The city of Enugu has come alive as more than 20,000 legal practitioners, dignitaries, and international guests descend on the Coal City for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which kicks off officially on Sunday.
The weeklong conference promises to be one of the most memorable in recent NBA history, with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo set to chair the opening ceremony, and prominent South African politician Julius Malema delivering the keynote address.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, led a symbolic health walk through the city on Saturday morning alongside thousands of lawyers, a show of unity and vitality ahead of the formal proceedings.
“Enugu is ready. We are excited. This city is not just the capital of the South-East; it represents hospitality, beauty and peace. That’s why we moved from Port Harcourt to hold this year’s AGC here.” Osigwe told newsmen.
He added that Malema, who arrived in Lagos ahead of the event, would fly into Enugu on Sunday, while Chief Obasanjo would also be on ground for the opening.
The Enugu State Government has received high praise for its preparation and infrastructure improvements ahead of the NBA’s arrival. Speaking on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the state had long anticipated hosting major events such as the NBA Conference.
“Governor Mbah’s administration has invested in transportation, hospitality, and urban renewal to make Enugu a true destination city,” Onyia explained.
Recent projects include the launch of Enugu Air, the deployment of 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, five newly built modern transport terminals, and the grand reopening of the historic Hotel Presidential.
“These developments weren’t just for this event. They reflect our long-term vision for Enugu as a hub for tourism, business, and national dialogue.” Onyia noted.
Attendees have already begun sharing glowing reviews of the city’s transformation.
Barrister Favour Abraham, who traveled from Minna, Niger State, said her return to Enugu, two decades after first attending an NBA conference there, has been emotional.
“I was here in 2005, and the change is amazing. From the airport, the experience was seamless. CNG buses were ready for us. The city is clean, warm, and welcoming,” she said.
Another participant, Daisy Ovrawah from Delta State, was visiting Enugu for the first time.
“The ride from the airport was smooth. The International Conference Centre is beautiful. I’m really impressed,” she remarked.
Barr. Godswill Onyegbu from Abuja praised the conference’s organization: “Everything is well coordinated — transportation, logistics and the city’s cleanliness all stand out.”
For Magistrate Munirat Suleiman of the Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja, the seamless registration process was a refreshing change.
“Compared to previous conferences, this is the smoothest I’ve seen. It’s been stress-free so far,” she said.
Even royalty weighed in. Highness Rufus Olarewaju Ajayi, who last visited Enugu in 2001 during the Oputa Panel hearings, expressed admiration for the city’s progress.
“I’ve only been here a day, but I’m already impressed with what I’ve seen,” he noted.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Stand Out, Stand Tall”.
