NBA President Afam Osigwe Urges Lawyers to Push Beyond Limits for National Development
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has urged lawyers to transcend physical, mental, and imagined limitations in pursuit of national development and democratic consolidation.
At the opening of the 66th Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Osigwe recalled that Port Harcourt was originally selected to host the 2025 conference, but the NBA withdrew following a state of emergency in Rivers State, refusing to convene under an unelected administration. He noted that the Association’s return under Governor Siminalayi Fubara reflects its unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Osigwe lamented that the nation has yet to fully realize the aspirations of 1960. Ethnic and religious loyalties, he said, continue to weaken national unity, despite Nigeria’s population of over 220 million and its influence across Africa. He reminded lawyers of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s independence speech, which envisioned Nigeria moving with quiet dignity to its rightful place on the world stage.
Osigwe charged the Bar to lead by defending the Constitution, strengthening institutions, improving access to justice, and supporting national security through the rule of law. He emphasized that “going beyond limits” requires lawyers to step out of comfort zones, avoid shortcuts, and uphold the highest ethical standards.
He called for closer collaboration with government and the armed forces to uphold Section 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ security and welfare. While acknowledging the role of technology in modern justice delivery, he stressed that justice must remain substantive and humane, rooted in integrity and public trust.
Welcoming the keynote speaker George Manneh Weah, former President of Liberia and Ballon d’Or winner, Osigwe described his journey from barefoot football in Monrovia to global leadership as a story of resilience and discipline that should inspire the legal profession.
He concluded by thanking the Rivers State Governor for his support in ensuring the success of the conference, noting that last‑minute logistical challenges were resolved through the governor’s personal intervention.
