Skip to main content

NBA-SPIDEL UMUAHIA 2026: AN INTELLECTUAL FEAST, A CELEBRATION OF JUSTICE AND AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE


The 2026 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), held in Umuahia, Abia State, was nothing short of spectacular! It was an outstanding gathering that seamlessly combined intellectual depth, professional engagement, social interaction, cultural celebration and tourism in a manner that will remain indelibly etched in the memories of delegates and guests.
The conference was exceptionally well organised, with carefully selected topical issues bordering on public interest, justice, democracy and national development receiving robust attention from distinguished speakers and intellectual giants drawn from diverse fields of human endeavour. The central theme, *“In the Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development,”* was thoroughly interrogated from different perspectives. The quality of presentations, depth of analysis and stimulating contributions left participants intellectually overfed, professionally enriched and inspired.

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference distinguished itself through an impressive array of social and networking activities that added colour, excitement and unforgettable memories to the entire experience. The cocktail hosted by Ken Agha, SAN; the spectacular Variety Night/Dinner Night hosted by Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN; the exciting Jeans Party hosted by the Attorney-General of Abia State, Ikenna Uwanna, SAN; and the special dinner hosted by the Executive Governor were all memorable highlights. Each event had its unique flavour and contributed immensely to the convivial atmosphere that characterised the conference.
The tourist excursions to various places of attraction in Abia State were equally fascinating. Delegates were exposed to the state's natural beauty, historical heritage and cultural attractions. Indeed, the experiences and testimonies from these excursions were so remarkable that they could conveniently constitute material for an entire book. Umuahia and its surrounding local government areas gave visitors compelling reasons to appreciate the beauty, hospitality and enormous tourism potential of Abia State.
The attendance in this year's conference was commendable, participation was electrifying, and the contributions of delegates were top-notch. There was an unmistakable atmosphere of intellectual engagement, professional solidarity and genuine camaraderie throughout the conference. It was a gathering where learning was complemented by friendship, serious legal discourse by social interaction, and professional networking by memorable hospitality.
While the NBA-SPIDEL leadership under the distinguished Prof. Uju Agomoh, the Central Organising Committee led by Sir Ejike Ezenwa, SAN, and the Local Organising Committee Chairman,  Mr Paul Ogubunka and his team deserve tremendous commendation for putting together such a remarkable event, special appreciation must go to the Almighty God, to whom all glory belongs.
Above all, tremendous commendation goes to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whom I regard as the best Governor Abia State has ever produced and indeed one of the outstanding governors in Nigeria today. His administration provided the necessary support, facilities and hospitality that contributed immensely to the success of the conference. His commitment to showcasing Abia State as a destination for serious intellectual, professional and social engagements deserves special recognition.
The success of NBA-SPIDEL Umuahia 2026 has once again demonstrated that a professional conference can be much more than lectures and plenary sessions. With visionary support, purposeful organisation, quality intellectual content and genuine hospitality, it can become a truly transformative experience for everyone involved.

As the curtains fall on this memorable edition, we depart Umuahia with enriched minds, renewed professional relationships, beautiful memories and a deeper appreciation of Abia State, God's Own State.

For me, as an Abian, NBA-SPIDEL Umuahia 2026 was not just another professional conference; it was a personal experience, a celebration of our collective heritage and an intellectual feast! I was particularly proud to showcase my State with excitement to my colleagues, many of whom had not previously appreciated how far Abia had come and the enormous possibilities that lie ahead. It was indeed a moment of pride, fulfilment and gratitude.

We are already looking forward to next year's conference with great excitement and anticipation.
Umuahia 2026 and Ibadan 2019 are two editions of the NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference that will be particularly difficult to forget in the annals of the Section. They have set remarkable standards in intellectual engagement, organisation, hospitality and memorable experiences.

Umuahia 2026 was truly exceptional. Abia hosted, and Abia delivered!

Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN
Former Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL
Former 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association.

Comments

Post a Comment

Drop your comment here.

Popular posts from this blog

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN, NBA ABUJA BRANCH (UNITY BAR)

NBA ABUJA BRANCH CONDEMNS THE ARREST, HARASSMENT AND DETENTION OF LAWYERS IN THE COURSE OF PROFESSIONAL DUTIES The Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), strongly condemns the arrest, handcuffing, harassment and detention of *Mr. Simon Eromosele, Esq.*, a member of the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), on the 14th of August, 2026, while carrying out his legitimate professional duties as Counsel. From the account presented to the Branch, Mr. Eromosele was at the OPay office in Jabi, Abuja, to follow up on a formal request made on behalf of his client concerning debit restrictions placed on the client’s OPay account, and to seek disclosure of the legal basis for the restriction, including the production of any court order purportedly authorising it. Rather than being permitted to complete that professional engagement, Mr. Eromosele was reportedly arrested, handcuffed and taken first to the Utako Police Station and subsequently to the IG Monitoring Unit at Force Headq...
Post a Comment
Find more important articles here

NBA Anaocha Branch Honours Okey Wali, SAN with Hall Naming Recognition.

NBA Anaocha Branch Names Hall After Okey Wali, SAN The (NBA), Anaocha Branch (Family Bar), has resolved to name its main meeting hall after the 26th President of the Association, . This decision was reached during the Branch’s monthly general meeting, where members unanimously approved the naming of the hall as “Hon. Okey Wali, SAN Hall of Honour.” The honour is in recognition of Okey Wali, SAN’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession, as well as his enduring support and commitment to the growth and unity of the Nigerian Bar, particularly the Anaocha Branch. According to the Branch, the resolution reflects deep appreciation for his legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of justice and the rule of law. The formal naming and commissioning of the hall will take place during the Branch’s 2026 Law Week , scheduled to commence on May 8, 2026 . The event is expected to attract members of the Bar, senior advocates, and key stakeholders wi...
Post a Comment
Find more important articles here

NBA Abuja Branch Vice Chairman Secures Release of Two Inmates After Three Years in Custody

In a significant human rights intervention, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), and Chairman of the Branch Human Rights Committee, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq., has facilitated the release of two Inmates, Bali Joshua and Paul Sunday, who had been in custody since 2023 in connection with an alleged homicide. Upon assuming office on 31st July 2026, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq. was briefed on the prolonged detention of the two individuals, whose matter had remained unresolved for more than three years. Although the Human Rights Committee of the Branch had not yet been formally inaugurated, the Vice Chairman immediately took steps to address the matter, demonstrating an early commitment to the protection of fundamental human rights and access to justice. Following his intervention, Dr. Amin Abdulhaleem, Esq. and Joseph Okolo, Esq. were engaged to commence appropriate legal proceedings for the enforcement of the inmates’ fundamental rights. The...
Post a Comment
Find more important articles here