President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing the feat as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s legal profession and gender inclusion.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence reflected her years of professional excellence, integrity and commitment to justice.
Tinubu said the confidence placed in the Senior Advocate of Nigeria by members of the Bar demonstrated the recognition of her contributions to the legal profession.
“Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s remarkable career, distinguished by integrity, professionalism and commitment to justice, has earned her the confidence of her colleagues across the country,” the President said.
He expressed confidence that the incoming NBA President would provide effective leadership, promote reforms within the legal profession and work towards improving access to justice for Nigerians.
The President urged Badejo-Okusanya to collaborate with the judiciary, executive, legislature and other stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, protect the Constitution and strengthen the role of lawyers in sustaining democracy.
Tinubu also called on the new NBA President to unite members of the association after the closely contested election, urging her to engage other candidates and address concerns raised during the electoral process.
“I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the Bar and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election,” he said.
The President described her election as a historic milestone, saying it demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian women to attain the highest positions through hard work, competence and excellence.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the NBA to strengthen democratic governance, promote justice and uphold the rule of law.
Tinubu wished Badejo-Okusanya a successful tenure, expressing optimism that her leadership would further strengthen the NBA’s role in defending constitutional democracy, protecting human rights and driving reforms in Nigeria’s justice sector.