Nigerian Bar Association Clarifies Portable’s Performance at 2023 Conference
The Nigerian Bar Association has clarified why singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, performed at their 2023 Annual General Conference, refuting rumors of payment to the artist, Excel Magazine International has gathered.
Critics had accused the NBA of tarnishing its reputation by inviting Portable to perform at an event associated with legal professionals, while some considered the show an embarrassment to the conservative legal profession.
In response, the NBA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, explained during an exclusive interview with PUNCH on Friday that Portable’s presence at the event was tied to entertainer Obi Cubana’s sponsorship as the headline sponsor.
Cubana Group, of which Obi Cubana is a part, brought Portable as he was a brand ambassador for their product, Odogwu bitters.
Lawal clarified that the NBA did not pay Portable for the concert. The sponsorship of the conference, including guest artists for the ‘Unbarred concert,’ was typically covered by various sponsors from around the world who support the NBA’s events.
Addressing rumors of lawyers staging a walkout during Portable’s performance, Lawal stated that this did not occur.
The Friendship Centre, where the concert was initially planned, is a customary gathering place for lawyers, but the event was moved to the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja to avoid conflicting events due to the center’s prior decoration.
Lawal expressed appreciation to the Cubana Group for sponsoring the event.
The conference, themed “Getting it right,” marked the 63rd edition and took place from Friday, August 25, to Wednesday, August 30, 2023, featuring various activities.
