Port Harcourt came alive in spectacular fashion on Saturday morning as thousands of lawyers participating in the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference stepped out for the much-anticipated Health Walk, transforming the Garden City into a vibrant celebration of wellness, unity and camaraderie.
At exactly 6:00 a.m., participants converged at Liberation Stadium, Elekahia, where the day’s activities commenced before the colourful procession moved through major roads of the city amid cheers from residents and motorists. The Health Walk formed part of the official programme of the 66th NBA Annual General Conference themed “Beyond Limits.”
Leading the walk were the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, alongside the Chairman of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN. Their presence set the tone for an event that was far more than a fitness exercise, it became a powerful statement on healthy living, professional solidarity and the human side of legal practice.
The atmosphere was electric from start to finish. Security personnel and motorcycle riders provided seamless escort throughout the route, ensuring participants enjoyed a safe and orderly experience while lawyers marched through Port Harcourt in high spirits.
Music echoed across the streets as energetic DJs kept participants dancing and singing throughout the exercise. The rhythm never stopped. Smiles replaced fatigue, strangers became friends, and colleagues connected beyond the courtroom in an atmosphere filled with laughter and genuine excitement.
Returning to the stadium did not signal the end of the experience. Instead, it ushered participants into a wellness village carefully designed to refresh both body and mind. Aerobics sessions attracted enthusiastic participation as lawyers stretched, danced and exercised under the guidance of fitness instructors.
Thereafter came moments of complete relaxation. Professional massage sessions offered participants the opportunity to ease tired muscles after the walk, while others settled into friendly games of ludo and scrabble, turning the morning into a festival of recreation and networking.
Refreshing coconut juice flowed freely, providing natural hydration as participants mingled, shared conversations and soaked in the unique atmosphere created by the Conference Planning Committee.
The blend of fitness, entertainment, recreation and wellness left many delegates describing the event as one of the most memorable experiences of the conference so far.
For many lawyers, the Health Walk was a reminder that professional excellence must be matched by personal wellbeing. It reinforced the importance of balancing the demands of legal practice with physical fitness, mental relaxation and meaningful social interaction.
As the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference gathers momentum, the Health Walk has undoubtedly raised the bar, delivering an unforgettable opening experience that showcased the unity, vibrancy and resilience of the Nigerian Bar.
REMINDERS:
- NBA PRE-NEC 3:00PM @ NBA BAR HOUSE PORTHACOURT. NEC MEMBERS ONLY.
- CHIEF JUDGE COCKTAIL, 6:00PM @ CEREMONIAL COURT HALL BLOCK C, HIGH COURT COMPLEX PORTHACOURT.
NBA Communication Officer
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