By Nnamani Arinze Darlington
Nigerians woke up on Friday morning to the news that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had chosen Enugu as the host for its 2025 Annual General Conference, the body’s flagship event that brings together well over 20,000 legal luminaries, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on critical issues shaping Nigeria’s legal, political, and economic landscape. This decision replaced Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which was originally slated to host the event.
Expectedly, this development has filled Enugu State with great joy. A few years ago, no one would have imagined Enugu State as the host of such a prestigious event, given the security concerns and the sheer volume and quality of infrastructure needed to host an event of this magnitude. Thus, this move signals Enugu’s emergence as a conferencing capital and a hub for intellectual discourse, tourism, investment, and progress, largely due to the transformative leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. His governance model, rooted in disruptive innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, has positioned Enugu as a beacon of development, making it a natural choice for a high-profile event.
The NBA Conference, a platform for national impact, is more than just a professional gathering. It provides a forum to address pressing national issues, from judicial reform to the rule of law, economic development, and social justice. It reflects the NBA’s confidence in Enugu’s capacity to host an event of this scale, underpinned by the state’s improved infrastructure, security, and economic vibrancy under the Governor Peter Mbah Administration.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Mbah has pursued a bold agenda to transform Enugu State into a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, living, and intellectual exchange. His governance model, characterised by strategic planning, disruptive innovation, and people-centred policies, has yielded remarkable results, creating an environment conducive to hosting events like the NBA conference.
**Infrastructure Transformation**
One of Mbah’s most visible achievements is the rapid transformation of Enugu’s infrastructure. Recognising that connectivity and accessibility are critical to economic growth, his administration has prioritised road construction and rehabilitation. Over 90 urban roads constructed or reconstructed by the Mbah Government were commissioned by President Bola Tinubu in January, while over 141 others have also been flagged off for construction. These efforts have improved mobility for residents and businesses, making Enugu a more attractive venue for large-scale events. This does not include the massive rural and inter-local government and state roads that are ongoing; his target, according to his manifesto, is to build 10,000 kilometres of roads in four to eight years.
Beyond roads, Mbah has invested in modern facilities to enhance Enugu’s appeal. The completion of legacy projects such as the multi-auditorium International Conference Centre, which has a seating capacity of over 5,000, and the revitalisation of the Presidential Hotel alongside the investment deal with Landmark Africa Group for the revamping and expansion of Nike Lake Resort Hotel, are testaments to his commitment to positioning Enugu as a hub for conferences and tourism. Notably, the International Conference Centre Hotel, a five-star hotel, was flagged off in May 2024 and is slated for completion and handover in about two to three months. This will become the first five-star hotel in the South East.
Before Mbah came to power, Enugu lacked vital transport infrastructure such as terminals. The Holy Ghost Motor Park, situated in the city centre, was a den of criminals and was notorious for filth and traffic congestion. People dreaded the area due to safety concerns. However, upon taking office, Mbah accomplished what many of his predecessors had only dreamed of: demolishing the Holy Ghost Motor Park and erecting a modern Transport Terminal that resembles those found abroad. It has now become the cynosure of all eyes and a source of pride for Ndi Enugu. Simultaneously, he also built three other modern transport terminals in Abakpa, Nsukka, and the Gariki area of Enugu city.
In the 2024 budget, the Enugu State Government procured three aircraft with the intention of launching Enugu Air in a matter of weeks. It also plans to purchase an additional four jets as outlined in the 2025 budget. His dream is not only to ensure the availability of flights in and out of Enugu city but also to make Enugu an aviation hub with numerous international airlines flying in and out of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. The government is on the verge of completing a concession agreement with the Federal Government that would allow it to take over the airport, complete the international wing, build a cargo terminal, and modernise the existing local wing, thereby making the entire airport truly international.
The state government has also commenced taking delivery of the first batch of 300 CNG buses that Mbah ordered to ease city transport and make it more convenient and modern. Many modern bus stops have already been constructed, and the government has also ordered over 2,000 hybrid taxis. These buses and taxis will service the city 24 hours a day, thus restoring nightlife in the Coal City.
All these facilities and more will provide the infrastructure needed to host thousands of NBA delegates comfortably, ensuring a seamless and impactful conference experience.
**Security and Social Stability**
A critical factor in hosting a successful conference is security, and here, Mbah’s administration has excelled. By confronting challenges such as the sit-at-home orders that once disrupted socioeconomic activities in the state, Mbah has restored peace and stability to Enugu. His government has equipped security agencies with modern tools, including state-of-the-art surveillance systems and patrol vehicles. Last January, President Tinubu also commissioned the Command and Control Centre built by the Mbah Administration in just over a year, as well as over 150 security vehicles fitted with AI-embedded cameras. Such state-of-the-art cameras, with facial and plate number recognition capabilities, have been installed throughout the state, not just in Enugu City. These measures have significantly reduced the rate of violent crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery in Enugu State and have assisted neighbouring states in solving crimes. The examples of such assistance, in rescuing kidnap victims or tracking criminals who attack rural communities, such as Nkala-Eha in neighbouring Ebonyi State, are numerous. This secure environment reassures NBA delegates that Enugu is a safe and welcoming destination.
**Why Enugu’s Hosting of the NBA Conference Matters**
The NBA’s decision to hold its conference in Enugu carries profound implications for the state and Nigeria as a whole. First, it amplifies Enugu’s visibility as a destination for intellectual and economic activities, encouraging further investment and collaboration. The influx of delegates will stimulate the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and small businesses.
Secondly, the conference provides a platform to showcase Mbah’s governance model to a national audience. As legal experts and policymakers witness Enugu’s transformation firsthand, they will see a blueprint for effective leadership that other states can emulate. Mbah’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and innovation sets a high standard for governance in Nigeria.
Finally, hosting the conference reinforces Enugu’s historical role as a centre of excellence in Nigeria. Known as the “Coal City,” Enugu has long been a cradle of intellectual and political thought. It is therefore heartwarming that under Mbah’s leadership, the state is reclaiming its status as a leader in progress and development, making it a fitting host for an event that shapes Nigeria’s future.
As Enugu prepares to welcome the NBA Annual General Conference, it is a moment of pride for the state and its people. Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s leadership has laid a solid foundation for this achievement, proving that with vision and determination, remarkable things are possible. His governance model, built on infrastructure, economic revitalisation, security, and human development, has made Enugu a shining example of what Nigeria can achieve.
The people of Enugu and Nigerians at large are called upon to rally behind this vision. By supporting Mbah’s transformative agenda, we can ensure that Enugu continues to rise as a hub for great things, from hosting world-class conferences to driving sustainable development. As the legal community converges in Enugu, let us seize this opportunity to project the state’s progress and inspire a new era of growth for Nigeria. Let us also be at our hospitable best, as we are known for. Tomorrow is indeed here!
Nnamani is the Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Media
