By Our Correspondent
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, joined distinguished legal professionals and policymakers at the opening of the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Sunday, held at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
The event featured prominent scholars, economists, and policymakers from within and beyond Nigeria, gathering to discuss the critical issue of the social contract between the government and its citizens. Discussions centered on strategies to alleviate economic challenges and ensure the well-being of Nigerians.
Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, representing President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, officially opened the conference, calling on Nigerians to unite in supporting the administration’s ongoing reforms. He highlighted significant steps taken, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and other critical reforms aimed at curbing corruption and driving sustained growth.
In her keynote address, World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged the legal community to hold politicians accountable for breaches of the social contract. She stressed the importance of prioritizing the nation’s economic recovery over political interests and praised efforts to diversify Nigeria’s exports.
Governor Mutfwang, through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, commended Dr. Okonjo-Iweala's achievements and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling the social contract with the people of Plateau State. He expressed gratitude to the NBA for previously choosing Plateau State as the host for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and expressed the state's readiness to host future conferences.
The conference also saw goodwill messages from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (represented by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun), the President Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, Attorney General of the Federation Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, and Chief Folake Solanke SAN, among others.
