The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has constituted a 40-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) to coordinate preparations for its 2026 Annual General Conference, scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from 21 to 28 August. The committee, appointed by NBA President Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), will work alongside the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) to ensure the seamless execution of the association's flagship annual gathering.
The announcement was made in a notice issued by the NBA's National Publicity Secretary, Bridget Edokwe, which was shared with Premium Times on Friday. The constitution of the LOC marks a major step in the run-up to the 2026 conference, which promises to be one of the most significant yet.
Committee Leadership and Full Membership
Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, has been appointed as the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, with Damian Okoro, SAN, serving as alternate chairman. Chioma Ogoegbu takes on the role of secretary. The committee is composed of a diverse group of legal practitioners and stakeholders, each tasked with ensuring the success of the conference.
Other members of the committee include Felix Amadi, Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire, Irene Pepple, Ugowchi Agala, Nulera Duson, Godwin Jaja, Abiye Abo, Ibiso Bett-Davies, Iyalla Somiari, Monday Ocheseomie, Higher King, K.O. Ajuzieogu, Agent Ihua-Maduenyi, Juliet Martins, Eze Ahiakwo, Bright Uzor, Okechukwu Nwogu, Godpower Ikechi Agbam, Simple Dioha, Izeoma Orlu-Akwu, Adokiye Tom Briggs, Friday Azubuike, Nnaa Money, Ibim Don-Briggs, Chibuzor Gladys Chidubem, Belema Susan Orupabo, Victor Obinna, Lucky Wosu, Louisa Jackreece, Datom Alambo, Omenogor Joy Ifejika, Benjamin Young-Arney, Levi Nsiririm, Alusi Bariledum, Ruth Kenebor, Kenneth Olalekan Ogunjobi and Frank Chukwuka.
Conference Theme and Significance
The 2026 conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” is expected to draw lawyers and other stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond. Discussions will focus on pressing issues affecting the legal profession and the country at large. This year's conference holds particular significance as it comes at a pivotal moment in the NBA's leadership. Following the recent election, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, is set to be inaugurated as the association's next president during the conference. The incoming president and other newly elected national officers will be formally sworn in at the event, marking a transition of leadership that will shape the future of the bar.
The conference also marks the NBA's 66th Annual General Conference, a milestone that underscores the association's longstanding role in the development of legal practice in Nigeria. Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, will host this historic gathering, bringing together eminent jurists, senior advocates, and legal professionals from various specialisations.
Roles and Responsibilities of the LOC
According to the NBA, the Local Organising Committee is tasked with assisting the AGCPC in planning, organising, and executing events and activities for the conference. This includes overseeing venue construction and management, accommodation, transportation, security, and other critical event operations. The committee is expected to collaborate closely with the AGCPC and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of the conference in Port Harcourt.
The constitution of the LOC reflects the NBA's commitment to delivering a well-organised and impactful annual conference. By designating a dedicated team with a broad range of expertise, the association aims to address all logistical and procedural aspects of the event, from the opening ceremony to the final sessions.
Appreciation and Call to Service
In the notice announcing the committee, Mr Osigwe expressed his gratitude to the members for accepting to serve. He urged them to contribute fully to the success of the conference and the continued development of the Bar. His remarks highlight the importance of collective effort in ensuring that the 2026 Annual General Conference not only meets but exceeds expectations.
With the LOC now in place, preparations for the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference are expected to accelerate. The committee's work in the coming months will be crucial in delivering an event that reflects the association's values and its commitment to the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria.
