Enugu State is agog as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, South African firebrand politician Julius Malema, and over 20,000 lawyers converge on the state capital for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which formally opens today (Sunday).
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, on Saturday, led thousands of lawyers on a health walk through major roads in the city, as more delegates and guests continued to arrive for the weeklong conference themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall.”
Speaking to journalists, Osigwe described Enugu as a “befitting venue” for the gathering, noting its hospitality and strategic importance in the South-east.
“Enugu is set; we are so excited. Our keynote speaker, Julius Malema, will arrive tomorrow, while Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the opening ceremony. We promise a never-to-be-forgotten experience,” he said.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, assured participants of a memorable stay, stressing that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration had strategically prepared Enugu to host large-scale national and international events.
He highlighted recent infrastructural developments, including the launch of Enugu Air, the commissioning of 100 CNG buses, five modern transport terminals, and the unveiling of the reconstructed Hotel Presidential, which he said were part of government’s broader vision to position Enugu as a hub for tourism, hospitality, and economic growth.
Participants expressed high expectations for the conference.
Favour Abraham, a lawyer from Niger State, said she looked forward to a memorable experience, while Daisy Ovrawah from Delta State, attending for the first time, said she was “expecting something totally different.”
From Abuja, Mr. Godswill Onyegbu described the meeting as “a very highly coordinated conference,” while Magistrate Munirat Suleiman of the Customary Court of Appeal commended the seamless registration process.
Also, His Highness Rufus Olarewaju Ajayi from Ekiti State, who last visited Enugu during the Oputa Panel in 2001, said he was impressed with the city’s transformation.
