Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has welcomed Lawyers to the ongoing annual general conference of the association. Read full text below.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 62ndAnnual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA AGC) holding from Friday, 19th August 2022 to Friday, 26th August 2022. With the theme, “Bold Transitions”, this year’s conference literally has something for everyone, lawyers and non-lawyers alike. The NBA AGC has established itself as one of the leading fora for professionals to deliberateon issues of interest to not only its members but also the generality of Nigeria and beyond.
As I commend the Technical Committee for Conference Planning (TCCP) for assembling an array of interesting sessions and plenaries that will captivate and engage us positively through the conference duration, I wish to highlight some of the key interesting areas that you, as a conferee, would not want to miss:
1. As preparatory activities for the 2023 general elections of our dear country unfold, the first plenary, which comes up on Monday the 22nd ofAugust 2022 at 11:30am, will have the key Presidential Candidates speak on the topic, “Democratic Transitions in 21st Century Nigeria: 2023 and Beyond.” It presents an opportunity to critically assess Nigeria’s democratic journey, identify key challenges in the polity, and harness sustainable solutions to the challenges.
2. The second plenary on the same day at 12:45pm, on“Energy Transitions, Revenue Challenges for the Nigerian Federation” will examine the options open to Nigeria in meeting its growing revenue demands, how state governments are dealing with the declining federal allocations and potential alternative options for generating revenue, the global push for energy transition, as well as Nigeria’s preparedness for a future without oil.
3. Tuesday the 23rd of August 2022 at 3:30pm will feature the Technology Transitions session sponsored by META, owners of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, on the topic “Towards an Effective Privacy and Data Protection Regime: The Role of the Nigerian Lawyer”. For many of us that use social media, this presents a veritable platform to understand their fundamentals from the source.
4. The sub-plenary “AfCFTA: Nigerian Lawyers’ Capacity to Service a Globalised Economy”, which will analyze the changes to international trade in Africa since the signing of the AfCFTA and the expectations associated with operating in a globalized economy will hold on Monday 22ndAugust 2022 at 3:30pm. This will also highlight and explain the potential areas of strength and deficiencies for Nigerian lawyers, and proffer actionable plans for remedying the deficiencies.
I urge you to pay active attention to the rich programme of the conference, circulated by the TCCP,to enable you maximize benefit of the conference whilefocusing on your areas of interest. The AGC offersextra value in opportunities for professional networking thereby widening your practice horizon. Do utilize this!
It is worthy to note that the NBA AGC 2022 is happening at Eko Atlantic City. This properly aligns with the theme “Bold Transitions”, because the model city is still being developed with a promise to be one of the best cities in the modern world. The Nigerian Pride!
Meanwhile, welcome to the 2022 NBA Annual General Conference and I am looking forward to meeting you. I wish you a pleasant stay in Lagos.
Please accept my personal regards!
Emeka Obegolu, SAN
