by 
Over the years I have learnt about and come to know of a fine Gentleman whom I first met while I was the President of the Nigerian Law School, Students Council, Victoria Island Lagos.
Olumide Akpata has been one who believes in creating a vision and causing change through inspiration in his nearly 30years of successful law practice. He is a man who believes that lawyers are critical tools to drive change in our rather conservative legal profession and sees younger lawyers as pilots of the scheme. He continues to enjoy tremendous goodwill and remarkable reviews from reputable people across diverse backgrounds locally and internationally. I have had time to listen to the robust analysis of his plans which are entirely feasible and will transform the Bar.
I am moved to tears of joy listening to several heart warming tales of countless number of lawyers in Nigeria who have acknowledged the impact he has made in their lives over the past decade, his encouragement as well as actions he has taken to ensure the mental, physical and professional welfare of lawyers, notwithstanding the dissipation of his time and resources to achieve that end.
Olumide Akpata combines a track record of sound leadership qualities with sterling managerial skills and global consciousness to produce genuine results which has earned him admirability, loyalty and respect. His wide acceptability shows that he is trust worthy and this is what it takes to unify the Bar.
His brave impact has continued to soar across the legal profession in diverse respects, contributing to the various frontiers of legal practice through diligent service and playing leading roles in several committees and segments of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Bar Association. He has built an enviable career with integrity in Corporate/Commercial Law practice and thus he is in full grasp of the workings of the Nigerian Business Environment which encapsulates the services of every lawyer.
Olumide Akpata represents a break from the past, a strategic solution provider to systemic challenges, a driver of contemporary law practice, a unifier of the Bar, our hope for the future and a vibrant catalyst for reforms in the administration of justice in Nigeria.
As a corollary to the above, I hereby unequivocally endorse the candidacy of Olumide Akpata for the Office of the President of the NBA and I humbly invite my learned seniors and colleagues to elect and support this vision of truth for its actualization through a man who for all intents and purposes is best fit for these dynamic times.
_Undeniably, the future we all have been waiting for is NOW UPON US!_
Desmond T. Orisewezie, Esq.
NBA Lagos Branch egal Practitioner/Activist/Leader.
