The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday, Monday, 25th November 2024, unveiled the theme and logo for its 2025 Annual General Conference. This momentous occasion, held at the NBA Secretariat, heralded the beginning of preparations for what is set to be a transformative gathering of legal professionals from across the country.
The theme for the 2025 conference, “Stand Out, Stand Tall,” was introduced as a clarion call for members of the legal profession to rise above mediocrity and reaffirm their commitment to justice, courage, and integrity.
In his address, the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, emphasized the relevance of the theme in today’s complex world. He urged lawyers to embrace innovation and excellence in their practice, stating:
“This theme challenges us to embrace excellence and innovation in an increasingly complex world. As lawyers, we must lead with clarity, creativity, and a deep commitment to justice.”
Mazi Osigwe’s words reflected the NBA’s vision for a legal profession that not only adapts to evolving challenges but also sets the standard for integrity and ethical leadership.
The unveiling ceremony also showcased the new logo for the 2025 Annual General Conference, designed to symbolize the unity, strength, and dynamism of the legal profession. Chief Emeka Obegolu SAN, Chairman of the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, provided insights into the significance of the design:
“This theme is a call to action, a rallying cry for us as legal professionals to rise above mediocrity, to distinguish ourselves in our respective fields, and to uphold the tenets of justice with courage, resilience, and unwavering integrity.
“The phrase ‘Stand Out’ challenges us to embrace excellence and innovation in a world increasingly defined by complexity and change.
“As lawyers, it is our duty to lead with clarity, creativity, and a deep commitment to justice. Whether in the courtroom, the boardroom, or our communities, we must be the standard-bearers of professionalism and competence.
“Stand Tall inspires us to hold firm in the face of adversity, to remain steadfast in our values, and to be unapologetically bold in advocating for what is right.
“In an era where ethical compromise often seems the path of least resistance, standing tall means being the voice of integrity, equity, and fairness in all that we do,” Obegolu, SAN, stated.
The NBA also leveraged the occasion to flag off its 16-day campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). As part of the initiative, its team plans to visit prisons and detention facilities nationwide to facilitate the release of selected inmates and detainees.
