The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, has been recognised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Badagry Branch, for his contributions to public service and national development.

The honour was presented during the public unveiling of the second edition of the Heritage Bar Journal, held as part of the NBA Badagry Branch’s 10th Annual Law Week in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Dr Akutah described the recognition as unexpected, noting that public service often requires years of dedication without immediate acknowledgment. He reflected on his earlier career at the Federal Ministry of Justice, where he was involved in institutional reforms within Nigeria’s justice sector.

“Sometimes recognition comes long after the work has been done,” he said. “This honour reminds us that committed service eventually speaks for itself. Those in public office should give their best, regardless of whether recognition comes early or late.”

Representing the Chief Judge of Lagos State and chairman of the occasion, Justice Kazeem Alogba, Justice Obafemi Adamson used the platform to caution against the growing trend of analysing court judgments on social media without a proper understanding of legal context.

He warned that selective or uninformed commentary could undermine public confidence in the judiciary, stressing that the legal profession provides established channels for challenging court decisions.

“Judgments should be examined within the full framework of the law,” Justice Adamson said. “Where there is dissatisfaction, the appropriate response is to approach a higher court, not to resort to public speculation.”

He added that differing outcomes in similar cases often arise because parties fail to establish identical legal principles, urging lawyers and the public alike to respect constitutional processes.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NBA Badagry Branch, Mr Lawal Rashidi, described Dr Akutah as a public servant whose leadership at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic and regulatory priorities.

Mr Rashidi said the release of the journal’s second edition—four years after its inaugural publication—demonstrated the branch’s commitment to legal scholarship and professional development.

He noted that this year’s Law Week focused on the theme “Judicial Reputation in the Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions”, highlighting the growing intersection between law, technology, and public perception.

According to him, the Law Week activities, including the journal launch and award presentation, were designed not only to foster intellectual engagement but also to strengthen ties between the legal profession and the wider Badagry community.

The #NBA Badagry Branch concluded the event with prayers for the continued growth of the legal profession and renewed calls for integrity, discipline, and excellence within Nigeria’s justice system.