A Grand Opening: NBA Conference Ignites with Visionary Leaders and Bold Calls for Nigeria’s Future*
The opening ceremony of the NBA Conference at Eko Hotel and Suites was a powerful showcase of brilliance, unity, and visionary leadership, setting the stage for a transformative week ahead. The event drew a distinguished gathering, including Nigeria’s Vice President Kasshim Shettima (representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, the Ooni of Ife, and other esteemed figures in law and governance.
As the ceremony began, the energy in the room was palpable. The Master of Ceremony, Eugenia Abu of the NTA, skillfully introduced the dignitaries, followed by welcoming remarks from the NBA Publicity Secretary Akorede Habeeb Lawal and the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya while the Assistant Publicity-Secretary Charles Ajiboye led the opening prayer. The anticipation was high as the stage was set for what would become a truly memorable event.
Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, Nigeria’s first female Senior Advocate, ignited the ceremony with her stirring goodwill message. She urged senior lawyers to mentor the younger generation and charged young lawyers to embrace knowledge and hard work, reminding them, “Absorb every lesson, listen intently, and let this conference be a catalyst for your growth and success in the legal profession.”
NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, then delivered an address that resonated deeply with the audience. He reiterated the need for a change of heart among professionals, invoking the wisdom of Nigeria’s first indigenous lawyer, Sapara Williams, who famously said, “The legal practitioner lives for the direction of his people and helps people and the advancement of the cause of the nation.” Maikyau emphasized the critical role of lawyers in society, urging them to embody the strength and vision symbolized by the eagle on the conference flyer. He commended the conference’s keynote speaker, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for her exceptional leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development, encouraging participants to engage fully with the plenary sessions for the wealth of knowledge they promised to offer.
Following this, Prada Uzodimma took the stage reading a citation of the keynote speaker, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Uzodimma, in her citation, lauded Okonjo-Iweala’s exceptional career, highlighting her educational background, her groundbreaking work as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, and her current role as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Describing her as a visionary with a deep-rooted passion for justice and equity, Uzodimma emphasized that true leadership is not about position and power, but about using it to uplift others. Her words set the tone for the keynote address, framing Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—the keynote address by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In her speech titled *“A Social Contract For Nigeria’s Future,”* Okonjo-Iweala delivered a compelling call to action, urging Nigerians to embrace a unified vision for the nation’s future. She outlined a four-part social contract essential for Nigeria’s progress: consistency in economic policies, preservation of key economic institutions, provision of basic infrastructure, and ensuring the true independence of the judiciary and electoral commission. Drawing on global examples like South Korea and Peru, she emphasized that a collective effort is needed to tackle the country’s challenges, asking the audience a resonating question: “Are we ready?”
The keynote address left the room buzzing with renewed energy and purpose.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, inspired by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s speech, committed to upholding the principles of the social contract within his administration. He acknowledged the challenge presented by the keynote and affirmed that all hands must be on deck for Nigeria to thrive. Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, echoed this sentiment, pledging that the Ministry of Justice under his leadership would strive to adhere to the high standards set by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s admonition.
Adding to the depth of the event, the representative of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Hon Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun addressed the gathering, highlighting the pressing challenges facing the Bar and Bench. He called on the NBA to take an active role in advocating for necessary reforms and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the judiciary and the legal profession to drive national progress.
Vice President Kasshim Shettima closed the ceremony with the President’s address, praising the choice of venue and acknowledging the country’s challenges. He assured the audience that the administration would continue to uphold the rule of law, promising that in the fullness of time, Nigeria would overcome its obstacles and emerge stronger.
The opening ceremony was not just an event—it was a clarion call for the legal profession and the nation to press forward with determination, vision, and a shared commitment to rebuilding Nigeria. With such a powerful and inspiring start, the NBA Conference is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of law and governance in Nigeria.