ADR MEET CONFERENCE (6.0) RECAP

To celebrate the completion of its activities for the year, the ADR Society typically organizes an annual conference that aims at providing a learning and networking space for students, industry practitioners, and experts in the arbitration and dispute resolution field. This year’s edition of the ADR Meet, known as the ADR Meet 6.0, took place on the 21st of June, 2023 and also marked the 10th year anniversary of the ADR Society. As such, the Society played host to a number of distinguished guests and panelists, who had insightful discussions centered around the theme, “An Infusion of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Governance”.

The event, hosted by Charles Dureke and Goodluck Jonathan, began around 10:30am, with a welcome address from the Society’s Outgoing President, Asekhame Oshiomah, who spoke briefly about how his participation within the society has been a core part of his growth as a law student, and an aspiring lawyer. He also briefly discussed how being an executive member in the society has provided him with fulfilling, lifetime connections.

The special guest of honor, Mr. Isaiah Bozimo, the former Attorney-General of Delta State, gave an insightful and engaging opening speech about how Alternative Dispute Resolution can be applied in governance. Opening with a brief definition of key terms like ADR and governance, Mr. Isaiah provided clear examples and short anecdotes of how he used ADR to resolve disputes during his tenure as an Attorney-General. He also discussed the multiple benefits of using ADR, and defined key areas where arbitration can improve governance by settling disputes between the citizens and the government. At the end of his speech, he encouraged students to pursue their interest in learning more about ADR, and encouraged them to ask questions and seek guidance as necessary.

Dr. Adeyemi Agbelusi, representing Mrs. Sola Adegbonmire, gave the keynote address where he emphasized the inclusion of ADR into the political sphere. As an alumnus of the University of Lagos, he encouraged students to take advantage of the resources and materials at their disposal, and use them to prepare for their legal careers. He also provided practical examples and a unique insight into how ADR can be substituted for litigation. During a brief interlude, the student audience asked a few questions concerning the points raised during the different addresses, and the guests provided detailed explanations as necessary.

Following this, the panel session, moderated by Owen Umeh, with Faith Bamise Oyewale, Maryam Quadri, and Fola Alade (ESQ.) as panelists, discussed the practicality and possibility of including Alternative Dispute Resolution into public policy decisions, electoral processes, and other aspects of governance. Drawing examples from current events and the recently concluded presidential and governorship elections, the panelists debated and elaborated on including arbitration into the system. It was an insightful and interactive session that provided context to the central theme, and sparked conversations among guests, and the student audience.

Other special guests in attendance were: Mrs. Tope Tokan-Lawal, Mare Oladapo, Daniel Adegbamigbe, Olwasoorefunmi Olarenwaju, among others. As our event was sponsored by various law firms including: G. Elias, Streamsowers & Kohn, Kenna Partners, OAKE Legal, and Everlaw Associates, some of these firms were ably represented at the Conference.

As the main purpose of the ADR Meet is for networking and sharing of ideas, there was a brief recess and networking session shortly after the panel session that provided students with the opportunity to speak with the invited guests, ask questions, and make connections.

After the recess, a 10 minute video tribute featuring commentary from past presidents of the ADR Society since its inception, was projected and viewed by all attendees. The video highlighted the achievements and accomplishments of

the ADR Society, and demonstrated the impact the long-lasting community has had on former members. Following this, the President of the ADR Society and some of the invited guests and past presidents participated in the cutting of the cake.

One of the hallmarks of the ADR Meet is the internal Moot competition which showcases the practical aspect of what we teach our members. This year’s ADR Moot problem was introduced to the audience, and it featured a hypothetical dispute relating to a private election campaign dispute. Amarachukwu Ego- Osuala, Joseph B. Olaogun, and Olufolajimi Otitoola were the arbitrators for the Moot competition, with Chidera Okoro acting as the time keeper. Prior to the conference, there had been a memorial writing stage, and a semi-final where some teams had been eliminated. The two final teams participated in the final Moot competition at the event. It was an interesting and thrilling competition that provided the teams with the opportunity to show their oratory and research skills.

This immediately preceded the launch of the ADR Journal which features insightful and detailed articles from the student community about significant topics and issues in the field of arbitration and dispute resolution. Thereafter, awards were presented to outstanding members and executives of the ADR Society for the current session as well as winners of the ADR Moot.

The winners of the ADR Moot were:

1. Best team - Okikenna Osele and Betty Elikwu

2. Best memorial - Okikenna Osele and Betty Elikwu

3. Best Speaker - Ajibade Shalom

The winners of other prizes were:

1. Kelechi Alpheaus - Best Executive of the 2022/2023 Session

2. Chidera Okoro - Best member of the 2022/2023 Session

3. Promise Okezie - Most outstanding 500 level student of the 2022/2023 Session

4. Okikenna Osele - Most outstanding 400 level student of the 2022/2023 Session

5. Esosa Osunde - Most outstanding 300 level student of the 2022/2023 Session

6. Betty Elikwu - Most outstanding 200 level student of the 2022/2023 Session

Finally, the event was concluded with a vote of thanks, after which guests received refreshments and souvenirs, courtesy of our sponsors. Overall, it was a note-worthy event that provided students and experts alike, with an educative and collaborative space, celebrating the growth of the ADR Society.