The Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) flagship event, the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC), kicked off in grand style yesterday at the Enugu International Conference Centre, under the compelling theme “Stand Out, Stand Tall.”

Lawyers Urged to Defend Justice Fearlessly

In his welcome address, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, challenged Nigerian lawyers to embrace excellence, courage, and integrity amidst the country’s socio-economic challenges.

“Standing tall means being unbending in our defence of the rule of law, equity, and justice… We must have the courage of conviction in moments where silence will otherwise be more comfortable,” Osigwe declared, drawing resounding applause from the legal community.

Governor Mbah Declares Conference Open

The ceremony was graced by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who officially declared the conference open. He underscored the critical link between justice and national progress:

“Development cannot be achieved without a justice system that is fair, functional, and trusted,” the governor noted.

Mbah also showcased Enugu’s judicial reforms—including court digitalisation, justice sector autonomy, and infrastructure upgrades—positioning the state as a model for legal innovation.

Justice Must Serve All — Sultan of Sokoto

A key voice at the event, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, cautioned against the commercialization of justice:

“When justice becomes a commodity, the poor suffer legal failure while the rich evade accountability,” he warned, advocating for fairness and accessibility across social classes.

Malema Calls for Pan-African Unity

The opening session reached its climax with a thought-provoking keynote by Julius Malema, President of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Malema delivered a bold vision for Africa’s future, urging:

• A single African currency
• A unified military command
• Borderless movement across the continent

What This Means for AGC 2025

The powerful opening signals that AGC 2025 will be more than a legal symposium—it will serve as a platform for transformative dialogue on justice reform, governance, and African integration. The week-long event promises robust conversations, policy-shaping debates, and actionable resolutions to advance rule of law, national progress, and continental unity.