Thrills, Victories, and Fair Play: NBA AGC Indoor Games Make History in Enugu

The just-concluded 67th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held in Enugu from 22nd to 30th August 2025, was not only remarkable for its intellectual engagements and plenary sessions but also for the vibrancy of its sporting activities. For the first time in NBA’s history, five indoor games were introduced as part of the Conference’s official lineup, drawing unprecedented participation, excitement, and healthy competition among delegates.

The Indoor Games Sub-Committee, chaired by Victor Chima Nwaugo, Esq., with Chukwuemeka Mbamala as Alternate Chairman and Collins Chuba Essell as Secretary, successfully executed the games between 23rd and 25th August 2025 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu. The arena, transformed into a hub of energy, remained open throughout the week, entertaining conferees even after the competitions concluded.

Games Featured

The five games introduced were:

Chess
Draughts
Ayo/Mancala
Scrabble
Table Tennis (Male & Female categories)

For each category, prizes of ₦250,000, ₦150,000, and ₦100,000 were awarded to first, second, and third positions respectively.

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Participation & Registration

A total of 38 competitors from NBA branches across the country registered, with a fee of ₦30,000 for male participants and ₦20,000 for female participants, in addition to conference registration and practice fees.

Branches represented included Lagos, Ikeja, Aba, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Yenagoa, Asaba, Bwari, Saki, Ilorin, Owerri, Kaduna, Effurun, Jos, Abakaliki, Ihiala, Warri, Ado-Ekiti, Lafia, and others — a reflection of the nationwide enthusiasm for the initiative.

Winners

The competitions produced brilliant displays of skill, resilience, and camaraderie, with the following emerging as winners:

Chess

1st: Chinedu F. Nwaozuzu (Aba)
2nd: Chris O. Omolabi (Ikeja)
3rd: Tajudeen Adebayo L. (Ilorin)

Draughts

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1st: Michael B. Erhire (Effurun)
2nd: Ahmed Oladapo Ajila (Saki)
3rd: Stanley C. Okonkwo (Ado-Ekiti)

Ayo/Mancala

1st: Ifeoma A. Chukwuka (Abakaliki)
2nd: Victor C. Onwere (Aba)
3rd: Ezekiel Amina (Kaduna)

Scrabble

1st: Bright Otobo (Port Harcourt)
2nd: Ngozichukwu Ogbogu (Asaba)
3rd: Unawarded due to absence of competitors

Table Tennis (Male)

1st: Ahmed Oladapo Ajila (Saki)
2nd: Yahaya Olarenwaju (Yenagoa)
3rd: Undecided between Paul B. Daudu, SAN (Bwari) and Fatayi O. Lawal (Port Harcourt), who insisted on ITTF joint-third rule

Table Tennis (Female)

1st: Titilayo Osagie (Ikeja)
2nd: Josephine N. Ogbuagbu (Aba)
3rd: Bukola Ayisire (Bwari)

All winners have since received their prize money directly into their bank accounts, ensuring transparency and prompt reward.

Income & Expenditure

The Sub-Committee received ₦1,194,000 in two tranches (₦730,000 and ₦464,000) to fund the competitions and sustain the arena for conferees’ leisure. Expenditure covered equipment hiring, arbiters’ fees, curators, referees, scoreboards, and hospitality for participants and fans. Despite recording expenses slightly above allocation (₦1,196,000), the event was managed prudently, maximizing value for participants and spectators.

Recommendations

Kechinyere Charles N. (Port Harcourt Branch), a female table tennis competitor, was recommended as the 2025 NBA AGC Indoor Games Ambassador of Fair Play, having demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship, resilience, and positivity, both on and off the court.
All winners are to be issued Certificates of Victory to formally recognize their achievements.

Appreciation

The Sub-Committee extended deep gratitude to the leadership of the NBA, particularly President Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN and Chief (Sir) Emeka Jude-Philippes Obegolu, SAN, PhD, whose steadfast commitment ensured the success of the games, including prompt prize disbursements. Competitors, fans, and the entire NBA community were equally lauded for their enthusiastic participation, which elevated the sporting spirit of the Conference.

The 2025 NBA Indoor Games were not just contests of skill but a celebration of discipline, camaraderie, and fair play, leaving a mark in the Association’s history and setting the stage for greater integration of sports into future conferences.