NBA: How Enugu State Disappointed Us
By Olalekan Soyombo
When the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) International Conference was shifted to Enugu this year, many lawyers grumbled. Concerns were raised: Why should an Eastern state, often portrayed as unsafe and insecure, be chosen as the venue?
Despite the assurances given by the Association, skepticism lingered. We moved on, hoping for the best—because the NBA is our collective body, and whatever challenges arose, we were determined to make the most of it.
But to our “disappointment,” Enugu turned out to be a revelation.
We were disappointed to see a clean and well-coordinated city. Disappointed to discover a place with orderly planning and solid infrastructure. Disappointed to experience the warmth of a people who were friendly and accommodating. Disappointed to find classes of hotels, resorts, and leisure spots dotting the city. Most surprising of all was the magnificent, first-class International Conference Centre that rivaled any across the country.
The truth must be said: aside from Lagos, no state in the South-West can compete with the Coal City of Enugu in terms of infrastructure and urban orderliness. My colleagues who attended the conference will attest to this fact.
Even the transportation system, though relatively costly, was structured and efficient. It revealed a people who know what they want and are intentional in their pursuit of excellence.
This is not to downplay the efforts of our governors in the South-West, but it is a challenge: more passion, vision, and commitment must be invested in infrastructural development. We must go beyond petty considerations and build cities that reflect the true potential of our region and our people.
Enugu has set an example—and it has “disappointed” us, not with failure, but with excellence.
