Olisa Agbakoba is a renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Born on May 29, 1953, in Jos, Nigeria, Agbakoba has dedicated his life to promoting justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria.¹
Early Life and Education
Agbakoba’s early life was marked by frequent moves due to his father’s job as a chief justice. He attended various schools in Nigeria, including Government Primary School in Jos and Christ the King College in Onitsha. Agbakoba later studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. He also holds a master’s degree in law from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Career and Achievements
Agbakoba’s illustrious career spans over four decades, with significant contributions to human rights, maritime law, and dispute resolution. He is the founder of Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), a leading law firm in Nigeria. Agbakoba has also served as the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from 2006 to 2008.
Some of his notable achievements include:
– *Human Rights Advocacy*: Agbakoba has been a vocal advocate for human rights in Nigeria, particularly during the military regime. He founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and was its president from 1987 to 1995.
– *Maritime Law*: Agbakoba is a renowned expert in maritime law, with significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry. He is the founder and first president of the Nigerian Shipping Chamber of Commerce
– *Dispute Resolution*: Agbakoba is a seasoned arbitrator and mediator, with expertise in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). He has presided over several complex arbitration cases and has been recognized for his contributions to the development of ADR in Nigeria.
Awards and Recognition
Agbakoba’s outstanding contributions to human rights, law, and justice have been recognized with several awards and honors, including:
– *Roger Baldwin Medal for Civil Liberties* (1990)
– *Human Rights Award of the German Association of Judges* (1993)
– *Aachen Peace Award* (1996)
– *Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)*, a prestigious title conferred on him by the Nigerian Bar Association.
In conclusion, Olisa Agbakoba is a highly respected and accomplished human rights lawyer, maritime law expert, and dispute resolution specialist. His contributions to the development of law and justice in Nigeria are immeasurable, and his commitment to promoting human rights and the rule of law continues to inspire generations of lawyers and human rights advocates.
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