The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is gearing up for its highly anticipated Annual General Conference (AGC) in Lagos from August 23–28, 2024. This year’s conference, themed “Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria,” promises to be a monumental event with over 16,000 registered lawyers.
Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi engaged the Chairman of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC), Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, to discuss the preparations and highlights of this year’s conference, aptly dubbed ‘A Conference Like No Other!’
Brief Biography of Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya
Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya is a distinguished lawyer and the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) Chairperson for the 2024 NBA-AGC. With a career of excellence and dedication, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya has been a pivotal figure in the legal community.
Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in organising this year’s conference, which addresses critical issues concerning Nigeria’s nation-building efforts. Known for her meticulous planning and ability to inspire her team, she has successfully led an all-female leadership team in orchestrating this landmark event.
2024 NBA-AGC: A Preview of What’s to Come
Theme and Significance: This year’s AGC theme, “Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria,” follows the 2023 theme, “Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building. ”Badejo-Okusanya emphasised that the theme of continuity underscores the NBA’s commitment to sustainable nation-building.
Inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call to “press forward” for change, the theme also draws from the biblical verse Philippians 3:14. It embodies the resilience and forward movement symbolised by the eagle in the conference logo.
Leadership and All-Female Team: For the first time, the AGCPC’s leadership is entirely female, with Mrs Badejo-Okusanya as Chair, Amina Suleiman Kaoje as Alternate Chair, Laura Alakija as Secretary, and Chika Okojie as Alternate Secretary.
Despite women holding the top positions, the committee includes an almost equal number of men and women, demonstrating a balanced and inclusive approach to conference planning.
Highlights and Speakers: The conference promises to be an event like no other, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Other notable speakers include the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
A particularly exciting session titled “The Glass Ceiling is Shattered!” will feature eleven female bank MDs in Nigeria discussing their leadership journeys and strategies for pressing forward.
Venue and Logistics: The choice of Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) as the venue, despite concerns about its surroundings, highlights its historical significance. Mrs. Okusanya assured us that measures are in place to ensure safety, parking, and a memorable conference experience.
Extensive collaborations with the Lagos State Government, private car parks, and ride-sharing services like Bolt will facilitate smooth transportation and access.
Financial Considerations and Concessions: Acknowledging the economic challenges lawyers face, especially young ones, the AGCPC extended early bird registration for lawyers with 1–9 years post-call to July 31 and introduced virtual attendance options at subsidised rates. These measures aim to make the conference accessible despite financial constraints.
Accommodation and Convenience: To accommodate the large number of delegates, official hotel partners have been identified in nearby Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki. Various transportation options, including the Blue Line and BRT, are available to ensure convenient commuting for delegates staying farther away.
Efficient Registration and Material Distribution: Building on the success of last year’s seamless distribution of conference materials, the AGCPC plans to manage delegate tags and logistics effectively again this year, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.
Entertainment and Side Attractions: The conference will feature numerous side attractions, including sports events, a “Battle of the DJs” competition, the Friendship Centre, and the inaugural “Elders Night.” These activities are designed to provide relaxation and entertainment for the delegates.
International Participation: Invitations have been extended to presidents of various bar associations in Africa and beyond, ensuring a diverse and inclusive conference.
Impact and Outcomes: Mrs. Okusanya emphasised that the NBA-AGC is far from a mere talk shop. The conference’s communiqué forms the basis for several policy decisions and actions, reflecting the NBA’s commitment to its role as a watchdog of society and promoter of the rule of law.
As the NBA prepares to host what promises to be a conference like no other, delegates can look forward to a meticulously planned event rich in content experiences. The 2024 NBA-AGC is set to be a landmark event in the history of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Join the NBA News Channel:
Related topics:
NBA | ICLE | SARC| SBL | BRANCHES | SPIDEL | YLF| NBAWF | ECNBA | NBA-AGC | IBA | NBA-NHIS | NBA-HRI
Also Read:
