The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, today attended the Opening Ceremony of the NBA Bwari Branch Law Week, where he delivered a thought-provoking address on the pressing question of leadership in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the President observed that, in recent days, he has participated in several NBA branch law weeks across the country, each deliberately centered on themes that confront critical national issues. He commended the Bwari Branch for its choice of theme, “The Leadership Challenge in Nigeria: The Way Forward Beyond Rhetoric,” describing it as both timely and necessary.
Citing Chinua Achebe’s famous dictum that “the problem of Nigeria is leadership,” the NBA President insisted that national progress will remain elusive until leadership is fixed. He pointed to United Arab Emirates’ transformation from a desert outpost into a global hub for tourism and commerce as proof that visionary, committed leadership can rewrite a nation’s story.
He further urged Nigerians to rise above religious and ethnic divisions, stressing the need for collective responsibility in holding leaders accountable. According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens remain united and intentional about demanding good governance.
The President concluded by expressing his delight at the growth and resilience of the Bwari Branch, which was established during his tenure as Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch. He noted with pride that the Branch has continued to justify its creation and has remained a vibrant part of the Association.
Declaring the Law Week open, the President charged lawyers to renew their commitment to national development not only as leaders, but as engaged followers. “The future of Nigeria depends on what we do, not what we say,” he added.
He wished the Bwari Branch a successful and impactful Law Week. 
