By Julius Peter, Abuja
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Reuben O. Atabo, SAN, has been inducted as one of the foundation fellows of the Institute of Competition and Antitrust Practitioners (ICAP), at a ceremony held in Abuja.
Atabo was among distinguished legal practitioners and professionals inducted as foundation fellows during the unveiling and induction ceremony organised by ICAP in collaboration with the Antitrust and Trade Laws Practitioners Association (ATLPA).
Speaking after his induction, Atabo expressed appreciation for the honour, describing his elevation as a significant recognition of his commitment to professional service and the advancement of humanity.
He said the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to contribute to the development of the legal profession and the broader society.
“I am very happy for this fellowship bestowed on me. I will continue to do my best for humanity,” Atabo said.
The newly inducted fellow noted that the establishment and activities of ICAP were particularly important to the development of a competitive business environment, stressing that effective competition regulation would help protect smaller businesses and promote fairness in the marketplace.
According to him, the institution would play an important role in enhancing competition and discouraging absolute monopoly, which could undermine opportunities for smaller businesses and other market participants.
He pledged to support the objectives and ideals of the institute, adding that his induction had imposed on him an additional responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the development of competition and antitrust practice in Nigeria.
Atabo said the promotion of fair competition was essential to creating an environment where businesses could operate, innovate and grow without being unfairly disadvantaged by dominant market players.
The event also featured remarks by the President of ICAP, Chief Paul-Harris Ogbole, SAN, who explained that the selection of the foundation fellows was based on their dedication to professional service and their contributions to society.
Ogbole congratulated the inductees and urged them to see their elevation as both an honour and a responsibility to the profession and the nation.
He stressed the importance of remembering the humble beginnings of the institute, noting that the foundation fellows had a significant role to play in shaping its future and ensuring that its objectives were sustained.
“We should not despise our humble beginning,” Ogbole said, urging members to remain committed to the principles upon which the organisation was established.
He said the institute was established to provide a professional platform for practitioners and stakeholders interested in competition law, antitrust regulation and related areas of trade law.
The ICAP president further encouraged the foundation fellows to use their wealth of experience and professional expertise to strengthen the development of competition and antitrust jurisprudence and practice in Nigeria.
The unveiling and induction ceremony brought together legal practitioners, senior advocates, academics, professionals and other stakeholders interested in competition and trade law.
The establishment of ICAP and its collaboration with ATLPA is expected to contribute to greater professional awareness and expertise in competition and antitrust matters, particularly as Nigeria’s business environment continues to evolve.
The induction of the foundation fellows therefore marked a significant milestone for the institute, with the inductees expected to contribute their experience, expertise and professional networks towards advancing the objectives of competition and antitrust practice in the country.
