By Nnamani Arinze Darlington;
Nigerians woke up, Friday morning, to the news that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had ditched Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as the host of its 2025 Annual General Conference, the body’s flagship 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. It settled for the Coal City, Enugu, as the new host.
Expectedly, this development has thrown Enugu State Enugu into great joy. A few years back, no one would have thought about Enugu State as the host of this prestigious event, given the security and the sheer volume and quality of infrastructure needed to host such massive event. So, this move signals Enugu’s emergence as a conferencing capital, 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 such a high-profile event.
The NBA Conference, a platform for national impact, is more than a professional gathering. It provides a forum to address pressing national issues from judicial reform to rule of law, economic development, and social justice. It reflects the NBA’s confidence in Enugu’s capacity to host an event of this magnitude, 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-centered 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. These do not include massive rural and inter-local government and state roads that are ongoing, his target, according to his manifesto is to build 10,000 kilometers 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 like the multi-auditorium International Conference Centre with over 5,000 sitting capacity and the revitalisation of the Presidential Hotel and the investment deal with Landmark Africa Group for the revamping and expanding Nike Lake Resort Hotel are testaments to his commitment to positioning Enugu as a hub for conferences and tourism. Quite significant is the International Conference Centre Hotel, a five-star hotel, which he flagged off in May 2024 and billed for completion and hand over in about two or three-month time. This will become the first five-star hotel in the South East.
Before Mbah came on stage, Enugu was lacking in transport infrastructure such as terminals. The Holy Ghost motor park, right in the city centre was a den of rubbers and was known for filth and traffic lock jam. People dreaded the area for their safety and sanity. But Mbah, upon coming on board, did what many of his predecessors dreamed, but could not do: demolition of the Holy Ghost motor pack and erecting a modern Transport Terminal that looks exactly like the ones seen abroad. It is now the cynosure of all eyes and pride of Ndi Enugu. Simultaneously, he built also built three other modern transport terminals at Abakpa, Nsukka, and Gariki area of Enugu city.
In the 2024 budget, Enugu State Government procured three aircrafts with which intends to launch Enugu Air in a matter of weeks. It also intends to purchase additional four jets as contained in the 2025 budget. His dream is not only to ensure availability of flights in and out of Enugu city, but to make Enugu an aviation hub with many choice international airlines flying in and out of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. The government is at 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 to make the whole airport become truly international.
The state government has also commenced taking delivery of the first batch of 300 CNG busses Mbah ordered to ease city transport and make it more convenient and modern. Already, many modern bus stops have been built. The government has also ordered over 2,000 hybrid taxis. These buses and taxis will service the city 24 hours a day, thus restoring night life 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 like 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 also, President Tinubu commissioned the Command and Control Centre built by the Mbah Administration in just a year and few months as well as over 150 security cars fitted with AI-embedded cameras. Such state-of-the-art cameras with facial and plate number recognition capability are also installed all over the state, not just Enugu City. These have not only significantly reduced the rate of violent crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, and the likes in Enugu State, but has assisted other 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 myriad. 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, transporters, and small businesses.
Second, 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 thoughts. 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 revitalization, 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 equally be at our hospitable best as we are known. Tomorrow is indeed here!
--Nnamani, is the Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Media