President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called on legal practitioners and Nigerian leaders to embrace integrity, courage, and sacrifice as guiding principles in the quest for justice and national development.
Speaking at the just-concluded NBA Annual General Conference held over the weekend in Enugu, Osigwe said the theme of this year’s gathering, “Standing Tall”, is more than a slogan—it is a call to action for the legal profession and the country at large.
“Standing tall means being unwavering in our pursuit of justice, equity and integrity even when it is difficult,” Osigwe said. “It means having the courage of conviction in moments when silence may be more comfortable and making sacrifices that will build a stronger nation.”
The NBA President drew inspiration from Enugu’s rich history, recalling the Iva Valley Coal Miners’ shooting of November 18, 1949, when unarmed workers were killed by colonial forces while demanding better conditions. According to him, the tragedy united Nigerians across ethnic and regional lines and fueled the struggle for independence.
“That defining moment reminds us that when we stand tall together, we can change the course of history,” he stressed.
Osigwe also urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize difficult but necessary reforms, including tackling corruption, diversifying the economy, investing in infrastructure, and embracing digital innovations. He maintained that though such decisions may be painful in the short term, they remain essential for lasting progress.
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“For Nigeria, standing tall means building a nation where justice is accessible, corruption is confronted, and opportunities are equitably shared,” he said.
The NBA President further challenged lawyers to rise above mere interpretation of laws and become catalysts for social and economic transformation. He emphasized that the legal profession must champion access to justice, embrace innovation, and take bold stands in shaping the country’s democratic and developmental journey.
Highlighting the presence of the conference keynote speaker, Osigwe described him as a fearless advocate whose call for systemic change in Africa challenges Nigeria to rethink its economic and political systems in favor of workers, fairness, and opportunity.
He also commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for hosting the event, as well as the Local Organizing Committee and participants who ensured the conference’s success.
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The NBA Annual General Conference brought together legal luminaries, policymakers, civil society, and thought leaders for several days of deliberation on law, governance, technology, and development.
Osigwe concluded with a charge to lawyers and Nigerians alike; “Let us stand tall. Let us stand together. And let us shape a future worthy of Nigeria’s promise.”
