By Fawaz Adebisi
The Nigerian Bar Association has addressed concerns surrounding Portable’s, Habeeb Okikiola’s, performance at their 2023 Annual General Conference held on Thursday.
In response to criticism from the public, the NBA explained that Portable’s presence was a result of Obi Cubana’s sponsorship of the event as the headline sponsor.
It explained that the Cubana Group, which includes Portable as one of its brand ambassadors for Odogwu bitters, played a pivotal role in bringing the artist to the ‘Unbarred concert’ that traditionally concludes the conference.
Akorede Lawal, the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, clarified, “We did not pay a dime to Portable for the concert.
“It is the largest gathering of lawyers anywhere in the world, and we seek sponsors to finance various aspects of our events, including our annual conference.”
Lawal further dismissed reports of lawyers staging a walkout during Portable’s performance, explaining that the Friendship Centre, where the concert was initially scheduled, is a customary gathering place for lawyers to network and unwind.
However, due to logistical considerations and the venue’s prior decorations to promote sponsors’ brands, the event was moved to the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja to ensure a unified experience.
The NBA expressed gratitude to the Cubana Group for their sponsorship of the event.”
