Global law firm Hogan Lovells, in collaboration with Ghanaian law firm Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah hosted a two-day Power Sector focused Virtual Sessions organized as part of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Centre (LACIAC) & Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) Second Regional Training Workshop on Dispute Management in Africa Infrastructure Projects (DIMAP) 2020 with the support of Aluko & Oyebode, and Funmi Roberts & Co.

The workshop which took place virtually on the 6th and 7th of October 2020 focused on construction projects in the power sector and presented an opportunity for participants to engage on prospects and trends in the power sector, and draw lessons and best legal practices in the management of major power projects in Nigeria and beyond.

The training was delivered by a faculty of experts in the fields of construction, project management, dispute management and dispute resolution, and participants included professionals from the public and private sectors active in the power industry.

The panel of speakers included Hogan Lovells London-based Partners Nathan Searle (International Arbitration) and Angus Rankin (International Arbitration, and Construction & Engineering), and International Arbitration and Construction & Engineering colleagues, Dr Ademola Bamgbose (London) and Ilham Kabbouri (Dubai). Also present: Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin, OBE, Chief Executive Officer, FIDIC; George C. Okoroma, President, ACEN Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN , Head of Litigation, Arbitration and ADR Groups, Aluko & Oyebode and Chairman of LACIAC; Nania Owusu-Ankomah, Partner, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah; and Funmi Iyayi, Managing Director, LACIAC.

The discussions were structured around legal risk management in all phases of the project cycle (procurement, negotiation and delivery of construction contracts in the power sector), with a particular focus on recent developments and challenges arbitration practitioners have been seeing following the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Nigerian and West African Market.

The workshop started with a keynote speech given by Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin, OBE, Chief Executive Officer, FIDIC following a Welcome Address by Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, Chairman, LACIAC and Engr George C. Okoroma, President, ACEN. In their Welcome Address,  the Organisers spoke of the purpose of DIMAP and explained that the vision of DIMAP is to be Africa’s most informational and educational training platform that provides current knowledge and skills to practitioners who manage disputes in Africa, with a focus on engineering and construction projects. 

Regarding COVID-19, speaking at the session, Angus Rankin, Partner at Hogan Lovells commented on the unprecedented scale and complexity of the pandemic’s impact in contrast to more classic force majeure events of the recent past like the Arab Spring, the unrest in Ukraine or the 2011 Japan Earthquake/Tsunami. He finally, highlighted that we are likely to see changes in the drafting of Change in Law/Force Majeure clauses in the future.

Nathan Searle, Partner at Hogan Lovells emphasised  the importance of training programmes like DIMAP. He emphasized how COVID-19 has led to new challenges but also created an opportunity for forward thinking organizations and bodies to collaborate and ensure improved performance for the industry.

Mr Searle noted that training programmes such as DIMAP, which bring together legal experts and those working directly in industry to share their experience and insights on managing risks, are the right steps towards consolidating and building on best practice in the Nigerian power sector.

With over 40 offices across the world, Hogan Lovells is committed to providing business-oriented legal advice and high-quality service across its exceptional breadth of practices to clients around the world.

The world just finished celebrating the 2020 International Women’s Day (IWD) and Grand Africa Initiative (GAI) was at the forefront of empowering young women across Nigeria. 

Being a Pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation, GAI identified International Women’s Day as another opportunity to provide grooming, empowerment, and mentorship (GEM) to young minds who were present at the Nsukka, Lagos and Jos meetups.  

The GAI team is passionate about leading the youth to explore their unique talents and abilities to enable them reach their full potentials. 

“We seized the opportunity to equip young women with relevant information and knowledge that would guarantee their success,” said Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Founder of GAI. 

The 2020 International women’s day with the theme “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” was marked with the celebration of distinguishing achievement of women all over the world.

This is the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration for empowerment of women and girls everywhere. 

Ms. Okoli revealed that GAI is rolling out life changing programs, symposiums, workshops, advocacy and youth empowerment events promoting education, entrepreneurship and innovation among others.

GAI held International Women’s Day Meetup in three different locations in Nigeria, viz: Lagos, Nsukka and Jos.

She said it was a great opportunity to engage with young women in a special way as it was imperative to understand why the world celebrates March 8th and what it means to them. 

The impact of engaging young people cannot be overemphasized, she said. 

“So Grand Africa Initiative provides a platform to bridge that gap between the role models of today and the younger generation, thus building deeper and stronger connections that will result in grooming more dependable, competent and capable future leaders for the sustainable development of our nation and continent.”

According to Ms.Nwasinachi Anioke, An Author and the organiser of Nsukka Meetup, every young woman that attended the event went home more confident, affirming she is great, special, unique and has all it takes to be a phenomenal woman. 

BY: Sandra Ani

​Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, has rolled out activities to mark the Executive Chairman, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh’s second year anniversary in office.

Engr. Buraimoh’s administration in the LGA has ensured dynamic and purposeful leadership at the grassroot. He runs an all-inclusive model of governance.

The week-long activities, according to a report byTechEconomy.ng, are meant to further enrich the lives of people of Amuwo Odofin.

Considering its strategic location Amuwo Odofin LGA has found its root in the area with people of various extractions engaging in various forms of trading activities and usually identified as strategic to the economy of Lagos and Nigeria in general.

The activities billed to kick-off on Monday, August 19, 2019 with a media parley with the LGA Chairman, will run till Sunday, August 25 with a thanks giving Service.

See attached flyer for details of the activities:

Meanwhile, the hospitality of the people of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, keeps attracting people from other ethnic tribes in Nigeria as well as from neighbouring West African States to the area.

For instance, retired and serving Civil Servants, industrialists and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who have taken advantages of the serene atmosphere of the Estates located in the Local Government to reside in the area.

During his inauguration as the LGA Chairman, two years ago, Engr. Buraimoh reiterated that despite the difficult times, his administration would be able to make considerable progress in various areas.

Twenty-four months later, the Chairman is ready to reel-out the achievements of his administration and lay foundation for more glories.

He expressed his appreciation to members of his cabinet, legislators, management team, party stalwarts and others for their support, dedication and for ensuring that the administration succeeds even in difficult times.

Most importantly, the leadership in partnership with Government of His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, has maintained peace and tranquillity in the LGA which is critical for business continuity.