The 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference officially opened yesterday in Enugu with a strong call for bold and principled leadership in the face of the nation’s pressing challenges. Themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall,” the Conference began on a high note as NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, delivered an address urging lawyers to embrace excellence and courage in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The opening ceremony drew a host of eminent personalities, including keynote speaker Julius Malema, President of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who delivered a stirring charge on economic justice and African sovereignty. Other dignitaries in attendance were the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar; the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Sam Ode; as well as past Presidents of the NBA. The session set a vibrant tone for a week of robust debates and intellectual exchange on law, governance, and justice.
Read Full Statement Below;
Yesterday in Enugu, I delivered an opening address at the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference with the theme “Stand Out, Stand Tall.”
It was a truly remarkable moment, made even more special by the presence of distinguished guests including our keynote speaker, Mr. Julius Malema, President of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who delivered an outstanding keynote address; the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Peter Mbah; His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar; the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Sam Ode; and past Presidents of the NBA.
In my remarks, I reminded us all that to stand out is to embrace excellence, and to stand tall is to show courage, especially in these times when our nation needs principled voices and resilient leadership more than ever.
Mr. Malema’s powerful keynote added depth to this call, urging us to take bold steps that promote economic justice, social inclusion, and African sovereignty.
The energy and inspiration in the room set the tone for what promises to be a week of robust debates, rich intellectual exchange, and meaningful conversations about law, governance, and justice.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN President, Nigerian Bar Association
