Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, has described the 2026 Annual Conference held in Umuahia, Abia State, as an exceptional gathering that combined intellectual engagement, professional networking, cultural celebrations and tourism. In a glowing review of the conference, Ubani commended the leadership of NBA-SPIDEL, the organising committees and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for their contributions to its success, noting that the quality of discussions, hospitality and memorable social activities made the Umuahia edition one of the most remarkable in the Section’s history.
The 2026 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), held in Umuahia, Abia State, was nothing short of spectacular! It was an outstanding gathering that seamlessly combined intellectual depth, professional engagement, social interaction, cultural celebration and tourism in a manner that will remain indelibly etched in the memories of delegates and guests.
The conference was exceptionally well organised, with carefully selected topical issues bordering on public interest, justice, democracy and national development receiving robust attention from distinguished speakers and intellectual giants drawn from diverse fields of human endeavour. The central theme, “In the Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development,” was thoroughly interrogated from different perspectives. The quality of presentations, depth of analysis and stimulating contributions left participants intellectually overfed, professionally enriched and inspired.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference distinguished itself through an impressive array of social and networking activities that added colour, excitement and unforgettable memories to the entire experience. The cocktail hosted by Ken Agha, SAN; the spectacular Variety Night/Dinner Night hosted by Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN; the exciting Jeans Party hosted by the Attorney-General of Abia State, Ikenna Uwanna, SAN; and the special dinner hosted by the Executive Governor were all memorable highlights. Each event had its unique flavour and contributed immensely to the convivial atmosphere that characterised the conference.
The tourist excursions to various places of attraction in Abia State were equally fascinating. Delegates were exposed to the state’s natural beauty, historical heritage and cultural attractions. Indeed, the experiences and testimonies from these excursions were so remarkable that they could conveniently constitute material for an entire book. Umuahia and its surrounding local government areas gave visitors compelling reasons to appreciate the beauty, hospitality and enormous tourism potential of Abia State.
The attendance in this year’s conference was commendable, participation was electrifying, and the contributions of delegates were top-notch. There was an unmistakable atmosphere of intellectual engagement, professional solidarity and genuine camaraderie throughout the conference. It was a gathering where learning was complemented by friendship, serious legal discourse by social interaction, and professional networking by memorable hospitality.
While the NBA-SPIDEL leadership under the distinguished Prof. Uju Agomoh, the Central Organising Committee led by Sir Ejike Ezenwa, SAN, and the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Paul Ogubunka and his team deserve tremendous commendation for putting together such a remarkable event, special appreciation must go to the Almighty God, to whom all glory belongs.
Above all, tremendous commendation goes to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whom I regard as the best Governor Abia State has ever produced and indeed one of the outstanding governors in Nigeria today. His administration provided the necessary support, facilities and hospitality that contributed immensely to the success of the conference. His commitment to showcasing Abia State as a destination for serious intellectual, professional and social engagements deserves special recognition.
The success of NBA-SPIDEL Umuahia 2026 has once again demonstrated that a professional conference can be much more than lectures and plenary sessions. With visionary support, purposeful organisation, quality intellectual content and genuine hospitality, it can become a truly transformative experience for everyone involved.
As the curtains fall on this memorable edition, we depart Umuahia with enriched minds, renewed professional relationships, beautiful memories and a deeper appreciation of Abia State, God’s Own State.
For me, as an Abian, NBA-SPIDEL Umuahia 2026 was not just another professional conference; it was a personal experience, a celebration of our collective heritage and an intellectual feast! I was particularly proud to showcase my State with excitement to my colleagues, many of whom had not previously appreciated how far Abia had come and the enormous possibilities that lie ahead. It was indeed a moment of pride, fulfilment and gratitude.
We are already looking forward to next year’s conference with great excitement and anticipation.
Umuahia 2026 and Ibadan 2019 are two editions of the NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference that will be particularly difficult to forget in the annals of the Section. They have set remarkable standards in intellectual engagement, organisation, hospitality and memorable experiences.
Umuahia 2026 was truly exceptional. Abia hosted, and Abia delivered!
Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN
Former Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL
Former 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association.
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