NBA President Praises Partners And Team As Secure Digital Stamp And Seal Is Unveiled To Revolutionise Legal Practice In Nigeria

In a momentous event for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), its President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, officially unveiled the NBA’s Secure Digital Stamp and Seal today, marking a transformative step for the legal profession in Nigeria. The application, described by the NBA General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite as a “new level” in the association’s efforts to modernise legal practice marks a major milestone in the Maikyau-led administration’s ongoing commitment to innovation and efficiency.

The secure digital stamp and seal, introduced to alleviate issues associated with the physical stamps for some years now, was highlighted by the NBA General Secretary as a more acceptable, contemporary, and user-friendly solution for legal professionals. He stated that the NBA leadership prioritised this initiative as part of their campaign promises, with the goal of making legal practice more productive and prosperous for its members.

In collaboration with LawPavilion, a leading legal technology firm, the NBA has ensured that lawyers can now apply for the digital stamp and seal and receive it within minutes, effectively addressing the delays that plagued the physical stamp system. Adegbite, hailed the innovation as a game-changer that will significantly improve the legal profession in Nigeria.

He said that the process for applying for the digital stamp and seal will be communicated to members in the coming days, with videos and step-by-step instructions shared to members to ensure a smooth transition.

In his presentation at the event, LawPavilion CEO, Mr. Ope Olugasa congratulated the NBA President, YC Maikyau, SAN for initiating this groundbreaking project, which he described as a “pace-setting move” not just for Nigeria but potentially for the entire African legal community. He explained that the digital stamp and seal application is integrated into Microsoft Word, allowing lawyers to seamlessly incorporate it into their existing work environment. Built on blockchain technology, the platform is highly secure, ensuring that the NBA remains at the forefront of legal innovation. He ended his presentation with a video which detailed the application process, reinforcing the NBA’s commitment to making the transition as smooth as possible for its members.

Thereafter the digital stamp and seal were symbolically unveiled by the President, along with his team, partners, and some senior lawyers in attendance. This unveiling marked a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the legal profession in Nigeria.

In his remarks, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, OON, SAN expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NBA General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, for his unwavering dedication to the project, which has been over a year in the making. This cutting edge digital solution, Maikyau noted, signals the dawn of a new era for the legal community.

Maikyau recounted how numerous technology service providers were consulted, but it was Mr. Ope Olugasa of LawPavilion who ultimately provided the precise cutting edge digital solution that the NBA leadership envisioned. He praised Olugasa for delivering a solution that perfectly aligns with the present NBA administration’s mission to leave a lasting digital legacy for the association and its members. He described LawPavilion as a “worthy and remarkable partner” in this groundbreaking endeavour.

“We must take the posture of PRESSING FORWARD to rebuild our country, and it is also in rebuilding our own profession that we can actually provide direction in advancing the cause of our nation,” Maikyau stated. He emphasised the importance of adopting solutions that not only meet the profession’s needs but also instil confidence and uphold integrity. He expressed his satisfaction that the secure digital stamp and seal, unveiled today, is backed by the best available technology, ensuring the highest level of security.

Reflecting on the broader digital transformation within the NBA, Maikyau highlighted that it was under the current administration that the association successfully institutionalised digital engagement. This initiative includes the NBA’s robust and functional digital mobile app, which has received positive feedback from users. Maikyau proudly noted that, for the first time in the NBA’s history, registration for the Annual General Conference (AGC) was managed entirely in-house via the NBA’s digital platform, eliminating the need for third-party contractors.

Maikyau extended special thanks to IT consultant, Mr. Solomon Magaji for his exceptional work on the NBA digital app, which has set a new standard for digital engagement within the association. “Everyone, everywhere is going digital, and the NBA cannot afford to be left behind,” Maikyau remarked. “We must align with the direction the world is going, and that is why we embarked on this project. I am happy that it happened during this administration.”

He also addressed questions about the timing of the project, affirming that his authority as NBA President remains intact until the very end of his tenure. “The potency of my office as NBA President has not reduced by any nature. I remain the President by God’s special grace, with all the full powers to do what you all have elected me to do,” Maikyau declared.

In closing, Maikyau extended his gratitude to the senior lawyers in attendance, including the Chairman of the ECNBA, Mr. Oluseun Abimbola SAN, Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, Chief Okey Akubonu, Chief Charles Bala, Mr. A. O. Etukudo; members of his Executive Committee; senior staff of the NBA secretariat, friends, and members of the press, for their support and participation in this landmark event.

This initiative, which has been years in the making, is set to revolutionise the way legal professionals authenticate documents, making the process more secure, efficient, and in line with global best practices.

The collaborative effort between the NBA leadership, LawPavilion, and other partners underscores the association’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the legal profession’s operations and integrity. The unveiling of the Digital Stamp and Seal was not just a technological milestone but also a symbol of the Maikyau SAN-led NBA’s forward-thinking approach to legal practice in Nigeria.