Fernandez Marcus Obiene

21/02/2026

21/02/2026

13/02/2026

Justice reform is built step by step.

On 17 February 2026, we will host the JusticeTechNG Hackathon & Accelerator Demo Day in Abuja. What began as an idea to connect policy, courts, and innovators has now produced working solutions ready for institutional review.

This cycle received 82 submissions.
20 teams were selected for the Hackathon.
10 advanced into the Accelerator phase.
6 finalists will present at Demo Day.

These teams are not presenting concepts. They are demonstrating tools designed to address real justice sector challenges — case management gaps, delays, documentation issues, and access constraints.

The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will serve as Chairman of the Occasion. We will also be joined by distinguished judicial officers, regulators, and private sector leaders who understand that reform must be practical.

Prizes of ₦10m, ₦7m, and ₦5m will be awarded to the top three teams.

CPD points will also be awarded to participating lawyers.

If you are interested in where justice reform and technology meet in practice, I encourage you to attend.

Registration link:
https://lnkd.in/drPTNfuX

Cheers!



JudicialInnovation DigitalJustice Nigeria

13/02/2026

Hey guys, I got featured on Channels. Apparently, I'm on of many Nigerians doing big things...

25/12/2025

From me and my office, here's wishing you a very merry Christmas.

23/12/2025

I noticed something former US President Barack Obama does at the end of each year. He shares the books that shaped his thinking. This year, I'm doing the same for myself. I'm sharing my own list. Each listed book spoke to a season of work, growth, or reflection. Some I've read previously, but I keep going back to them.

My book, "Law & Technologies: Exploring the Evolving Intersection of Law and Technology" reminded me why I care deeply about the future of law. It kept my thinking anchored as I worked on justice reform and technology policy. "Tomorrow’s Lawyers" helped me stay honest about where the profession is headed and the discomfort that change demands.

"No Excuses," "Think and Grow Rich," and "Who Moved My Cheese" reinforced discipline, mindset, and adaptability. 2025 required consistency more than motivation. These books kept that lesson clear.

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "How to Sell to Nigerians" were practical. They spoke to people, relationships, and context. Law, policy and indeed life itself are about people first. These books never let me forget that.

"Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" helped with perspective and patience. It reminded me that understanding differences matters, at work and at home.

"The Alchemist" and "Buni Boy were personal." One spoke about purpose and journeys. The other felt familiar and close. Both reminded me why stories matter and why roots matter.

Books slow me down. They help me think. They correct me when I am wrong.

This was my 2025 shelf. What about you? What were your favourite books of 2025?

Cheers!




Leadership Growth Reflection

18/12/2025

I have now been sworn in as a Notary Public by Hon. Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State of Nigeria. I am grateful.

I applied in 2021 for a process that was meant to take about a year. It took almost five years. It tested patience. It tested resolve. But today, it is done.

I owe deep thanks to my partners at Tsedaqah Attorneys, Ikechukwu Uwanna SAN and Benjamin Ile for allowing me use their draft letters as my template, and for the encouragement when the process dragged on longer than expected. Thanks to Chinedu Blaise Okoroafor.

My sincere appreciation to Stanley Damabide, who guided me through the process and introduced me to Betty Arofah, Executive Assistant to the then Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Late Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, who helped me address the shortcomings in my application, among other things.

I remain deeply grateful to Late Hon. Justice Kate Abiri. Coincidentally, she also signed my Body of Benchers reference form, without which I would never have been called to the Nigerian Bar. At the time, unlike now, I did not know any Benchers.

Justice Abiri was swift and effective in dealing with my reference. I did not expect things to move quickly. I did not have a personal relationship with her. I can only say she was effective at her job, and that mattered.

Thank you Blessing Okoli-Nwafor for your help at the Supreme Court, and to Harcourt Ekpe John. for picking up my documents and for the introductions that made the process smoother. Thank you Eyedeinghabofa Perekeme for your assistance which ensured I was able to attend the ceremony.

I appreciate the current Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye, for her consideration, her time, and her kind words and admonition. They will stay with me.

My thanks also go to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo KEKERE-EKUN GCON, JSC, for approving my application and for the appointment, as well as for her efforts at cleaning up and strengthening the appointment system.

I am grateful to Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving my travel and al

13/12/2025

29/11/2025

Friday felt a bit like a full-circle moment for me.

When the called my name for the award on technology and innovation in law and the justice sector, my mind went back to many of the small steps that led here. The long nights, the trial runs, the moments when an idea finally clicked, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from seeing systems work a little better than they did before.

So standing there yesterday, it felt simple. It felt steady. And it felt right.

I appreciate the Lagos Branch for this. Recognition by peers carries a special weight. We all know what the work takes. We all know how much of it happens without any spotlight. So when your own community says, we see you, it lands well.

Thank you to the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Cheers!

26/11/2025

I got featured on . 😊

Full article at https://businessday.ng/interview/article/the-future-of-justice-reform-must-integrate-technology-administration-and-policy-fernandez/

22/11/2025

Had such a great time at that I went twice.