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The race for the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch gathered fresh momentum on Tuesday as chairmanship aspirant, Barrister Sir Azubuike Nwankenta Esq., intensified consultations with key stakeholders across the legal community.
Nwankenta, alongside members of his campaign team and supporters, visited the Secretariat of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Owerri, where he was received by female lawyers and members of the association in what observers described as a strategic engagement ahead of the 2026 NBA Owerri Branch elections.
The meeting took place at the FIDA Secretariat located behind House of Freeda along MCC Road, Owerri, shortly after Nwankenta was officially cleared to contest for the office of Chairman of the NBA Owerri Branch.
Addressing participants during the interaction, the chairmanship hopeful focused heavily on gender inclusion, welfare reforms, and institutional support for women within the legal profession. He argued that the future of the Bar must reflect fairness, equal opportunity, and stronger collaboration among members.
Nwankenta assured the gathering that women would occupy important positions under his proposed administration if elected. He also pledged to support policies aimed at protecting female lawyers from workplace harassment while creating more opportunities for professional growth and leadership participation within the branch.
“Women will play pivotal roles in my administration,” he said while reaffirming his commitment to advancing women empowerment and defending the rights of female legal practitioners both within and outside the Bar.
Discussions during the meeting also touched on possible partnerships between the NBA Owerri Branch and FIDA in areas such as welfare advocacy, training programmes, professional development, and improved working conditions for women in the legal sector.
His campaign, running under the slogan “Raising A Responsive Bar,” is built around four key pillars — welfare, advocacy, practice development, and accountability. Among the reforms outlined in his manifesto are improved welfare schemes for lawyers, healthcare support for members, enhanced Bar and Bench relations, expanded opportunities for young lawyers, and transparent financial reporting within the branch.
Supporters of the aspirant have continued to point to his extensive record of service within the NBA and beyond. Over the years, Nwankenta has served as Chairman of the Anti-Impersonation Committee of NBA Owerri Branch, Legal Adviser of the branch, NEC Member of the Nigerian Bar Association, and Alternate Chairman of the Human Rights Committee.
Outside the NBA structure, he also served as a Council Member of the National Human Rights Commission between 2021 and 2025, alongside several leadership roles in civic, religious, and community organisations.
As political conversations continue to build within the Owerri legal community ahead of the elections, issues surrounding accountability, member welfare, institutional trust, and inclusive leadership are increasingly shaping campaign debates.
