Shehu of Borno Named Royal Father Of The Day For NBA Annual Conference

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced that the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day at the opening ceremony of its 66th Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC 2026) in Port Harcourt.

In a statement on Wednesday, the NBA said the traditional ruler had accepted the Association’s invitation, describing his participation as a reflection of the enduring role of traditional institutions in promoting justice, democratic governance and national unity.

The Association said the Shehu of Borno is widely respected for his leadership, wisdom and commitment to peace and national development, adding that his presence would bring cultural significance and prestige to the conference.

The announcement comes after the NBA confirmed former Liberian President, George Weah, as the keynote speaker for the conference.

The conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” is expected to attract thousands of legal practitioners, judges, policymakers, business leaders, academics and other stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria for discussions on issues affecting the legal profession and national development.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the calibre of personalities participating in the conference reflects the growing stature and international appeal of the Association’s flagship annual event.

The statement, signed by Abdul Muhammed (SAN), Chairman of the NBA-AGC 2026 Planning Committee, expressed appreciation to the Shehu of Borno for accepting the invitation and said the Association looked forward to welcoming him to Port Harcourt for what it described as a historically significant conference.