Why Portable performed at our 2023 conference – NBA clears air

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has shed light on why Portable performed at their 2023 Annual General Conference (AGC).

In response to the criticism and concerns raised by some lawyers and the public over Portable’s performance at the NBA Annual General Conference, Akorede Lawal, the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, offered an explanation in an interview with the Punch Newspaper on Friday, September 1, 2023.

Lawal clarified that Portable’s presence at the event was linked to the partnership between Billionaire Entrepreneur Obi Cubana and the program, as Obi Cubana was the headline sponsor. He further elaborated that the Cubana Group had brought Portable to perform because he was one of their product brand ambassadors for Odogwu bitters.

Lawal emphasized that the NBA did not allocate any funds to secure Portable’s performance for the concert. He pointed out that the NBA’s Annual General Conference is a gathering of legal professionals on a global scale, and they often collaborate with sponsors to provide financial support for all aspects of their events.

Regarding reports of lawyers walking out during Portable’s performance, Lawal clarified that the initial plan was for the concert to take place at the Friendship Centre. However, there was a last-minute change in venue to the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja.

He explained the venue change, stating, “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.”