Turning connections into opportunity: Wakeley-Jones takes helm as new BNLF Chair

Goodwill between the UK and Nigeria must lead to practical opportunities, said new BNLF Chair Genevieve Nwodo Wakeley-Jones, who was elected to lead the BNLF into a new chapter at last Thursday’s AGM, alongside a new Executive Committee.

“BNLF brings together more than 3,000 people connected to the UK and Nigeria. I want us to make even more of that network by bringing law, business, and government closer together and creating opportunities across both countries.”.

Reflecting on her journey, Wakeley-Jones, a partner at Kingsley Wood Solicitors who is dual qualified in England & Wales and Nigeria, shared that eight years ago she joined a BNLF networking event hosted by former Chair Sheye-Seye Aina.

“I had no idea that first step would lead me through several roles on the Executive Committee including as Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and now Chair,” said Wakeley-Jones, who succeeds Kash Balogun as Chair. “BNLF has given me room to grow, people to learn from, and the chance to serve a community I care deeply about.”

Alongside Balogun, Wakeley-Jones helped grow the Forum’s presence in Nigeria, with the BNLF holding its first Nigeria Summit in Lagos in 2025, establishing a Lagos Committee, and returning for a second Summit in June 2026. Ahead of the inaugural event, she told Africa Legal it was time to “anchor this mission physically in Nigeria”.

Alongside Wakeley-Jones as Chair, the new BNLF Executive Committee for 2026-2028 includes Timothy Folaranmi as Vice-Chair, Funbi Akinsanya as Treasurer and Ihezuo Nancy Uchechi as General Secretary. Toyin Asada and Kemi Afesojaye are Co-Chairs of the Lagos Committee; Tobi Bello and Enitoluwafe Owolabi are Co-Chairs of the BNLF Junior Law Division. Temidire Tubi is Partnerships & Sponsorship Lead, Odia Mathew is Membership Secretary, and Chidinma Nwalupue the Social Secretary. Oluwagbemiga Ogunleye and Afolarin Awosika join as co-opted committee members.

Folaranmi told Wakeley-Jones she had set out “a bold and dynamic vision for the next two years”. Tubi, who first attended a BNLF event at Folaranmi’s invitation last year, said her new role would focus on “building genuine, long-term relationships” with partners who can create opportunities for members and the wider community.

Chimdinma Nwaigwe, President of the Leicestershire Law Society, said Balogun’s outgoing team had left “a strong foundation” and welcomed Wakeley-Jones’s leadership. “I have no doubt that the organisation is in good hands,” she shared. Nigerian Lawyers in Scotland also congratulated the incoming team, calling BNLF “an important platform for connecting, supporting and advancing lawyers”.

The keynote speakers at last week’s AGM demonstrated what closer ties could mean in practice. Former Nigerian Bar Association president Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya SAN urged lawyers to enter investment discussions earlier and help tackle barriers to cross-border business. Abimbola Olashore, president of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, called for legal expertise to be connected with investment, diaspora capital, and opportunities for smaller businesses.

A partner at Kingsley Wood, Wakeley-Jones’ experience spans commercial matters, restructuring and digital transformation. Earlier this year, she received a Nigeria Magazine Social Impact Award for her community and cross-border work, crediting those who give their time to BNLF: “The work that matters most is rarely done alone”.

Taking the baton now as Chair of BNLF, Wakeley-Jones thanked Balogun and the outgoing Executive Committee for their stewardship of the Forum. “BNLF depends on people giving their time and expertise, and I’m proud of the stellar team stepping forward with me. I’m ready to serve and excited for the journey ahead.”