PARTNERS
Michael is the Principal Partner at Ivy Crest, with 17 years post-call experience and is licensed to practice law in Nigeria and America (New York). He is a World Bank/APMG-Certified Public-Private Partnership Professional as well as a World Bank/APMG-Certified Public-Private Partnership Trainer for all three levels of the World Bank CP3P programme. Michael is a versatile Attorney with exceptional commercial awareness and is adept in corporate/project finance, Public-Private Partnerships, Real Estate and Transaction Advisory across infrastructure project spectrum. He has gained extensive experience in the development of legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks for public-private partnerships as well as participating and leading a number of transaction advisory portfolios. Michael has significant transaction experiences from African countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. Until 2015, he was an expert- level member of the United Nations General Assembly’s Economic & Finance Committee where his work schedule comprised multilateral negotiations on macro-economic policy questions, BASEL III banking reforms, financing for development, sovereign debt sustainability and sustainable development issues. While at the UN, he served as Sherpa’s advisor on the UN Secretary-General’s Global Sustainability Panel and as expert-level coordinator of the United Nations Security Council working group on peace keeping operations. In 2010, he was an adjunct faculty at Fordham University School of Law, New York, where he developed and lectured a course on Public-Private Partnerships in Anglo-Africa, examining how PPP governance, structuring and financing mechanisms in Anglo-Africa compare with other practices worldwide. Michael completed a course in Corporate Governance from Harvard University, Massachusetts. He has a Master’s degree in Banking, Corporate and Finance Law from Fordham University Law School, New York, and obtained his LL. B from Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria. He was recently appointed the Road Thematic Group Lead of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group’s (NESG) Infrastructure Policy Commission.
Uwadiale is the Managing Partner and operates from Ivy Crest’s Lagos Office. He is a resourceful attorney with experience in oil and gas law, technology law, maritime, corporate structuring, syndicated finance, asset management and litigation. Uwadiale’s legal practice spans over 16 years, during which period he worked with law firms and international practices providing legal advisory services to public authorities and multinational businesses, in areas including mergers and acquisitions as well as transaction advisory. In his capacity, he passionately represents our clients, assisting them through each step of their legal needs and requirements. Uwadiale has successfully supported clients in capitalization, secured lending, equity/debt investments and advised in appropriate transaction structure to ensure regulatory compliance. Uwadiale is a law graduate from the University of Benin and has been called to the Nigerian bar. He is also a member of FINTECH Association of Nigeria as well as member of the Compliance Institute of Nigeria.
Pius is a highly resourceful legal practitioner with extensive experience in corporate/commercial law and litigation. Licensed to practice in both Nigeria and Canada, he leads Ivy Crest’s Trust and Estate Planning as well as Immigration practices.
Since earning his law degree in 2009, Pius has continuously expanded his expertise, obtaining several designations, including TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner), CEA (Certified Executor Advisor), and MFA-P™ (Philanthropy). His versatility and commitment to providing exceptional legal representation set him apart.
In Trust and Estate Planning, Pius assists high-net-worth clients with estate planning documents, probate applications, and estate administration. In the corporate/commercial realm, he navigates business complexities, creates sound corporate structures, and drafts various commercial agreements. He also advises on legal compliance related to AML/ATF/sanctions and privacy.
With significant experience in Canadian Immigration law, Pius guides individuals, families, and businesses through immigration matters, including work permits, study visas, refugee protection, permanent residence, and judicial review of decisions. His diverse experience and commitment to bespoke solutions ensure that each client’s unique needs are met.
ASSOCIATES
Oseloka is a detail-oriented and tech-savvy Associate at Ivy Crest’s Lagos office. With an enterprising six-year experience in both public and private sector legal practice, Oseloka brings a unique blend of experience to professional service delivery.
Previously, Oseloka worked with the Office of the Attorney-General of Enugu Stateas a prosecutor in the department of public prosecution. With the ability to deliver quality client service under pressure and possessing the requisite passion for the advancement of social justice through legal journalism, Oseloka ventured into private practice, specializing in corporate and commercial law. Since 2021, he has represented clients in superior courts of record in Nigeria and advised clients on various legal matters and transactions arising from domestic and international electronic funds transfer, maritime/admiralty claims, matrimonial causes, debt recovery, trademark and copyright dominance in cyberspace, drafting and review of contracts, labour and employment disputes. He has also contributed to the jurisprudence of the law through notable articles in diverse areas of the law published in local and international peer-reviewed journal publications. Oselokaearned his Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree from the University of Nigeria in 2018,and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2019.
Beyond the office and the courts, Oseloka enjoys swimming, reading, and playing chess; and is also engaged in social welfare advancement in collaboration with non-profit organizations whose objectives are social reform through women and children empowerment; underscoring his commitment to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.
Abubakar is a multi-skilled Associate at Ivy Crest’s Abuja Office, with a focus on Litigation, Regulatory Compliance, Corporate Advisory, and Public-Private Partnership Advisory. He is reputed for his resourcefulness, passion, and goal-oriented approach to legal challenges. Abubakar’s practice is distinguished by his keen observation skills, and innovative mindset, making him a valuable asset to the firm and clients.
Abubakar holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Ahmadu Bello University. He subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Barin 2022. His legal expertise is complemented by his proficiency in research and oratory, which enables him to effectively communicate and simplify complex legal matters.
In addition to his legal practice, Abubakar is adept at leveraging his exceptional interpersonal skills to foster open communication and collaboration, contributing to his success in navigating diverse legal environments and building strong professional relationships. Abubakar’s dedication to growth and continuous learning ensures he remains at the forefront of legal innovation and excellence.
Frank Ebode, a dynamic and highly analytical Associate at our Abuja office, possesses a strong foundation in law, coupled with exceptional skills in research, corporate agreements and legal drafting. He graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Law from Adekunle Ajasin University and the Nigeria Law School, Abuja. Prior to earning a law degree, Frank obtained a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. His academic excellence is bolstered by a rich array of professional certifications in project management, customer relations, human resource management, and marketing. Frank is versatile and often harnesses his ICT and information management skill sets traversing desktop publishing, programming, website development, and graphic design. His leadership capabilities are evident from his roles in various organizations, such as Director of Media & Editor in Chief at the Nigerian Law School and President of the Community Development Service for Environmental Protection and Sanitation during his NYSC.
Frank’s commitment to community service is demonstrated through his volunteer work with the Chadash Empowerment Foundation, African Young Entrepreneur Summit, and Ondo State Youth Clean the City Programme. His natural leadership skills and systematic problem-solving approach, make him a valuable asset to our firm.
ADMIN
Esther Ekanem currently coordinates and oversees the Firm’s administrative efforts. She is a motivated, proactive, problem-solving, confidential and detail-oriented professional. She has extensive experience as an administrative coordinator, human resource management and executive assistant with over 10 years of experience in supporting high-level executives and managing administrative operations in the corporate environment. Esther holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and began her career as an administrative assistant in 2006. Since then, she has gained extensive knowledge with certifications, is a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria and has experience in organizing and coordinating executive meetings, managing budgets and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office. Her sound judgement is an invaluable asset to the firm. She spends her free time developing her writing, training and research skills in Corporate Financing and Project management.
Jennifer is the Administrative Assistant and works out of Ivy Crest’s Lagos office, providing administrative support and ensuring efficient operations of the office. She is a graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Her experience in managing the office functions is often relied upon in supporting the legal team through a variety of tasks and for maintaining official records. Jennifer is passionate about growth; she loves reading and watching movies.
Mary is an intern at the Abuja Office of IVY CREST with a passion for law practice. As one of the survivors of the 276 kidnapped Chibok girls in 2014, she is a demonstrably resilient and determined personality.
She holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) degree from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), where she graduated with honours. Her academic achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication.
As a legal intern, Mary has gained valuable experience in legal research, drafting, and advocacy, providing legal support to senior lawyers and clients. She has worked on various projects, including human rights cases and social justice initiatives.
She is driven by a passion for justice and a desire to make a positive impact in her community. She isexcited to contribute to the team and learn from this internship opportunity.