

Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN; Dr Attia Nasreddin, Chairman of Nasco Group; Chief Anthony George-Ikoli, SAN, former Attorney General of Bayelsa State; and distinguished corporate lawyer Mr Gbenga Oyebode are among seven notable Nigerians set to receive Lifetime Awards at the upcoming Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards on November 11, 2025.
Other honorees include Dr Oludare Bello, Chairman of CITEC Group, and renowned journalist and human rights activist Mr Richard Akinnola.
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Osinbajo is being recognised for his contributions to the Administration of Justice System during his tenure as Attorney General of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. Under his leadership, innovations such as the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) and the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) were established. These initiatives have since evolved into a Directorate in Lagos State, with similar directorates now established in all states across the federation and even at the federal government level.
Dr Nasreddin is honoured for his resilience and business development skills. The Nasco Group continues to thrive under his leadership, despite the security challenges in Northern and Central Nigeria. Jos, the capital of Plateau State, is also referred to as “Nasco City” in recognition of the group’s significant contributions to the local community.
Chief George-Ikoli, the grandson of the renowned journalist and nationalist, proudly holds the title of the first Senior Advocate from Bayelsa State. As Attorney General of the state from 2007 to 2011, he played a vital role in relocating the Ministry of Justice from temporary structures to an official secretariat, establishing a modern Justice Ministry. He was also instrumental in garnering government support for the establishment of the Nigerian Law School campus in Yenagoa, the first in South-South Nigeria.
Mr Oyebode, one of Nigeria’s top corporate lawyers, is expanding his influence beyond borders by creating a network of law firms across Africa. His aim is to address corporate legal challenges and foster the continent’s development, reducing reliance on Western law firms that may lack an understanding of African contexts. His ALN network now spans over ten African countries.
Mr Akinnola, a leading legal journalist, consistently seeks solutions to human rights challenges in Nigeria. He is one of the founders of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s first human rights organisation, alongside Dr Olisa Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Akinnola has authored numerous books on contemporary Nigerian and African issues.
Dr Oludare Bello, Chief Executive Officer of CITEC International Estates, is dedicated to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges. Under his leadership, CITEC has developed affordable housing estates in Plateau State and Abuja, and is currently undertaking large-scale housing projects in Ekiti State.
All recipients have confirmed their acceptance of the prestigious awards, which will be conferred on them on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.