NEWS RELEASE

“NBA Unveils Theme and Logo for 2026 Annual General Conference, Launches Young Lawyers Co-Working Space Named After Kanu Agabi, SAN”

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has officially unveiled the theme and logo for its 2026 Annual General Conference (AGC), formally setting the tone for preparations toward what is expected to be one of the most impactful gatherings of the legal profession in recent times.

The unveiling was carried out today at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN. He announced that the theme of the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference is “Beyond Limits,” describing it as a bold call on lawyers and the profession to rise above conventional boundaries, embrace innovation, and respond decisively to the evolving demands of justice, governance, and professional excellence.

The NBA President further disclosed that the 2026 Annual General Conference will hold in August 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, marking a return of the Association’s flagship conference to the South-South region. According to him, the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the NBA’s commitment to inclusiveness, national balance, and deliberate engagement with members across all regions of the country.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Mr. Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured members of the Bar that the Committee is fully committed to delivering a world-class conference in Port Harcourt. He stated that the Planning Committee has already commenced work in earnest and is focused on curating a conference that will meet global standards in content, organisation, logistics, and delegate experience, worthy of the stature of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Shortly after unveiling the conference theme and logo, the NBA President also launched a dedicated Co-Working Space for young lawyers at the National Secretariat, Abuja, in what the Association described as a practical and timely intervention aimed at addressing unemployment and structural challenges confronting early-career legal practitioners.

The facility is designed to provide young lawyers, particularly those who are currently unemployed or underemployed, with a professional and dignified environment to meet clients, work, collaborate, and remain actively engaged with legal practice while navigating the early stages of their careers.

The project was executed through the NBA Welfare Committee under the leadership of Chief James Onoja, SAN, who personally funded and donated the facility to the Nigerian Bar Association. The NBA President publicly commended Chief Onoja for his generosity and deep commitment to the welfare of young lawyers, describing the project as an example of purposeful leadership and genuine service to the profession.

The President also acknowledged the critical role played by the Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada, for coordinating the initiative and ensuring that the co-working space was fully completed and ready for use at the time of its unveiling.

In a symbolic gesture recognising enduring contributions to the legal profession, the NBA announced that the co-working facility has been named after Chief Kanu Agabi, CON, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation. The Association explained that the naming reflects Chief Agabi’s lifelong commitment to mentorship, ethical advocacy, intellectual excellence, and his consistent support for younger members of the Bar. According to the NBA, it is fitting that a space dedicated to empowering young lawyers bears the name of a man whose career exemplifies service, integrity, and professional excellence.

The NBA described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the profession from its foundation and called on branches across the country, particularly those with bar centres, to replicate similar co-working spaces to support young lawyers at the grassroots.

The Association also announced that registration for the 2026 Annual General Conference is now open, encouraging lawyers, judges, academics, policymakers, and justice-sector stakeholders to begin early registration and participation.

The NBA Annual General Conference remains the largest gathering of lawyers in Africa and a premier platform for professional development, intellectual exchange, policy dialogue, and networking. The Association assured members that further details on the conference programme, speakers, and activities will be released in due course as preparations continue toward delivering a memorable AGC 2026 in Port Harcourt.

(C) CITY LAWYER Magazine. All rights reserved. To join our Channel, click here. Click here to join our WhatsApp chatroom. Contact us at citylawyermag@gmail.com or 081-3838-0083.