OBASANJO, MALEMA, 20,000 LAWYERS CONVERGE ON ENUGU FOR NBA CONFERENCE

Enugu, the capital of the old Eastern Region, is abuzz with activity as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, South African politician Julius Malema, and over 20,000 lawyers gather for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The conference, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall,” is set to formally open on Sunday.

NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, led thousands of lawyers in a health walk across major roads in the city on Saturday, ahead of the conference. Osigwe expressed his excitement about the conference, saying, “Enugu is the capital of the South East region and also the home of hospitality, beauty, and peace. That was why we chose Enugu State to host our conference after moving from Port Harcourt.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, assured participants of a memorable experience, noting that Governor Peter Mbah had long prepared the state for large events like the NBA’s AGC. “The Enugu State Government under Dr. Peter Mbah, in its design and thinking around tourism, hospitality, and economic growth, had already factored in most of what you are seeing in preparation right now,” Onyia said.

The Enugu State Government has suspended transport enforcement activities during the conference period to ensure seamless mobility and zero friction. The State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, said, “With immediate effect, all transport-related enforcement activities are suspended in Enugu until Monday, Sept. 1.”

Participants at the conference have praised the organization and the hospitality of the Enugu people. “I am impressed; I like what I am seeing,” said Daisy Ovrawah from Delta State. Barr. Godswill Onyegbu from Abuja commended the governor for the CNG bus, saying, “I commend the governor for the CNG bus. Also, on our way, I could see that Enugu was very clean.”

The conference is expected to be a memorable experience for all participants, with opportunities for networking, learning, and exploring the city of Enugu.