The African Bar Association (AFBA), the body of lawyers of African origin and those in diaspora, has named the Chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics (AERE), Dele Oye, as a recipient of its 2026 Medal of Merit in recognition of his result-oriented leadership and transformation of Nigeria’s organised private sector.
In a letter conveying the decision, the association said Oye was selected following a review of his achievements in managing the organised private sector through the various leadership positions he has occupied, particularly as President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN).
The association, while noting that Oye has set a standard worthy of emulation across Africa, commended him for providing transparent and effective leadership, adding that the organised private sector under his watch had been free of financial mismanagement while recording growth that benefited members and collaborating organisations.
The conferment of the award is expected to take place on Monday, 21st September, 2026 at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual Conference of the African Bar Association, holding at Hilton Cabo Verde Dos Hotels, SAL, Cape Verde, scheduled from 20th to 24th September, 2026.
The notice reads: “On behalf of the Governing and Executive Councils of the African Bar Association (AFBA), I dutifully write to inform you of your well-deserved nomination as a recipient of the 2026 African Bar Association Medal of Merit in management of organized private sectors in Nigeria, whilst, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
“As the foremost association of lawyers of African origin and those in diaspora, we continuously recognize the efforts of African Professionals in their work places be it employment based or through appointments, elections or individual private achievements in all spheres of life.
“This is done to encourage, recognize and celebrate our own to the outside world. We have followed and noticed your achievements in managing the organized private sector in Nigeria through all the offices held and more importantly as President.
“More importantly, we noted that management of or OPS under your watch is devoid of financial mismanagement, instead we saw growth in the finances of members and cooperating entities. We therefore remain elated of this positive development in organized private sector management, in Nigeria legacy worthy of emulation and commendation.”
The association added, “This Honor, therefore is a token in everlasting recognition of your inspirational leadership of organized private sector and a worthy selfless service to Nigeria and Africa.”
The lawyers disclosed other past recipients of the Medal to include Former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Former President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone, Former President Ellen Johnson of Liberia, Former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, Former President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, the Malawi Supreme Court Bench, Professor Emmanuel Kachikwu Former President of OPEC, Former Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Former Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Desmond Edwards, the first nonwhite Female to be appointed Judge in South Africa, Judge Navanethem Pillay, Kenya Supreme Court Bench and Former Prime Minister of Togo Hon. Joseph Kokou Koffigoh.
“Members of the African Bar Association feel quite privilege to bestow this Medal of Merit in organized private sector management on your good self and eagerly await your acceptance and presence at the Ceremony,” the lawyers added.
