The just-concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2025 Annual Conference in Enugu, described by many as one of the most remarkable in recent years, combined intellectual depth, social vibrancy, and memorable hospitality, according to Dr. M.O. Ubani SAN, a participant at the event.
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Arriving on August 21, a day before the official opening, Ubani highlighted the conference’s engaging start, which included a long sports walk and a colourful opening ceremony. While former President Olusegun Obasanjo, initially announced as Chairman, was absent, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar Muhammadu CFR, filled the gap admirably. South African politician Julius Malema delivered a keynote address that set an inspiring tone for the sessions that followed.
Delegates engaged with critical topics, Ubani noted, including human rights, good governance, access to justice, insecurity, gender inclusiveness, alternative dispute resolution, and the justiciability of socio-economic rights. “These subjects were handled with maturity and intellectual rigour, leaving participants both enlightened and inspired,” he said.
Ubani commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and his team for exemplary hospitality, citing tight security, well-managed logistics, and a vibrant social environment. The famous “mammy market” showcased local delicacies such as abacha, ugba, ukwa, okpa, ofe onugbu, uha soup, and akidi with fish, which delegates from across Nigeria enjoyed.
Despite the overall success, Ubani raised concerns over the prominence given to politically exposed figures and newcomers, suggesting that respect for seniority at the bar must be maintained in future conferences. He also noted that hotel and transport providers sharply raised prices during the event, exploiting the influx of visitors.
Highlighting a pressing issue, Ubani urged urgent attention to the plight of Barrister Bright Ngene, a lawyer and lawmaker-elect for Enugu South Urban Constituency, who remains incarcerated under questionable circumstances. “His appeal has suffered delays, though the Attorney-General of Enugu State, Mr. Kingsley Udeh (SAN-designate), assured me that the matter has now been assigned by the Chief Judge and will likely be heard immediately after the vacation,” Ubani said.
He further called on Governor Mbah to exercise clemency, stating that releasing Barr. Ngene would not only affirm justice but also allow him to take his rightful place in the State House of Assembly. “Such a step will earn the Governor enduring political goodwill and stand as a rare example of magnanimity in Nigerian politics,” Ubani added.
Ubani praised NBA President Afam Osigwe SAN, the Conference Planning Committee led by Emeka Obegolu SAN, and the Local Organising Committee chaired by Ikeazor Akaraiwe SAN for their outstanding work. He also referenced the 2019 Lagos Conference under A.B. Mahmoud SAN, coordinated by Prof. Koyinsola Ajayi SAN, as a benchmark for international standards that future conferences should emulate.
Concluding, Ubani described the Enugu 2025 Conference as rich in “thrills, lessons, and camaraderie,” while emphasizing that its ultimate legacy will depend on the swift resolution of Barr. Ngene’s case. Looking ahead, he encouraged preparation for the 2026 edition in Rivers State, urging the NBA to build on successes and address lapses.
“Long live NBA, long live Nigeria!” he declared.
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