Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
By BARBARA KALU, Enugu –
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and South African political leader Julius Malema are set to attend the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) in Enugu State, kicking off on Sunday, August 24.
The conference, themed _“Stand Out, Stand Tall,”_ will take place at the International Conference Centre in Enugu from August 25 to August 29.
Ahead of the event, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe led thousands of lawyers in a health walk through Enugu’s major streets on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists, Osigwe expressed enthusiasm for the city’s hosting, stating, “Enugu is the capital of the South-East region and also the home of hospitality, beauty, and peace.”
He explained the decision to move the conference from Port Harcourt, adding, “We are here in Enugu to enjoy the best that the people have to offer and also have a conversation about building Nigeria and making it an economic giant in Africa.”
Osigwe confirmed the participation of key figures, noting, “Our keynote speaker, Julius Malema, is on the ground in Lagos and will touch down here on Sunday. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president who will chair the opening ceremony, will also be on the ground same day.”
He promised an unforgettable experience, saying, “We are going to make this a never-to-be-forgotten experience, the type that will make you want to come back every time for a conference in Enugu.”
Enugu State’s Secretary to the Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, highlighted the state’s readiness to host major events, crediting Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
“Mbah’s administration 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.
He noted recent developments, including 100 Compressed Natural Gas buses, five modern transport terminals, and the revamped Hotel Presidential, stating, “We want to ensure that when people come here, they move around easily, feel safe, and even love to live here.”
A lawyer from Minna, Niger, Mrs. Favour Abraham, shared her excitement, saying, “Enugu has changed, and it is a beautiful city.”
Attending her second NBA conference in Enugu since 2005, she praised the state’s hospitality and infrastructure, adding, “At least from the airport, we had Enugu State CNG buses actually waiting for us. The people here are hospitable.”
Abraham looked forward to exploring local delicacies like okpa, isiewu, and abacha, stating, “We are here to explore, attend our conference, gain more skills and knowledge, and then enjoy Enugu to the fullest.”
