NBA-Section on Business Law Honours Yetunde Okojie with Tare Yeri Star Award for Selfless Service
Following the untimely demise of one of its active members, Ms. Oyintare Edith Yeri, who passed away on Saturday, 22nd April 2017, the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) has instituted an annual award in commemoration of the selfless life that she lived – The Tare Yeri Star Award for Selfless Service to the NBA-SBL.
'Tare’ as she was fondly called was a young, vibrant and selfless woman whose life was devoted to God and to others. She was a longstanding and extremely committed member of the NBA-SBL who served in various capacities, under every Council of the Section since its inception, and contributed immensely to its growth and development.
Tare played very critical roles in the planning of all ten editions of the NBA- SBL Annual Business Law Conference. Prior to her demise, she was deeply involved in the planning of the 2017 Conference as a member of the Conference Planning Committee in what had become her traditional role, Chairperson of the Venues and Accommodation Sub-Committee.
The first recipient of the award is Mrs. Yetunde Okojie, the Chairperson of the Budget SubCommittee, who has been recognised for her dedication, selfless contribution and unwavering commitment towards the development of the NBA-SBL. Her involvement in the planning of the Annual Business Law Conference, over the last few years, has been a major factor in the success of the event. The award was presented to Mrs. Okojie by Mr. George Etomi, the pioneer Chairman of the NBA-SBL and Tare’s Sister, Mrs. Elvina Obidi, on Tuesday, 20th June 2017 at the 11th Annual Business Law Conference of the NBA-SBL. The award includes a plaque and a cash prize which was donated, this year, by the law firm of Perchstone and Graeys.
Speaking about the award, Mr. Olumide Akpata, Chairman of the NBA- SBL, said he thought that it was important to commemorate Tare’s selfless dedication to the NBA-SBL. According to Mr. Akpata, “Tare was, without a doubt, one of those thoughtful and concerned individuals who contributed immensely to the success story that is the NBA-SBL.”
He also emphasised the need to recognise, celebrate and express appreciation to deserving colleagues while they are still with us, as Tare’s painful loss has taught us.
Ms. Olubunmi Fayokun, Chairman of the 2017 Conference Planning Committee, said she could think of no better person than Yetunde to receive the award. “Yetunde is a shining star who exemplifies selfless service and, over the years, has been a strong pillar of support to the various Chairmen of the Section as well as the successive Chairmen of the Conference Planning Committee.”