AGC: How LOC Weathered the Storm

This year’s Annual General Conference has come and gone, but its memories are bound to remain with many delegates for a long time.

It is instructive that, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) was constituted fairly late into the commencement of the general conference. This notwithstanding, the committee immediately swung into action by holding meetings, atimes into the wee hours of the morning and even on Sundays, to ensure that delegates had a pleasant experience during the annual lawyers’ fiesta.

Specifically, the LOC successfully hosted a Jumat service/prayer at the Lagos Central Mosque, a church service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina and a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos. The pre-conference activities climaxed with an exquisite and enchanting “welcome cocktails” hosted by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade.

In the face of daunting challenges including dearth of funds, the LOC - ably spearheaded by the self-effacing former Solicitor-General of Lagos State and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, forged ahead to cement collaborations with the Lagos State Government and its agencies, towards ensuring a successful conference.

Aside from a global approval received from the State Government, the LOC initiated partnerships with several ministries in the State. This led to the mobilisation of such entities like the LASEMBUS, LASTMA and Lagos State Task Force, among others. Indeed, the LOC Chairman was on “Traffic Radio” to enlighten delegates and the public, on the logistical arrangements towards a seamless hosting of the AGC. The presence of LASEMBUS and its ambulance services, helped in saving the life of a delegate who was rushed to the hospital due to injuries sustained during the highly competitive and entertaining football competition, anchored by the LOC.

Aside from the Nigeria Police Force, which was fully mobilised to ensure that all delegates enjoyed maximum security, the LOC also facilitated securing the services of PRIMERO which operated the “Park and Ride” scheme that offered free, branded and air-conditioned bus services to all the almost 12,000 delegates to and from the conference venues.

Yet another highlight of the AGC as spearheaded by the LOC, was the hilarious daily “Beach Party” at the Oniru Private Beach, which was originally slated for the Conference Market Place (CMP), popularly called “Mammy Market.” The CMP was designed by the LOC as a one-stop shop for delegates to shop, dine, wine and network with colleagues, in a serene and dignified ambience garnished with musical and cultural performances. This noble vision, was almost sabotaged by some elements who set up a parallel market, without authorisation from the LOC or requisite permits from the government. It is instructive that, the LOC was able to successfully navigate this challenge.

The Beach Party, witnessed performances from the sensational 911 Dance Machine, “Michael Jackson,” the Keggites Club and sundry cultural troupes, leaving many delegates that trouped to the beach-side to unwind, asking for more.

All said, the leadership and entire members of the LOC, made incredible sacrifices to ensure that all delegates had a good tale to tell about the 2017 AGC.