The Chairman of the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC), Emeka Obegolu, SAN, has responded to concerns raised by some lawyers over the choice of panelists at this year’s conference, stressing that inclusiveness and fresh perspectives were at the heart of the programme design.
Obegolu explained that upon inaugurating the AGCPC, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, had given the committee a clear mandate to deliver a memorable and all-inclusive conference that reflects the association’s commitment to building a Bar that accommodates both senior and young lawyers. He noted that while the 2025 conference has been widely described as a success, criticisms from a few quarters about the prominence given to certain panelists were not unexpected.
He addressed specific concerns about the participation of Chief Osita Chidoka, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Deji Adeyanju, and Senator Dino Melaye, clarifying that each played a relevant and credible role. According to him, Chidoka spoke from his personal experience of being appointed to high public office at a young age, while Kanayo moderated the “Setting Forth at Dawn” session as a pioneer of the Nollywood industry whose career inspired many from his early days.
Obegolu also noted that human rights activist Deji Adeyanju contributed meaningfully to a panel that included both junior and senior lawyers, stressing that it would be wrong to speak of inclusivity while excluding young lawyers from discussions. On Dino Melaye’s participation, he explained that the former lawmaker was invited at the last minute after three scheduled panelists failed to attend, making his experience in legislative oversight relevant to the session on maritime security.
Reiterating his strong belief in giving young lawyers a platform, the AGCPC Chairman said their inclusion not only diversifies conversations but also injects innovation, contemporary academic insight, and a better grasp of technology and emerging social issues into legal discourse. He quoted former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, reminding the Bar that young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.
Obegolu emphasised that the Bar cannot build an inclusive future by sidelining young voices or disqualifying former public officers from contributing simply because they are new wigs. He argued that if out of over 150 speakers only a few young lawyers drew criticism, then the profession had not done enough to support that segment.
Concluding, he expressed gratitude for the success of the conference and reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to an inclusive Bar where every generation of lawyers contributes to shaping the future of the profession.
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