The conferment took place during the society’s 2026 Annual General Conference, which focused on recognising Nigerian law graduates who have made significant contributions to the legal profession outside traditional courtroom practice.
The other recipients are Seyi Tinubu, Olufunmilayo Osifuye, Ihudiebube Chukwumdi and Alabi Olalekan Adigun.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Fani-Kayode called for stronger protection of the rights and dignity of Nigerians, both at home and abroad.
In an acceptance speech delivered by his Special Adviser on Media and Executive Assistant, Lizzy Okoji, he emphasised that access to justice should not depend on an individual’s social status, financial position or political connections.
He said justice must be available to everyone, regardless of their background or influence.
Reflecting on his diplomatic assignment in South Africa, Fani-Kayode said his experience had further strengthened his commitment to human rights, particularly in addressing challenges faced by Nigerians living in the country.
He recalled that his first official engagement after arriving in South Africa was a town hall meeting with members of the Nigerian community, where he listened to their concerns and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad.
He added that promoting human rights required courage, compassion, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to truth.
Meanwhile, NLS President, Ambassador Dahiru Aliyu, explained that the organisation was established to provide a professional platform for Nigerian law graduates whose careers extend beyond courtroom litigation.
He identified corporate administration, legal consultancy, arbitration, mediation, compliance, governance, legislative drafting and research as some of the professional fields covered by the society.
Aliyu disclosed that the NLS was established alongside the Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria (BOSCON), with its certificate of registration obtained on December 30, 2025.
He said the initiative was established under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees freedom of association.
On the Blue Silks initiative, the NLS president said the programme was designed to recognise professional excellence, dedication and outstanding contributions to the legal community while encouraging younger law graduates to uphold professional ethics and continuous development.
He also outlined his administration’s priorities, which include strengthening institutional structures, expanding membership, promoting continuing professional education, ensuring financial accountability and building stronger national and international partnerships.
In her keynote address, BOSCON Chairperson, Elizabeth Titilayo Orebiyi, represented by Ndidi Nicholas Okoro, stressed that legal practice and professional development were not restricted to courtroom advocacy.
She highlighted the contributions of law graduates working in universities, corporate organisations, legislative chambers, regulatory institutions and policy development.
Orebiyi identified four categories under the Blue Silks initiative: Senior Legal Academic (SLA), Senior Corporate Counsel (SCC), Senior Legislative Counsel (SLC) and Senior Law Reform Counsel (SLRC).
She noted that the Senior Counsel designation should reflect experience, competence, integrity, intellectual leadership and service to society.
She further encouraged young legal professionals to develop expertise in emerging areas, including technology, artificial intelligence, commercial innovation, regulatory transformation, international transactions and alternative dispute resolution.
Also speaking, Osifuye, who chairs the NLS Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee, advocated fairness and accountability in professional engagements and everyday relationships.
She clarified that the Nigerian Law Society was not established to compete with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), but to complement the work of other professional bodies in advancing the legal profession.
The NLS Public Relations Officer for Ogun State also urged members to uphold the rule of law, promote peaceful coexistence and protect human dignity.
