The 2025 edition of the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (AGC) has kicked off in Enugu as 20,000 lawyers from across the nation storm the state for the annual event.
The 7-day conference, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall,” officially kicked off with speeches from iconic attendees, including former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, South African Politician Cum Activist Julius Malema, The Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah.
Speaking at the event, Julius Malema, the National Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Party in South Africa, gave the keynote address, calling for a unilateral African system featuring One President, One Currency, One Army, and No Borders. The controversial politician stressed the need for Africans to come together and govern their affairs under one homogenous system.
Also speaking at the event, Peter Mbah, the executive governor of Enugu State, said that the law is more than a profession and instead is the conscience of the nation. He informed the conference that his administration has initiated reforms in the justice sector, making it a cornerstone of the administration.
” I extend a warm welcome to the distinguished members of the Bar who have gathered in our beloved Coal City, Enugu, for this historic occasion. I also salute the presence of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, who graciously chaired the ceremony, and the charismatic South African parliamentarian and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, who delivered the keynote address,” Mbah added.
Additionally, Afam Osigwe, the NBA President, gave the opening address summarising the theme of the Conference and reminding the conference that to stand out is to embrace excellence, and to stand tall is to show courage, especially in the trying times for the Nation.
The event is slated to last for 7 days, having kicked off over the weekend with a health walk spearheaded by the NBA president. The NBA Annual General Conference was last held in Enugu in 2005.
Observers laud the event for giving Enugu’s local economy a substantial boost and opening up the South-East region to such events in the future.
