The 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP), hosted in the beautiful city of Jos, Plateau State, comes to a successful close today, marking the end of several days of stimulating discussions, insightful sessions, and remarkable networking opportunities.
The Conference, themed “Uncommon Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Legal Environment,” was officially declared open by Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, who serves as the Chairman of the 2025 NBA-SLP Conference Planning Committee.
From the onset, the conference set a bold agenda: to address the evolving demands and challenges facing the legal profession in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
In his opening address, Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, warmly welcomed distinguished guests, including:
- His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State,
- Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann, Chief Judge of Plateau State,
- Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association,
- Boma Alabi, OON, SAN, Chairman of the NBA Section on Legal Practice,
- Justices of superior courts, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, legal luminaries, and a cross-section of passionate young lawyers.
He emphasized the timeliness of the conference’s theme, noting that while the law remains dynamic by nature, legal practice must equally evolve to meet the complex realities of a fast-changing world.
He highlighted the urgency for legal practitioners to be proactive, adaptable, and resilient in the face of emerging trends such as technology disruption, globalisation, and novel legal issues.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in power-packed sessions, featuring some of the most respected voices within and outside the legal profession. Sessions addressed critical areas such as legal innovation, ethics, advocacy in the digital age, dispute resolution, economic rights, and access to justice.
In addition to intellectual engagement, delegates were treated to a variety of recreational and social activities that showcased the culture, hospitality, and breathtaking landscape of Jos — fondly called the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
The 2025 NBA-SLP Conference was also marked by strong collaboration with government and judiciary stakeholders, as reflected in the tremendous support offered by the Plateau State Government and the Chief Judge of Plateau State. Special appreciation was extended to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who, as a member of the Bar, demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing legal practice and promoting the rule of law in Nigeria.
As the conference concludes today, there is a strong sense of accomplishment and optimism among participants. Beyond learning and dialogue, the conference succeeded in building bridges across generations of lawyers and reaffirming the role of the legal profession in shaping a just, equitable, and forward-looking society.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the NBA, the NBA-SLP Council, the distinguished speakers, the hardworking members of the Conference Planning Committee, and all participants for making the conference an outstanding success.
In his words:
“As we draw the curtains today, I urge everyone to leave Jos with a renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity. The challenges ahead may be uncommon, but together, with resilience and vision, we shall overcome.”
The NBA-SLP 2025 Conference will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment for Nigerian legal practitioners, laying down a roadmap for adapting to the future with courage and competence.
Safe travels to all conferees as they depart the city of Jos!
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