Picture: Dr Akutah appreciating the honour
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, has been honoured by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Badagry Branch, also known as the Heritage Bar.
The recognition was conferred on him during the 10th Law Week and the public presentation of the Heritage Bar Journal, held on Thursday in Lagos.
With the theme“Judicial Reputation: Challenges and Solutions,” the event focused on restoring credibility within Nigeria’s justice system and addressing the structural issues undermining public confidence.
Responding to the honour, Dr. Akutah expressed deep appreciation, describing the award as both unexpected and humbling. He attributed the recognition to diligence and commitment to duty, noting that he considers the privilege a product of divine grace and professional dedication.
He urged Nigerians, especially public servants to always give their best, stressing that excellence should be pursued not for applause, but as a matter of principle and integrity. “Whatever responsibility we are given, we must execute it diligently, whether or not recognition comes,” he said.
Representing the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, Hon. Justice Babafemi Adamson cautioned legal practitioners and the public against the growing culture of analyzing and condemning court judgments on social media without a proper understanding of the law.
He noted that the legal profession is structured with laid-down mechanisms for redress, urging dissatisfied parties to seek remedy through appellate courts rather than social media commentary.
According to him, the core essence of the legal profession is to “sanitize society.”
In his welcome address, Chairman of the NBA Badagry Branch, Lawal Rashidi, Esq., described Dr. Akutah as a distinguished public servant whose proactive leadership at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council aligns strongly with national development priorities.
He noted that the NSC boss has continued to make significant and measurable contributions to the growth and reform of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Picture: Shows Dr Akutah receiving the award from Heritage Bar
