy, particularly in the areas of dispute resolution, government contracting, foreign investment, and Nigeria’s engagement with international arbitration. It will feature perspectives from policymakers, arbitrators, legal practitioners, and industry stakeholders on how best to implement the policy in a way that aligns with global standards while advancing Nigeria’s interests.

Session Chair:
Olumuyiwa Atoyebi, SAN
Session Sponsor:
Omaplex Law Firm

Moderator:
Isaiah Bozimo, SAN, FCIArb

Speakers :

  • Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, SC
  • Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, FCIArb
  • Nakasamba Banda Chanda, FCIArb
  • Anish Wadia, C.Arb

Panel Session 2

10.30am – 12.40pm

Session Title: The Challenges and Future of Resource Management in Nigeria

This panel examines the lessons learned from decades of oil sector management in Nigeria and how these can inform a more sustainable, transparent, and inclusive approach to the governance of Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth. Discussions will include the role of federal and state governments, the impact of environmental and social governance (ESG) considerations, foreign investment dynamics, local content development, and dispute resolution mechanisms in resource contracts.

Session Coordinator:
Melisa Amataefieo

Session Sponsor:
Aluko & Oyebode

Moderator:
Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, FCIArb

Speakers:

  • Honourable Umaru Napoleon Koroma
  • Dr. Aliu Isah Chikaji
  • Michael Akafia
  • Isaac Ibikunle

Tea Break

12.01 – 12.20pm

Panel Session 3

12.21pm – 1.50pm

Session Title: The Evolving Role of In-House Counsel in Arbitration

This panel brings together some of Nigeria’s leading corporate counsel to share practical insights on managing arbitration in real-world scenarios. From lessons learned to ongoing challenges, this discussion offers arbitration practitioners a rare opportunity to hear directly from the ultimate users of arbitration – corporate clients.

Session Coordinator:
Rehoboth Juwah
Session Sponsor:
Matthew Burkaa & Co

Moderator :
Mathew Burkaa, SAN

Speakers

  • Ijeoma Bassey
  • Ifeloju Alakija
  • Omonigho Brown
  • Lilian Sogo
  • Daniel Wilmot

Panel Session 4

1.50pm – 3.20pm

Session Title: Funding Arbitration under the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 – From Concept to Reality

This panel explores the market opportunities for Third Party Funding and other funding litigation alternatives such as insurance in Nigeria, in light of the Arbitration and Mediation Act. It also discusses the legal and institutional challenges in funding Nigerian seated arbitrations and related court proceedings.

Session Coordinator:
Adetola Adebesin
Session Sponsor:
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Moderator:
Ayoola Senbanjo

Speakers:

  • Rob Wheal
  • Olasupo Shasore, SAN
  • Jide Adesokan
  • Honourable Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, SC

Panel Session 5

9.00am – 10.15am

Session Title: AI in International Arbitration – Moving with the Times

This panel explores the use of AI in the practice of arbitration and the opportunities, risks and challenges associated with its use.

Session Coordinator:
Chizaram Mbah

Moderator :
Diane Okoko, FCIArb

Speakers

  • Leilah Bruton
  • Babou Diankha
  • Cristen Bauer
  • Fernandez Marcus – Obiene

Panel Session 6

10.16am – 11.30am

Session Title: Towards True Cooperation – A New Era for Judicial Oversight in ADR

This panel explores the relationship between arbitration and the courts, including the role of domestic courts in enforcing arbitration agreements and enforcing/setting aside awards in a way that satisfies the core principles of international arbitration. Among other topical considerations, the panel aims to interrogate expectations from judges in the arbitration process – whether to adopt an interventionist or a more residual approach. The panel will also explore the judicial approach to the enforcement of settlement agreements emanating from arbitration and other ADR procedures.

Session Coordinators:

Oluwaseun Philip-Idiok

Tobi Adesanmi

Moderator
Hon. Justice Peter O. Affen (JCA)


Speakers

  • Hon. Justice Habeeb Abiru (JSC)
  • Hon. Justice Olasumbo Goodluck (JCA)
  • Hon. Justice O. A. Ipaye (J)
  • Hon. Justice Lemea Ngbor (J)
  • Hon. Justice Jennifer Dadzie (JCA)

Tea Break

11.31 – 11.45am

Oxford Style Debate

11.45am – 1pm

Proposition: This house thinks a Nigerian Court can set aside a foreign arbitral award.

The debate explores both sides of the argument concerning whether, as a principle of international arbitration, an arbitral award may only be set aside at the seat. Particular attention will be given to the delocalization theory and its implications for international arbitration practice.

Session Coordinator:
Perenami Momodu
Session Sponsor:
Aelex

Moderator:
Amanda Lee, FCIArb

Speakers:

  • Charles Adeyemi Candide-Johnson, SAN, FCIArb
  • John Ohaga, SC, FCIArb
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