In a move set to redefine recognition within Nigeria’s legal profession, the Association of Legislative Drafters and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has conferred its prestigious ‘Blue Silk’ rank on a select group of distinguished lawyers, celebrating excellence outside the traditional courtroom setting.
The landmark ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together leading figures from the legal community, government, and academia.
It marked a significant shift toward acknowledging the critical role played by non-litigation lawyers in legislative drafting, policy development and legal scholarship.
Recipients of the inaugural honour include Hon. Paul E. Usenbo, Sir Sam Aiboni, Titilayo Elizabeth Orebiyi, Muhammed Baffa, Hon. Lawal Oluwafemi, Adebayo Akinade, Dr Onadeko Damilola Edwards, Dr. (Mrs) Obraori Peters Adeila, Olorungemi O. Bamidele, Senibo Elisha Jaja, Yahaya H. Danzaria, Mrs Chinelo A. Emeghara, and Canada-based Nigerian lawyer Kennedy Thompson.
According to ALDRAP, the honourees emerged after a rigorous screening and due diligence process designed to uphold the integrity and prestige of the award.
The event, themed “ALDRAP’s Blue Silks as an Innovation in Celebrating Legal Excellence of Non-Litigation Nigerian Lawyers: Senior Legislative Counsel (SELCON), Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN), and Senior Legal Academic (SLA),” underscored the growing importance of legislative and advisory roles in shaping governance and public policy.
Delivering the welcome address, Ambassador Dahiru Aliyu (SAN), President of the Nigerian Law Society, praised ALDRAP for breaking new ground in recognising areas of legal practice often overlooked.
He noted that the evolution of the profession must reflect its expanding frontiers, particularly in sectors that directly influence national development.
The ceremony was anchored by Olaitan Abiodun, Vice-President of the Nigerian Law Society, while the keynote address was delivered by the President of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel.
The keynote speaker highlighted global best practices in legislative drafting and called for institutional reforms to strengthen parliamentary systems across Commonwealth countries.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a new book titled “The Need for Digital and E-Parliament Infrastructure in Nigeria: Essays in Honour of Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.”
The publication, which explores how technology can enhance legislative efficiency, was formally presented to Edo State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul E. Usenbo, in recognition of his contributions to governance.
The ceremony also featured the administration of oaths on the newly inducted “Blue Silk” awardees, followed by the signing of the enrolment register, symbolising their admission into an elite cadre of legal professionals dedicated to advancing non-litigation practice in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Titilayo Orebiyi and Usenbo expressed gratitude to ALDRAP for the honour and reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism, integrity and service in their respective fields.
The ALDRAP “Blue Silk” initiative is widely seen as a progressive step toward broadening the scope of recognition within Nigeria’s legal landscape, placing legislative drafting, policy advisory and academic contributions on a pedestal alongside courtroom advocacy.
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