By Ehi Barnabas Henry, MICA
For those who know me well, it’s no secret that writing is something I truly enjoy. However, juggling the responsibilities of serving as the Assistant General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association and being a Partner at Maxon & Prime Legal has left me with little time to indulge this passion. So, if you are reading this, know that it gives me immense joy to finally sit down and write again!
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But that’s by the way.
Sometime in March 2025, I received a call from the distinguished learned Silk, Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN. His message was simple but firm: I had been conscripted into the Conference Planning Committee of the NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) and would be heading the Media and Publicity Subcommittee.
When I asked about the date of the conference, he said, “24th to 27th of April, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State.”
Ha! Just one month to plan an entire conference?
But Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, with his characteristic confidence, simply said, “We can do it!” And so, we set to work.
In less than three weeks, we secured the registration of over 500 delegates. Everything was coming together beautifully — until the media became awash with disturbing reports of renewed killings in Plateau State. Fear spread like wildfire. Many who had already been skeptical about traveling to Jos now had fresh reasons to reconsider.
As a proud alumnus of the University of Jos, and now a self-declared “Jos Boy,” I did my best to reassure everyone I could: “Jos is safe, trust me.”
The Conference Chairman, Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, himself an “Old Jos Boy,” did the same, urging people to look beyond the headlines.
Yet, as the conference date drew closer, tension heightened.
While we were beginning to panic, the proactive Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, swung into action. He ensured that security measures were tightened across the state and, remarkably, provided six buses to transport over 100 registered delegates from Abuja to Jos safely.
The beloved Governor, whose passion is to showcase Plateau’s rich culture and economic potential to the world, went above and beyond to support the conference.
Still, convincing lawyers to make the trip remained a herculean task.
As my faith began to waver, Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, reminded me of the power of media: “We must tell the true story of Jos,” he said.
And so, we doubled our efforts — pushing out authentic messages that reflected the peace, beauty, and hospitality of Jos.
And guess what?
Lawyers from across Nigeria arrived in Jos, and for four unforgettable days, we experienced something truly special.
The conference kicked off with a splendid cocktail hosted by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann.
We danced to the rhythm of Plateau’s traditional “Sasasa” music, were inspired by a thought-provoking keynote address from Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, savored the tastes and sounds of Plateau during an enchanting cultural night, enjoyed an energetic night out at Chillers Club, and rounded off with a luxurious dinner hosted by the Governor himself.
It didn’t stop there.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Plateau State, Daffi Philemon, alongside the dedicated Director of Protocol, Mr. Jibrin, worked tirelessly to ensure that delegates lacked nothing — from seamless transportation within Jos to decent accommodation and a warm, welcoming environment.
The Chairperson of the NBA-SLP, Mrs. Boma Alabi, OON, SAN, was not just pleased — she was visibly excited that the conferees came, saw, and truly enjoyed Jos.
But perhaps the most significant achievement was that delegates saw the reality for themselves: Jos is not a war zone.
They witnessed firsthand the warmth, beauty, culture, and peace that the media often fails to highlight.
5 Lessons I Learnt
1. Never Underestimate the Power of a Team with a Common Purpose.
With just a few weeks to plan, sheer willpower, teamwork, and belief made the conference a resounding success.
2. Media Narratives Are Not Always the Reality.
Negative news travels fast, but the reality on the ground can be vastly different. It’s important to verify facts before forming opinions.
3. Leadership and Proactive Support Are Game-Changers.
The swift and decisive actions of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang showed that good leadership can stabilize uncertainty and inspire confidence.
4. Resilience and Positive Messaging Matter.
Even when doubt creeps in, staying resilient and continuously sharing the right narrative can shift public perception and restore confidence.
5. Experience Is the Best Proof.
No amount of persuasion can substitute for personal experience. Lawyers came, they saw, and now they know: Jos is peaceful and beautiful.
The NBA-SLP Conference 2025 was not just another event — it was a statement. A testament to resilience, leadership, unity, and the power of telling our own stories.
I am grateful and proud to have been part of it.
Ehi Barnabas Henry, MICA
Assistant General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association
#NBA2025#NBASLP2025#JosConference2025#LeadershipInAction#PositiveNarratives#Resilience#LegalCommunity#NigerianLawyers#LegalConferences
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