The 67th Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Enugu concluded on a high note, earning widespread praise from lawyers for its exceptional organization, cost-saving measures, and impactful delivery. NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) Chairman Emeka Obegolu, SAN, were hailed as visionary leaders, with delegates crediting their innovative approach for making the 2025 conference one of the most successful in recent history. Held in the vibrant Coal City, the event drew over 20,000 lawyers and left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal community.
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At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 28, Ms. Joyce Oduah, former NBA General Secretary, former NBA Treasurer, and current Secretary-General of the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU), delivered a powerful tribute to Osigwe and Obegolu. Highlighting unprecedented financial prudence, Oduah noted that unlike previous conferences that ran deficits, the 2025 AGC is set to generate significant savings. She detailed key cost-cutting measures:
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Multimedia Costs Slashed: Osigwe rejected an old NBA vendor contract that previously cost ₦140 million (excluding generator and fuel) and secured a new deal for ₦69 million, with the vendor providing both generator and fuel. This move saved millions while maintaining quality.
- Branding Savings: The TCCP secured branding services at a fraction of past costs, saving nearly ₦200 million without compromising the conference’s aesthetic appeal.
- ICT Innovations: By developing in-house software for attendee management, the committee saved over ₦20 million, replacing the costly “Wolver” system used previously.
Oduah emphasized that all vendors were paid promptly, a stark contrast to past conferences where unpaid debts lingered. “This conference is beautiful, and we didn’t spend all our NBA money or go into debt,” she declared, calling the achievement “awesome.” Her remarks, shared via Facebook with hashtags like #JoyceOduah and #LawyersInEnugu, sparked widespread agreement, with one user commenting, “This is leadership that delivers value! Mazi and Emeka have set a new standard. #NBAAGC2025.”
Delegates across the board echoed Oduah’s praise, commending the seamless execution and vibrant atmosphere. Etareri Joseph Ekete called the 2025 AGC his “best conference ever,” highlighting Osigwe’s time-conscious leadership during National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings and the provision of cherished conference bags. He lauded the electrifying unbarred musical concert featuring 2baba and Falz, which added a cultural flair. Despite a minor registration glitch, Ekete noted its swift resolution at the venue, ensuring he received his name tag.
Okwuagwulonu Samuel described the AGC as “unarguably one of the best held over the last decade,” saluting Osigwe’s “visionary and quintessential” leadership. He emphasized the NBA’s role in holding leaders accountable and protecting the vulnerable, crediting Osigwe and Obegolu’s team for flawless delivery.
Osarodion M. Igiede, former Assistant Secretary and Welfare Secretary of NBA Benin (Lion Bar), praised Enugu’s “clean, neat, calm, and serene” environment, expressing reluctance to leave due to the memorable hospitality and knowledge gained. Representing the Edo legal community, he thanked Governor Peter Mbah and the Enugu government. Igiede’s sentiments were echoed by Stella John, who noted the unprecedented turnout, excellent crowd management, and high-quality food, contrasting the clean facilities with the 2010 Kaduna AGC. Her only critique was the conference bag’s quality—a minor blemish in an otherwise stellar event.
The AGC’s success was amplified by its inclusive atmosphere, with lawyers from all regions, including Rivers State, whose bid to host was overtaken by Enugu, attending in large numbers. Notable attendees included Hon. OCJ Okocha, SAN, showcasing unity despite regional competition. The absence of rain, a concern in the South-East, ensured smooth proceedings, with John noting the “well-perfumed” conveniences as a marked improvement over past conferences.
Meanwhile, TheNigeriaLawyer observed that the executive’s conduct has been seen as embodying the legal profession’s core values: integrity, discipline, and service. Unlike the reported infighting under Maikyau, SAN, which included public disputes over financial accountability, Osigwe’s team has prioritized collective goals.
The AGM also saw significant policy advancements, including the approval of a 20% BPF remittance increase to branches, with half allocated to Human Rights Committees, reinforcing the NBA’s commitment to justice and advocacy. These achievements, coupled with Osigwe’s and Obegolu’s leadership, positioned the 2025 AGC as a benchmark for future conferences.
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