"How Enugu City Disappointed Us" -NBA Finally Speaks Up!

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) International Conference held recently in Enugu has left a lasting impression on participants, with many lawyers confessing that the city exceeded their expectations in every possible way.

When the conference was relocated from its initial venue to Enugu, there was widespread grumbling among some members of the Association. Concerns were raised over insecurity in parts of the South East, with many questioning why the city should be considered a suitable host for such a high-profile event. However, those fears soon gave way to admiration as the participants encountered a very different reality from what they had imagined.

In what was described as a “pleasant disappointment,” delegates noted that Enugu surprised them with its serenity, orderliness, and impressive level of infrastructural development. Visitors were struck by the city’s cleanliness, its modern layout, and the warmth of its people, who were both friendly and accommodating throughout the duration of the conference.

Lawyers were particularly impressed with the facilities available in Enugu, pointing to the world-class International Conference Centre that hosted the event as a symbol of the city’s growing status. They also highlighted the presence of quality hotels, resorts, and other amenities which ensured comfort for visitors from across the country and beyond.

Beyond hospitality, participants noted the excellent and orderly transportation system in Enugu, although some described it as “extortionate.” Still, it was seen as evidence that the people of the South East are determined to shape their environment and are committed to achieving progress in an organized and efficient manner.

In a comparative assessment, some delegates argued that apart from Lagos, no state in the South West could match Enugu’s level of infrastructural development. They called on governors from other regions, especially in the South West, to draw lessons from the Coal City by prioritizing development with passion and vision rather than being distracted by petty political considerations.

The conference, which brought together lawyers from across the country, ended on a high note, with many of the attendees leaving Enugu with fond memories and a renewed appreciation for the city’s strides in urban development and hospitality. For many, the experience proved that perceptions can often be misleading, and that Enugu deserves its place among Nigeria’s most progressive cities.

As one participant aptly put it, “Enugu is greatly missed!”