NBA President, Judges, Others Praise Onitsha Bar Chairman, Afam Obi, for Exemplary Leadership

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, cutting the tape during the commissioning of the edifice in Onitsha alongside judges, SANs, Afam Obi, and other dignitaries

It was a moment of commendation and accolades as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, and Justice Pete Obiora praised the Chairman of the Onitsha Branch of the NBA, Afam Obi, for his exemplary and visionary leadership.
The commendation followed the construction and unveiling of the Premier Bar Lounge, Gym, and Cloak Room executed by the Onitsha Branch of the NBA under Obi’s leadership on Wednesday.
The multi-million naira edifice was commissioned by the NBA President in the presence of judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), senior and young lawyers, as well as other distinguished guests.
While inaugurating the project, Osigwe challenged other NBA branches across the country to emulate the Onitsha Branch for its visionary and purposeful leadership.
The NBA President lamented that although every NBA branch receives 20 percent of practising fees, many branches fail to make judicious use of such funds for developmental projects.
According to him, the Chairman of the Onitsha Branch and his executive committee have demonstrated capacity, foresight, and a practical understanding of what leadership should represent.
Osigwe stated that the Onitsha Bar had set a standard for other branches to follow, noting that the newly commissioned lounge, which he described as second to none, further justifies the branch’s reputation as the “Premier Bar East of the Niger.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Project Committee, E. D. Chukwuma, said the idea for the project was conceived in 2024.
He described it as an unrivalled project in the history of the Onitsha Bar, adding that the committee deliberately chose not to impose financial burdens on members but instead resolved to shoulder the responsibility themselves.
In a humorous remark, Chukwuma said:
“We decided to take lawyers away from beer parlours in this area within less than two years. Most times, we criticise the government, ourselves, and other people in public places without knowing who is listening. That was part of the motivation behind this project.”

“I have never seen a man with such faith and determination like Afam Obi. I must also acknowledge some individuals who helped change the narrative, including Ada Udobi, an amazing woman; Ezennia Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN; and Justice Pete Obiora, JCA, who once served as Secretary of this branch, among others.” he added.
In his address, Obi stated that leadership is not measured by the length of tenure but by the depth of impact made in people’s lives and by the ability to create value that outlives one’s administration.
According to him:
“This is a project that symbolises not just infrastructure, but identity; not just comfort, but community; not just convenience, but continuity. This gathering, to me, is far more than ceremonial. It is a day of fulfilment — a day where vision finds expression and aspiration is translated into enduring legacy.”
“If these projects contribute, even in a modest measure, to the well-being, unity, and advancement of this Bar, then we can say with quiet satisfaction that we have fulfilled our duty.”he stated.

Addressing younger lawyers, Obi said:
“To the younger members of the Bar, let this moment inspire you. Let it remind you that vision, when combined with hard work, perseverance, determination, and integrity, yields lasting impact.”
Some of the judges present, particularly Justice Pete Obiora and Justice J. I. Nweze, stated that the Onitsha Bar had shown the way forward for other branches in the South-East, adding that they had witnessed the qualities of true leadership in Afam Obi.
Others who spoke in the same vein included Justice C. C. Okaa, Ejike Ezenwa, and Emeka Obegolu, among others.