Members of the Nigerian Bar Association on Sunday gathered at Christ Church, No. 1 Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, for the Annual General Conference Thanksgiving Service, bringing the legal community together in worship, thanksgiving and reflection as activities of the 66th NBA Annual General Conference continued under the theme, “Beyond Limits.” The service formed part of the official AGC programme.
Leading the NBA delegation was the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who offered the thanksgiving prayer on behalf of the Association. He was accompanied by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, senior members of the Bar, judicial officers and distinguished guests.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the AGC 2026 Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN; Aminu Gadanya, SAN; Mustapha Agbarere Shuaibu, SAN; Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN; former NBA General Secretary Joyce Oduah; NBA National Welfare Secretary Auta Nyada; Senator Dino Melaye was also in attendance, and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria, branch leaders and members of the Association.
The service was marked by heartfelt hymns, prayers and thanksgiving as lawyers paused from the demanding schedule of the conference to acknowledge God’s faithfulness to the profession, the Association and the nation.
The message of the day centred on godly living and the responsibility of every believer to remain spiritually grounded, irrespective of status, influence or material success. Members were reminded that professional achievements, financial prosperity and public recognition should never replace a genuine relationship with God.
The preacher challenged worshippers to guard against allowing wealth, position or accomplishments to weaken their spiritual lives. Success, he noted, is a blessing that carries responsibility, and lawyers were encouraged to remain humble, prayerful and guided by integrity in both their private lives and professional practice.
The congregation was urged to remember that true fulfilment is found not merely in earthly accomplishments, but in faithful service to God and humanity.
The sermon also called on legal practitioners to reflect the values of justice, honesty, compassion and righteousness in the discharge of their duties. As custodians of the law, members of the Bar were reminded that their conduct should inspire confidence in the justice system and remain consistent with the ethical standards of the profession.
The thanksgiving service provided a solemn but uplifting moment for delegates to seek divine guidance for the conference and for the continued progress of the Nigerian Bar Association. It also served as a reminder that while excellence in legal practice is important, spiritual discipline and moral character remain the foundation of enduring leadership.
As worship concluded, delegates departed with a renewed sense of purpose, committed not only to advancing the legal profession but also to living lives of faith, humility and service.
From where I stood documenting the service, one message resonated throughout the morning: professional success is meaningful only when it is anchored in godly character.
It was a fitting reflection as the Association continues its journey Beyond Limits, trusting God for wisdom, unity and greater accomplishments.
REMINDER
AGC 2026 Official Opening Ceremony
📍 Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt
🕓 4:00 p.m. Today
See you there.
Communication Office
Nigerian Bar Association
