Abuja, Nigeria | July 7, 2025 –
At the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators’ (ICMC) Induction Ceremony for Law School students held on July 7, 2025, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Ph.D., delivered a compelling keynote address titled “Mediation Training Can Enhance Law Practice.”
In his speech, Chief Obegolu celebrated the milestone of inducting a new generation of mediators, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the evolving Nigerian legal landscape.
“This institute has over the years, trained successful mediators who are contributing their quota to seeing that disputes of all kinds are resolved amicably within Nigeria and abroad,” he stated.
“The induction of these newly trained mediators is also another feat in opening wider the door for disputants to access and explore mediation.”
He noted that the enactment of the Arbitration and Mediation Act (AMA) has opened new opportunities for mediation, particularly for international commercial companies seeking confidence in Nigeria’s dispute resolution systems.
Chief Obegolu remarked that the legal education of today must transcend courtroom litigation, urging young lawyers to be equipped with the skills required to resolve disputes beyond traditional judicial processes.
The Realities of Legal Practice and the Promise of Mediation
Quoting Joseph Grynbaum, he noted:
“An ounce of mediation is worth a pound of arbitration and a ton of litigation!”
Highlighting the overstretched Nigerian judiciary, Chief Obegolu described mediation as a timely, party-driven, confidential process that leads to faster and mutually satisfactory outcomes. He emphasized that businesses now prefer problem-solvers who can facilitate win-win outcomes without lengthy courtroom battles.
“The legal profession should offer more than litigation and arbitration,” he said. “Legal education must become more tailored to proffering dispute resolution mechanisms that meet the demands of justice.”
To the Inductees: “Guardians of Dialogue, Architects of Peace”
Chief Obegolu encouraged the new mediators to adopt integrity, empathy, and courage as core principles in their professional journey.
He reflected on the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, both lawyer-mediators who embodied non-violence, understanding, and reconciliation as tools for societal healing.
“Gandhi believed that the true function of a lawyer is to unite parties driven asunder,” he said. “Mandela taught us to see the human being behind every conflict.”
He charged the inductees to rise to the challenge of becoming “commercial problem-solvers” in today’s business environment.
“You’re not just lawyers. You are called to preserve relationships, honor emotions, and co-create solutions that endure beyond legal texts.”
Mediation as Nation-Building
According to Chief Obegolu, commercial mediation is a vital platform for nation-building, with each mediated settlement saving time, money, and relationships while contributing to national stability.
“Start mediating. Volunteer at court-connected ADR centers. Apply to join panels at institutions like NCCDRC or MDCs. Let businesses know that you understand law and commerce.”
He urged the inductees to leverage their dual identity as lawyers and mediators to shape the future of legal practice in Nigeria.
Conclusion and Commendation
Chief Obegolu concluded by congratulating the Institute and its leadership for their role in advancing mediation practice:
“The number of inductees I see sitting before me gives me satisfaction and a sense of pride,” he said. “It signifies that the Institute is raising up lawyers who are well equipped to meet the current demands on the legal profession.”
He praised Mr. President of the Institute, Godwin Omoaka, SAN, the Registrar, Faculty, and all contributors to the event’s success.
“Litigators win cases. Mediators preserve futures,” he reminded. “The world of business needs you — steady, skilled, and ready to make a difference.”
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN
Kindly find attached his address:
Keynote Address from Emeka Obegolu to ICMC Inductees, July 2025
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