- The Nigerian Bar Association has provided a clarification regarding why the singer Habeeb Okikiola, widely recognized as Portable, performed at the association’s 2023 Annual General Conference held on Thursday.
- The legal professionals’ governing body also denied the circulating rumor that the artist was remunerated for his performance.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has provided insight into why they included Nigerian Singer, Portable, in their lineup for the 2023 Annual General Conference (AGC).
On Thursday night, many internet users criticized the NBA for inviting Portable to perform at their event, which comprised of “learned” individuals. They argued that this decision harmed the association’s reputation and made them appear less respectable.
Some individuals regarded the event as a joke and considered it an embarrassment to the legal profession, which is typically associated with conservatism.
During an interview with the Punch Newspaper on Friday, Akorede Lawal, the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, explained that Portable’s presence at the event was connected to the partnership between Billionaire Entrepreneur Obi Cubana and the program as its headline sponsor.
He further explained that the Cubana Group brought Portable because he was one of their product brand ambassadors for Odogwu bitters.
According to him, the headline sponsor, they were responsible for bringing a guest artist to perform at the “Unbarred concert,” a tradition that typically includes lawyers of all ranks to conclude the conference.
Lawal explicitly stated, “We did not expend any funds to secure Portable’s performance for the concert.
The NBA’s Annual General Conference is the largest congregation of legal professionals worldwide, and consequently, we engage with sponsors to financially support all facets of our events.”
Lawal addressed reports indicating that lawyers staged a walkout during Portable’s performance at the event. He revealed that the initial plan was for the concert to be held at the Friendship Centre. However, there was a last-minute change in venue to the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja.
Explaining the venue shift, Lawal stated, “The Friendship Centre traditionally serves as a hub where lawyers gather for relaxation, networking, and various social activities. Originally, the concert was scheduled to occur there.
“However, we later advised the legal professionals to relocate to the ‘Unbarred concert’ at the Velodrome, aiming to avoid simultaneous events at the Friendship Centre, which had already been set up to promote various brands.”