It was trill and frill as the 2022 Hybrid Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) themed “The Future of Arbitration and ADR in Africa: Developments & Sustainability” was rounded off on the 25th of November 2022, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
The well attended event was graced with notable speakers who beamed searchlight on importance of arbitration in a modern economy.
The Young Arbitrators were not left out, as there were awards and prizes to winners of the pre-conference Debate Tournament and the National Essay Writing Competition.
The primary objective of the Young Arbitrators Debate Tournament is to generate practical critical thinking into primary issues and opportunities in Arbitration and ADR. NICArb looks forward to the development and improvement of young arbitrators in their engagement and participation in Arbitration and ADR practice through this tournament.
A few of the debate topics selected for this year were, The Pros and Cons of Delocalised Arbitration: The ICSID Arbitration Framework as a case study; Which is more urgent for Dispute Resolutions in Free Trade Areas, Harmonisation of Private Laws or o Private International Laws: AfCFTA as a case study; While Evidence Act does not apply to Arbitral Proceedings, IBA Rules on taking of evidence in International Commercial Arbitration is the best option; amongst other educating topics.
On the other hand, the National Essay Writing Competition was designed to help students increase their knowledge and understanding of Arbitration and ADR.
Based on reflections and feedback from students, revisions in these essay writings were made to strengthen students’ research and writing skills.
The Essay topic for this year themed: “Assessing the Effectiveness of the Current Dispute Resolution Regime of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.”
Many students turned in their essays, and it was quite interesting to have many entries. The winning entry will be published in the NICArb Journal of Arbitration’s next edition to encourage the student’s efforts and exhibit good research skills.
The winners of the NICArb 2022 Debate Tournament are:
1. Victoria Imoh Udoh (a 400-level student at the University of Nigeria)
2. Praise Olawale Idowu (a 300-level student at the University of Ilorin)
3. Ukonu Chiwendu Innocent (a 400-level law student at the University of Lagos)
The winners of the 2022 NICArb National Essay Writing Competition are:
1. Fagbemi Favour Damilola (a 300-level law student at the University of Ibadan)
2. Enoch Akinlabi Akinbusoye (a 400-level law student at the University of Lagos)
3. Obiorah Victor Chibuzor (a 300-level law student at the University of Lagos)
During the Award, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, OFR, FCArb, who also doubles as the President of AIFA Reading Society a not-for-profit organisation committed to fostering a reading culture and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all” in furtherance of his desire to encourage a reading and research culture among young people with the support of the Chairman of the 2022 Conference Planning Committee, Sir Uche Val Obi, SAN, FCArb, generously upgraded the prizes of the winners to encourage the Young Arbitrators and foster greater cooperation in the developing young arbitrators’ participation in Arbitration and ADR practice.
The Learned Silks magnanimously upgraded the prizes of the winners as follows:
For the Debate Tournament
1. First prize was upgraded from 100,000 to 1,000,000 Naira only
2. Second prize was upgraded from 50,000 to 500,000 Naira only
3. Third prize was upgraded from 30,000 to 300,000 Naira only
For the Essay Writing Competition
1. First prize was upgraded from 150,000 to 1,500,000 Naira only
2. Second prize was upgraded from 100,000 to 1,000,000 Naira only
3. Third prize was upgraded from 50,000 to 500,000 Naira only
The nobility and generosity of the Philanthropists were thrilling to the participants at the Conference.
A big thank you to Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, FCArb, OFR, and Sir, Uche Val Obi, SAN, FCArb, for putting big smiles on the faces of the winners.
