At the 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and former Ghanaian President John Mahama emphasized the need for new actions to bring about transformation in Nigeria and Africa.
Discussing the importance of shifting mindsets for national rebuilding, Akpabio stated that a change in thinking is crucial for the country’s future.
Highlighting the role of the legal community in the nation’s reconstruction, Akpabio linked the conference theme, “Pressing forward: A national posture for rebuilding Nigeria,” to the necessary shift in perspectives and attitudes required for transformation.
Emphasizing the NBA’s historical significance in Nigeria’s journey to independence, Akpabio commended the organization for its past contributions and urged for continued efforts towards progress and development.
Mahama, the guest speaker, stressed the critical role of legal professionals in shaping Africa’s future amidst various challenges, including security, economic issues, and political obstacles.
Discussing Africa’s economic challenges, Mahama highlighted the continent’s dependence on commodity exports and the need for economic diversification and youth empowerment to drive growth and development.
Mahama also pointed to the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area as a significant opportunity for the region, calling for legal professionals to ensure the framework supports trade while protecting the rights of workers and citizens.
Drawing parallels between Ghana and Nigeria, Mahama addressed the issue of public trust in democratic institutions, citing statistics showing a decline in trust in government and other key bodies in Ghana.
Calling for collective action, Mahama urged legal professionals to play a pivotal role in driving positive change and promoting good governance across the continent.
As the conference concluded, the call for transformative actions echoed through the discussions, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in shaping a better future for Africa.
Addressing Africa’s young population, Mahama emphasized their dual role as both a significant challenge and a promising asset for the continent’s future. He called on the NBA to take the lead in advocating for educational reforms, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring labor laws safeguard the rights of young workers in the digital sector.
Mahama urged for the creation of a Youth Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic to offer legal assistance to young entrepreneurs navigating business complexities. By reducing legal barriers, he believes there will be a surge of innovation and job opportunities driven by Africa’s youth.
Former Ghanaian President stressed the legal community’s role in laying the foundation for African economic integration. He urged for unity, justice, and prosperity for all Africans to be at the forefront of their efforts.
Bagudu urged African nations to view the continent’s vast landmass and population as opportunities rather than obstacles. He highlighted Africa’s potential prosperity if these resources are properly utilized.
Comparing Africa’s landmass and population to China and India, Bagudu illustrated the disparity in economic output. He emphasized the need for adequate resources in driving development and pointed out the challenges arising from unequal access to capital for African countries.
Bagudu identified the need for African countries to collaborate in generating resources for sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of making necessary choices to set the continent on a path towards sustainable growth and development.
In conclusion, Bagudu emphasized the importance of confronting realities and making strategic decisions to steer Africa towards a sustainable development trajectory. He emphasized the NBA’s role in supporting Africa on this journey.