A Diverse Array of Leaders to Shape Discourse at NBA’s 66th Annual Conference
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced an impressive lineup of speakers for its 66th Annual General Conference, set to take place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from August 21 to 28, 2026. With the theme “Beyond Limits,” the conference aims to bring together a wide range of legal professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on law, governance, and the future of Nigeria.
Key Speakers and Their Contributions
Among the notable figures scheduled to participate are former Liberian President George Weah, former Nigerian Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu. Additionally, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, will be present to discuss economic governance and fiscal reform.
Weah, who served as President of Liberia from 2018 to 2024, is expected to deliver the keynote address. His journey from being a global football icon to a respected statesman will add a unique dimension to the conference’s theme of “Beyond Limits.” Weah is also recognized for his humanitarian efforts, having served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will deliver the President’s Dinner Talk and participate in a plenary session. As a professor of law and former vice president, his insights on leadership and governance will be valuable to attendees. His participation underscores the conference’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse.
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu will lead discussions on democracy, accountability, and the evolving role of lawyers in society. His extensive experience in academia, human rights advocacy, and public policy positions him as a key voice in these conversations.
Minister Taiwo Oyedele will focus on economic governance, fiscal reform, and Nigeria’s changing economic landscape. His background as an economist and former Africa Tax Leader at PwC makes him well-suited to address these critical issues.
Legal Experts and Political Figures
Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Miannaya Aja Essien and Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, will contribute their expertise on legal practice, constitutionalism, and democratic institutions. Essien, a chartered arbitrator and former chairman of the NBA Section on Legal Practice, will explore the relationship between law, commerce, and leadership.
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, will bring his experience in politics and legislative oversight to discussions on leadership and governance. His journey from student activism to public office reflects the spirit of “Beyond Limits.”
Genevieve Nwodo Wakeley-Jones, a dual-qualified lawyer in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, will provide an international perspective on law and institutional transformation. Her session will examine global commerce, innovation, and international cooperation in an interconnected world.
Additional Notable Participants
Retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie, JSC, will also be present, offering her extensive judicial experience and insights into the development of Nigerian law. The inclusion of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, as the Royal Father of the Day highlights the role of traditional institutions in promoting justice and national cohesion.
The diverse array of speakers and participants ensures that the conference will address issues extending beyond conventional legal discourse. It promises to be a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of the legal profession in Nigeria and beyond.
