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NBA Confab Begins In Owerri, Today …Lawyers Face Screening For Ebola
The 2014 Annual Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) will open today in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The conference, which is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants from across the 36 states of the federation, will witness to hand over by the Okey Wali-led excutive to a new team elected in Benin City, the Edo State capital early this month.
The delegates, who began trooping into Owerri yesterday for check-in and other formalities, are expected to appraise the performance of the NBA in the last couple of years, review achievements and challenges, address certain issues affecting the profession within the context of the national political environment, and the place of Nigerian lawyers in global legal practice.
Earlier, the Federal Ministry of Health has given the NBA the green light to proceed with the conference, amid concerns that the meeting may provide the grounds for the spread of Ebola.
The NBA President, Okey Wali, said that after a “fruitful” meeting with Health Ministry officials, the NBA was given the go-ahead for the conference.
Wali said the ministry was now working with the association to curtail the spread of the deadly virus that has killed five people in Nigeria.
“We put our thoughts across to them about what we were doing. The preventive and safety methods put in place – sanitiser and temperature pens, and they were very impressed, and also gave a couple of suggestions to us about one or two things we should look at, and we agreed to work together even beyond the conference,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Health Ministry, Dan Nwomeh, confirmed that the government was satisfied with measures put in place by the NBA for the conference.
“The NBA has made provisions for spraying the hall with family sanitizer, they have provided additional mobile toilets and have made arrangement for spacing of the sitting arrangement,” Nwomeh said.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof Chidi Odinkalu, had urged the NBA to suspend the conference until the Federal Government has been able to curtail the spread of the virus.
Odinkalu, who is billed to give a speech at the conference, said he was staying away after being placed on observation of possible Ebola infection having been treated as an outpatient by one of the doctors who had contact with the Ebola index case, Patrick Sawyer.
“It will be ill-judged to continue with the conference in the circumstances of the present public health emergency prevailing in the country,” the NHRC boss said in a statement.
The NBA conference attracts large number of lawyers from across the country. Odinkalu said it could pose public health risk as the country is battling to contain the spread of the virus.
But Wali, said the Ministry of Health has agreed to send its officials to the NBA conference to help sensitise members of the association.
“Because the NBA has a very good reach with members all across the nation, they are disbursing some materials to us like leaflets and posters on how to check Ebola in the conference. In fact, officials of the Federal Ministry of Health would be attending the conference on Monday to give five to ten minutes talk on Ebola. It was very fruitful. In fact, we are all very happy with the way things turned out.
“But the most important thing is that we have put a lot of measures in place and the Federal Ministry of Health officials were very impressed with the steps that we have taken. In fact, they have said they wished that other organisations or people organising such thing would take a cue from what the NBA has done,” Wali said.
He added that the NBA is also working with the Imo State Ministry of Health, which has also set up an arrangement to sensitise the lawyers on preventive measures against Ebola.
He praised Odinkalu for the advice but said it was an isolated case.
“We are thankful to him that he was honourable enough to disclose the fact that he was under observation and will stay away from the conference but that is one case,” Wali said.
It would be recalled that Nigeria has recorded five deaths so far since the outbreak of the disease in July.
Eight people who have tested positive for the disease are still receiving treatment at the isolation centre in Lagos.
Over 200 people are being monitored. Last week, 61 persons were released from the observation centre after being certified by health officials.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference holding in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, from August 25 to 29, the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr Chukwuma Umeh, has said that the participants will undergo screening on Ebola virus.
Over 10,000 legal practitioners are attending the conference.
The Attorney General told reporters in Owerri that various points from the airport to the venue of the conference, which is the Imo International Convention Centre, had been earmarked as screening points before gaining access into the hall.
He also said that the state government was well prepared for the programme and had put adequate measures in place to ensure the security of all participants and the smooth success of the programme.
Umeh further debunked allegations that there was a court order restraining the government from using the venue of the programme.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol