The inclusion of Nigerian singer Portable at the 2023 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) raised eyebrows and generated criticism. Many found it unusual for a singer like Portable to perform at such a prestigious legal event, and some lawyers and netizens felt it tarnished the NBA’s reputation.
In response to the controversy, the NBA clarified that Portable’s presence was linked to the partnership between billionaire entrepreneur Obi Cubana and the conference as its headline sponsor. The Cubana Group, as the sponsor, brought Portable because he was one of their product brand ambassadors for Odogwu bitters.
The NBA emphasized that they did not use their funds to secure Portable’s performance. The Annual General Conference is known for engaging sponsors to financially support various aspects of the event. In this case, the headline sponsor was responsible for bringing in a guest artist for the “Unbarred concert,” a traditional event that typically includes lawyers of all ranks to conclude the conference.
The venue change from the Friendship Centre to the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja contributed to some of the confusion. Originally, the concert was scheduled at the Friendship Centre, where lawyers gather for relaxation and networking. However, the last-minute venue shift aimed to avoid simultaneous events at the Friendship Centre, which had already been set up to promote various brands.
In summary, the NBA’s explanation highlights that Portable’s performance was part of the sponsorship agreement and was not funded by the NBA itself. The unexpected inclusion of a singer like Portable at a legal conference indeed raised questions and led to mixed reactions.