Okonjo-Iweala to Address Nigerian Lawyers on Nation Building at 2024 NBA Conference

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference. The conference, themed 'Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria', will be held in Lagos from August 23 to 30, 2024.

NBA President Yakubu Maikyau emphasized the need for lawyers to recognize their crucial role in advancing national development and changing their attitudes towards how they do things. He highlighted the challenges facing the nation and stressed the importance of lawyers embracing the role of change agents.

"Lawyers must understand and embrace their vital role in advancing national development," Maikyau stated. "We need to change our attitude and the way we do things to address the challenges facing our country."

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, a highly accomplished and distinguished Nigerian, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the conference. As the first woman and first African to lead the WTO as Director-General, she has been at the forefront of promoting international trade and economic development. Okonjo-Iweala previously served as Finance Minister of Nigeria and held various leadership roles at the World Bank and other organizations.

Why this matters: The NBA Annual General Conference is a highly anticipated event that brings together legal professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting the nation. With Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as the keynote speaker, the 2024 edition aims to chart a course for rebuilding Nigeria in the face of numerous challenges, leveraging the expertise and influence of the legal community.

The NBA, the largest association of lawyers in the world, expects over 20,000 legal practitioners to attend the conference, up from 16,000 in the last edition. The Association has chosen the Eagle as the symbol for the upcoming event, representing the conference theme of pressing forward with a national posture.

Maikyau announced the selection of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as the keynote speaker, stating, "Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was selected due to her achievements in Nigeria and internationally. She will speak to legal professionals about ways they can contribute to national rebuilding and serve as a role model."

The NBA's decision to hold the conference in Lagos follows resolutions made at its National Executive Committee Meeting in December last year. The 2024 NBA Annual General Conference aims to galvanize the legal community to play a pivotal role in addressing Nigeria's challenges and rebuilding the nation.

Key Takeaways

• NBA to host 2024 conference in Lagos, with Okonjo-Iweala as keynote speaker.
• Conference theme: 'Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria'.
• NBA President calls for lawyers to embrace role as change agents for national development.
• Okonjo-Iweala, first woman and African WTO Director-General, to share expertise.
• NBA expects over 20,000 legal practitioners to attend the conference.