The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe SAN, has called on Nigerians, particularly members of the legal profession to uphold resilience, integrity, and the courage to make tough decisions as part of a collective effort to reposition the nation for economic growth and sustainable progress.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall”, chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, Osigwe drew from the city’s rich historical heritage as the heart of Nigeria’s coal industry and the site of the 1949 Enugu Colliery Massacre, also known as the Eva Valley shooting.
He recounted the events of November 18, 1949, when unarmed miners protesting unpaid wages were shot by British colonial forces. This tragic incident, he noted, became a defining moment in Nigeria’s independence struggle, underscoring the enduring power of collective resilience in the face of oppression.
“The theme of this conference is not just a slogan,” Osigwe declared. “It is a call to be visible—not for self-promotion, but for service; not for personal gain, but for excellence, resilience, and integrity. To stand tall is to preserve dignity even when making difficult decisions in the best interest of the legal profession and the nation.”
He emphasised that leadership in Nigeria must transcend populist rhetoric, requiring vision, competence, and the courage to take decisions that may be unpopular in the short term but transformative in the long run. “No economy ever stood tall on imported effort or mere consumerism,” he warned, urging the country to make deliberate choices that will secure lasting prosperity.
Osigwe outlined key priorities for national growth, including the fight against corruption, regulatory reforms, investment in infrastructure, and the adoption of technological innovation. He also stressed that the NBA must lead by example through reforms in legal education, improved access to justice, and the integration of digital tools—acknowledging that such changes may provoke resistance but are essential for progress.
Welcoming Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters, as keynote speaker, Osigwe described him as a fearless advocate for economic emancipation and social justice. He noted that Malema’s message aligns with Africa’s urgent need for systemic change, reminding delegates that the legal profession is part of a broader continental movement for economic sovereignty, justice, and true independence.
Expressing gratitude to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and other dignitaries for their support, Osigwe urged participants to use the conference as a platform for bold reflection and decisive action. Drawing inspiration from the sacrifices of the 1949 coal miners, he concluded: “If we stand out and stand tall, the NBA can help unlock Nigeria’s potential and inspire our people to rise above mediocrity.”
Meanwhile Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, reminded members of the legal profession that the law is far more than a career choice — it is the conscience of the nation. Speaking at the “Stand Out, Stand Tall” themed conference, he urged lawyers to see themselves not only as advocates in court but as defenders of truth, architects of peace, and champions of equity. He reaffirmed that justice sector reform remains a central pillar of his administration’s agenda, describing it as essential to building a fair and functional society.
Highlighting key reforms, Mbah noted that Enugu was among the first states to fully implement financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with the Constitution, thereby strengthening the independence and efficiency of the courts. His administration has rehabilitated and digitised courtrooms across all senatorial zones, introduced e‑filing, virtual hearing facilities, and an integrated case management system. To ease court congestion, the Enugu Multi‑Door Courthouse has been expanded into a regional model for commercial and family dispute resolution. Other initiatives include expanding pro bono legal services for indigent citizens, reviewing and updating obsolete state laws to reflect modern realities, and introducing real‑time court transcription to replace longhand recording, reducing delays and improving productivity.
The governor stressed that these reforms are part of a broader vision to make Enugu State a hub for investment, innovation, and inclusive development. He emphasised that progress in education, security, and healthcare cannot be achieved without a justice system that is trusted, efficient, and equitable. “Our vision for Enugu’s future rests on a legal system that stands as a pillar of fairness and a catalyst for growth,” he concluded.
