The reason why Nigerian singer Portable was added to the lineup for the 2023 Annual General Conference (AGC) has been explained by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Remember how Portable did at the NBA Annual General Conference on Thursday? This decision drew criticism from several lawyers and internet users who said it damaged the association’s credibility and made them appear less reputable.
Many people were perplexed by Portable’s sudden debut as a guest musician at this year’s NBA Conference event.
Akorede Lawal, the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, revealed that Portable’s participation at the event was related to the program’s collaboration with billionaire entrepreneur Obi Cubana as its headline sponsor in an interview with the Punch Newspaper on Friday, September 1, 2023.
He continued by saying that the Cubana Group brought Portable since he served as one of their Odogwu bitters brand ambassadors.
He said that the headlining sponsor was in charge of arranging for a special performer to take the stage at the conference’s traditional “Unbarred concert,” which is usually attended by attorneys of all levels.
“We did not expend any funds to secure Portable’s performance for the concert.
“The NBA’s Annual General Conference is the largest congregation of legal professionals worldwide, and consequently, we engage with sponsors to financially support all facets of our events.” Lawal said.
Lawal further addressed reports indicating that lawyers staged a walkout during Portable’s performance at the event. He revealed that the initial plan was for the concert to be held at the Friendship Centre. However, there was a last-minute change in venue to the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja.
Explaining the venue shift, Lawal said:
“The Friendship Centre traditionally serves as a hub where lawyers gather for relaxation, networking, and various social activities. Originally, the concert was scheduled to occur there.
“However, we later advised the legal professionals to relocate to the ‘Unbarred concert’ at the Velodrome, aiming to avoid simultaneous events at the Friendship Centre, which had already been set up to promote various brands.”