Excitement builds for BNLF’s flagship Annual Gala Dinner and its growing cross-border mission

Attendees can expect an unforgettable evening of world-class entertainment, inspiring moments, and powerful networking that celebrates excellence, connection, and community at the upcoming BNLF Annual Gala Dinner and Awards at the Great Hall at Lincoln’s Inn, says Timothy Folaranmi of the BNLF Executive Committee. 

The BNLF has been a beacon of cross-border legal collaboration for almost 25 years, and has grown from a UK-based network of Nigerian lawyers into a powerhouse of influence, mentorship, and commercial connectivity. This year’s Annual Gala Dinner marks a new chapter of success and collaboration in its mission. 

Speaking with Africa Legal earlier this year, Kash Balogun and Genevieve Wakeley-Jones, who were elected the new Chair and Vice-Chair of BNLF in September 2024, said the BNLF has always been a strong network, but now was the time to scale up and provide stronger foundations, move from symbolic to strategic collaborations with organisations like the Nigerian Bar Association, and champion the next generation of lawyers while providing tools to thrive across jurisdictions.

In the months since, the BNLF has hosted a very successful inaugural Nigerian Conference and Gala in Lagos in June, described by attendees as a ‘game-changing’ event and golden opportunity, and established a Lagos Committee - co-chaired by Kemi Afesojaye and Oluwatoyin Asada - to help drive their cross-border mission. 

It also held several events in Nigeria and the UK. 

In the past month alone that has included a Lagos Networking Mixer, organised by Funbi Akinsanya and Adedunmade Onibokun and attended by a number of past BNLF Chairs and Vice-Chairs; a Family Law Seminar; and a Junior Lawyers Division evening exploring the route to qualification as a barrister in England & Wales. 

Timothy, Geneveive, and Kash are excited to celebrate a year of growth and deepening collaboration with hundreds of BNLF members and supporters on 21 November at the Annual Gala Dinner and Awards at the Great Hall at Lincoln’s Inn. 

With tickets almost sold out, the Gala Dinner will be an evening of “unparalleled elegance and insight, bringing together the most distinguished legal minds from the UK and Nigeria”. More than a great night out, “It is a convergence of visionaries, a celebration of achievement, a platform for forging connections that last a lifetime.”

The Gala Dinner and Awards will feature inspiring keynote speakers, fine dining, music, and entertainment, a live performance by Adun Ensemble, networking with over 250 senior lawyers, judges, academics, policymakers, and business leaders, and a celebration of excellence in the British-Nigerian legal communities.

Further details and final tickets for the BNLF Annual Gala Dinner are available here.