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CJN, OSINBAJO, SOUTH-EAST GOVERNORS, GALADIMA, UTOMI, OTHERS SET FOR NBA-SPIDEL 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE


By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News

October 25, 2026

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) is set to host an array of distinguished legal luminaries, political leaders, judicial officers and public policy experts at its 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Abia State.

The conference, themed “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy & Development,” promises to provide a platform for critical discussions on the rule of law, democratic governance, institutional accountability and sustainable national development.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is expected to deliver the keynote address on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a session chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Suleiman Galadima, OFR, CFR.

The keynote presentation will attract responses from renowned political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder of the Centre for Values and Leadership; Lisa Henry, Secretary General of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims; and Associate Professor Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, is scheduled to deliver a special address, while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, will present the Distinguished NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference Speech.

  Hon. Justice  Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON

The opening ceremony will feature remarks from the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Sir Ejike Ezenwa, SAN, and the NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Prof. Uju Agomoh.

The NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsaya, SAN, is also listed to deliver the President's Address.

   Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsaya, SAN

 PRESIDENT NIGERIA BAR ASSOCIATION 

Other prominent personalities expected to participate include former NBA Presidents Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Augustine Alegeh, SAN; Paul Usoro, SAN; Olumide Akpata; and Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.

.                       Mazi Afam Osigwe

          IMMIDATE PAST NBA PRESIDENT

The conference is also expected to attract leading political figures, including Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and Alex Otti of Abia State.

Also listed among the dignitaries are the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN; and prominent traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, CFR.


                                Alex Otti

                    Abia State Governor 

Governor Alex Otti, the host Governor, is expected to formally declare the conference open.


The opening ceremony will be anchored by veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, MFR, while the NBA-SPIDEL Vice Chairman, Paul Daudu, SAN, will deliver the vote of thanks.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CONFERENCE

Beyond the gathering of distinguished personalities, the 2026 NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference represents an important opportunity to examine the relationship between justice, democratic accountability, public interest litigation and national development.


At a time when Nigeria continues to confront challenges relating to governance, access to justice, institutional independence and citizens' rights, the conference is expected to stimulate meaningful conversations and practical recommendations for strengthening democratic institutions.

The gathering will also reinforce the legal profession's responsibility to promote constitutionalism, defend fundamental rights and advance public interest advocacy.

Legal Diary News will continue to provide updates on the conference and its major deliberations as preparations progress.

Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq.
Reporting for Legal Diary News

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