AWC CURRENT AFFAIRS DESK
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her historic election as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her emergence as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s legal profession and a victory for excellence, merit and gender inclusion.
Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s election makes her the first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association and the second woman overall to lead the association, following the pioneering footsteps of the late Dame Priscilla Kuye, who served as the first female NBA President.
In a congratulatory message, President Tinubu praised the new NBA President’s distinguished legal career, noting that her record of professionalism, integrity and commitment to justice earned her the confidence of members of the legal community across the country.
The President said her emergence represents the growing recognition of the important role women continue to play in nation-building, leadership and the advancement of democratic institutions.
According to President Tinubu, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s tenure presents an opportunity to strengthen the legal profession, promote judicial reforms and deepen access to justice for Nigerians.
He urged the new NBA President to work closely with all stakeholders, uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and ensure that the legal profession continues to serve as a critical pillar of democracy and good governance.
“I extend my hearty congratulations to the President-elect of the NBA for her victory. As the first elected female president of the Association of Lawyers in Nigeria, Mrs Badejo-Okusanya has made history. She has once again shown that our women can attain any heights in pursuit of excellence in their careers and ambitions, both in the private sector and in public service,” President Tinubu stated.
The President also acknowledged concerns that emerged during the election process and called on the NBA President-elect to extend a hand of fellowship to other contestants, promote unity within the Bar and address issues raised during the election.
“I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the Bar and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election. I wish you a successful tenure and service to the legal profession and our country at large,” he added.
The historic election of Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya comes at a time when expectations are high for renewed leadership in Nigeria’s legal profession, particularly in the areas of judicial reform, professional ethics, constitutional protection and improved access to justice.
Her tenure is expected to shape conversations around the future of the Nigerian Bar and its role in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
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