Lawyers decry decline in reading culture

The twin issue of decline in mentorship and reading culture took a centre stage at the public presentation of a book: “Ship Acquisition & Finance: Law & Practice”, authored by a Lagos based Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Fabian Ajogwu to help investors and businesses navigate the complexities of international shipping finance in the context of the Nigerian economy.

Eminent Jurists and legal minds at the event held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos last week decried the decline in reading culture especially among lawyers and the shortage of mentors for young lawyers and called for urgent action.

The first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Olufolake Solanke, who performed the traditional unveiling of the book , tasked lawyers on the need to read  rather than spending valuable  time on the social media

She extolled the author and  Principal Partner of Kenna Partners, Professor Fabian Ajogwu SAN for his doggedness in expanding the frontier of the legal practice through books and urged him not to relent.

Also the chairman of the event and former Chief Judge of Lagos, Ayotunde Phillips described the author as “very distinguished and very learned”, who has expanded the frontier of legal learning by his books and persuasiveness.

She stressed that the 255 paged book, is very useful for everyone and will enhance the nation’s legal knowledge and scholarship. For a foremost senior advocate, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, Ajogwu has remained a shining light for the legal profession despite his young age.

He expressed hope that a new generation of lawyers who will follow his footstep in order to address problem of mentorship in the legal profession in Nigeria.

In his forward on the book, an astute banker, Mr. Jim Ovia said the book as authored by Ajogwu would help the reader navigate the complexities of international shipping finance in the context of the Nigerian economy.

The book reviewer, Mr. Sylva Ogwemoh, a senior advocate of Nigeria and Principal Partner, Kevin Martin Ogwemoh, said, Ajogwu has in the book provided useful and practical guide to Bankers, Lawyers, Investors, Shipping merchants and others seeking knowledge in the field of ship sale and purchase and the procedure for financing, acquisition and registration of ships in Nigeria.