NBA -AGC 2024: Okonjo-Iweala To Address Lawyers On Rebuilding Nigeria
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is slated to address a gathering of over 20,000 legal practitioners at the forthcoming annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, the President of the NBA, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of the logo and theme for the 2024 Annual General Conference of the association.
The theme of the 2024 NBA conference, scheduled to be held in Lagos from August 23 to 30, is “Pressing Forward: A National Posture For Rebuilding Nigeria.”
During the unveiling ceremony, Maikyau underscored the imperative for lawyers to recognize their pivotal role in driving national development.
He emphasized, “As lawyers, we need to change our attitude towards how we do things. If we are dissatisfied with our current situation, then we have to change the way we do things.”
The NBA President highlighted the myriad challenges confronting the nation and underscored the significance of lawyers embracing their role as catalysts for change.
Maikyau remarked, “Sometimes, one wonders what is really wrong, considering the fact that Nigeria has immense potential to be one of the greatest countries in the world. Yet, our reality does not reflect these potentials.”
He added, “We are well aware of the blessings and resources available in our country, both in terms of natural resources and human potential. Nigerians can be found excelling in various fields around the world. It begs the question of what exactly we are missing as a nation.”
Maikyau announced Dr Okonjo-Iweala as the keynote speaker for the conference, lauding her as a distinguished Nigerian and role model.
The NBA, touting itself as the largest association of lawyers globally, has selected the Eagle as the symbol for its upcoming conference.
Mrs. Oyinkasola Badejo-Okusanya, Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, revealed that while 16,000 lawyers participated in the last NBA conference, over 20,000 legal practitioners are expected to attend this year’s event.
