The just-concluded 67th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held in Enugu from 22nd to 30th August 2025, was not only remarkable for its intellectual engagements and plenary sessions but also for the vibrancy of its sporting activities. For the first time in NBA’s history, five indoor games were introduced as part of the Conference’s official lineup, drawing unprecedented participation, excitement, and healthy competition among delegates.
The Indoor Games Sub-Committee, ably chaired by Victor Chima Nwaugo, Esq., with Chukwuemeka Mbamala as Alternate Chairman and Collins Chuba Essell as Secretary, successfully executed the games between 23rd and 25th August 2025 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu. Under Nwaugo’s leadership, the arena was transformed into a hub of energy, remaining open throughout the week and entertaining conferees even after the competitions concluded.
Games Featured
The five newly introduced games were:
- Chess
- Draughts
- Ayo/Mancala
- Scrabble
- Table Tennis (Male & Female categories)
For each category, prizes of ₦250,000, ₦150,000, and ₦100,000 were awarded to first, second, and third positions respectively.
Participation & Registration
A total of 38 competitors from NBA branches across the country registered, paying a fee of ₦30,000 (male) and ₦20,000 (female), in addition to conference registration and practice fees.
Branches represented included Lagos, Ikeja, Aba, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Yenagoa, Asaba, Bwari, Saki, Ilorin, Owerri, Kaduna, Effurun, Jos, Abakaliki, Ihiala, Warri, Ado-Ekiti, Lafia, and others — a reflection of the nationwide enthusiasm for this historic initiative.
Winners
Chess
1st: Chinedu F. Nwaozuzu (Aba)
2nd: Chris O. Omolabi (Ikeja)
3rd: Tajudeen Adebayo L. (Ilorin)
Draughts
1st: Michael B. Erhire (Effurun)
2nd: Ahmed Oladapo Ajila (Saki)
3rd: Stanley C. Okonkwo (Ado-Ekiti)
Ayo/Mancala
1st: Ifeoma A. Chukwuka (Abakaliki)
2nd: Victor C. Onwere (Aba)
3rd: Ezekiel Amina (Kaduna)
Scrabble
1st: Bright Otobo (Port Harcourt)
2nd: Ngozichukwu Ogbogu (Asaba)
3rd: Unawarded (due to absence of competitors)
Table Tennis (Male)
1st: Ahmed Oladapo Ajila (Saki)
2nd: Yahaya Olarenwaju (Yenagoa)
3rd: Pending decision between Paul B. Daudu, SAN (Bwari) and Fatayi O. Lawal (Port Harcourt), who invoked ITTF’s joint-third rule
Table Tennis (Female)
1st: Titilayo Osagie (Ikeja)
2nd: Josephine N. Ogbuagbu (Aba)
3rd: Bukola Ayisire (Bwari)
All winners received their prize money directly into their bank accounts, ensuring transparency and prompt reward.
Recognition
- Kechinyere Charles N. (Port Harcourt Branch) was specially recognized as the 2025 NBA AGC Indoor Games Ambassador of Fair Play, for her outstanding sportsmanship, resilience, and positivity.
- All winners will also be issued Certificates of Victory to formally recognize their achievements.
Appreciation
The Sub-Committee, through its Chairman, Victor Chima Nwaugo, Esq., extended heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the NBA particularly President Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN and Chief (Sir) Emeka Jude-Philippes Obegolu, SAN, PhD — whose steadfast commitment ensured the success of the games, including prompt prize disbursements.
Competitors, fans, and the entire NBA community were equally lauded for their enthusiastic participation, which elevated the sporting spirit of the Conference.
The 2025 NBA Indoor Games, organized under the leadership of Victor Chima Nwaugo, Esq., were not just contests of skill but a celebration of discipline, camaraderie, and fair play. They have now left an indelible mark in the Association’s history, setting the stage for greater integration of sports into future conferences.
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