Micheal Amakeze
In recent times, the South-East has often been in the news for all the wrong reasons—resurgence of Biafran separatist movements, heightened insecurity, and reports ranking states in the region among the least investment-friendly and commercially viable.
These narratives have been amplified by the macabre chants of the Yoruba Ronuists, who at every turn urge easterners to “go back home,” painting that “home” as hostile and unwelcoming. Against this backdrop, the recently concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference in Enugu has proven to be a landmark event for the South East.
Enugu displayed stability, hospitality, and organizational competence. Beyond being a gathering of lawyers, the conference was a strategic soft-power victory for the South East—reshaping perceptions and biases, boosting the local economy, and fostering connections and opportunities. In the face of rising divisive rhetoric, the event stood as a subtle but firm statement that the South East remains invested in the unity of Nigeria and in democratic dialogue.
One of the most important outcomes of the conference was the political rebranding of the South East. In recent years, the region has been unfairly portrayed as unstable, synonymous with insecurity and secessionist agitations. By hosting a national conference that attracted legal luminaries, judges, academics, and policymakers from across the country, Enugu projected a counter-narrative: one of stability, hospitality, and intellectual vibrancy. The conference reaffirmed the South East as an integral part of Nigeria’s legal and political landscape, underscoring the region’s continued role in shaping national conversations on democracy and justice.
Equally significant were the economic benefits. The influx of thousands of delegates created an immediate boom for the local economy, particularly in the hospitality and service sectors. Hotels were fully booked, restaurants overflowed with patrons, transport operators prospered, and local businesses recorded unusual activity. Beyond these immediate gains, the successful hosting of the conference positioned Enugu as a viable destination for future high-profile national and international events.
This recognition opens doors to long-term opportunities in tourism, investment, and business.
The conference also had cultural significance. Attendees from across Nigeria experienced first-hand the hospitality and cultural richness of the Igbo people—through their cuisine, music, fashion, and art. Such exposure fosters cultural pride, corrects entrenched stereotypes, and promotes inter-ethnic understanding. For young lawyers in the region, the event was especially rewarding: it provided mentoring, networking, and learning opportunities that would ordinarily require costly trips to Lagos or Abuja.
The symbolism of hosting the NBA conference in Enugu cannot be overstated. Historically, Enugu served as the capital of Eastern Nigeria and remains the political and cultural heart of the Igbo nation. Hosting the NBA conference in this city was both a recognition of that legacy and a reaffirmation of Enugu’s centrality in national discourse. More importantly, it was a subtle but powerful message to those who would seek to sideline or underestimate the South East in Nigeria’s collective journey.
The NBA conference in Enugu was a symbolic and practical triumph for the South East. It reshaped the region’s image, stimulated its economy, showcased its culture, and reinforced Enugu’s status as a hub of intellectual and political activity. At a time when sectional divisions dominate national discourse, the conference stood as a resounding reminder that the South East is not isolated but remains an indispensable partner in Nigeria’s democratic and developmental journey.
It is my hope that the government of Enugu builds on the gains of the conference, and that South Eastern governments take a cue—transforming their states into destinations beyond Christmas and burials.
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