The Assistant General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Ehi Barnabas-Henry, has described Jos, the capital of Plateau State, as a city of peace, culture, and warmth—firmly rejecting any portrayal of it as a war zone.
Barnabas-Henry made this assertion on Tuesday in Abuja, following the successful hosting of the 2025 NBA Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) Conference in Jos. Speaking to journalists, he noted that although it was initially difficult to convince lawyers to attend the conference due to safety concerns, assurances from Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang helped change the narrative.
“It was a herculean task convincing our colleagues, but with the governor’s strong assurance of security, lawyers turned out in large numbers,” he said. “They witnessed firsthand the warmth, beauty, culture, and peace of Jos—elements the media often neglect to highlight.”
He commended Governor Mutfwang for his proactive support, which included heightened security across the state and the provision of six buses to safely transport over 100 delegates from Abuja to Jos.
According to Barnabas-Henry, the governor was passionate about showcasing Plateau’s cultural heritage and economic potential, and his efforts went above and beyond expectations.
He also praised the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Mr. Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), for his insistence on promoting the true image of Jos. “He reminded us of the power of the media and emphasized the need to share the real story. So we doubled our efforts, putting out authentic messages that reflected the peace, beauty, and hospitality of Jos,” he said.
Reflecting on the event, Barnabas-Henry said: “Lawyers from across Nigeria arrived in Jos, and for four unforgettable days, we experienced something truly special.”
He emphasized the importance of verifying facts before forming opinions, noting that while negative news spreads quickly, it often doesn’t reflect the full reality.
The Voice of the people (VOP) reports that the 2025 NBA-SLP Conference was held in Jos from April 24 to April 27 under the theme “Uncommon Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Legal Environment.” Participants discussed the evolving challenges in the legal sector, the influence of global interconnectedness on legal systems, and the increasing need for specialized legal services.
