‘By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has expressed profound gratitude to members of the association for electing her as their next leader, promising to build a stronger, more inclusive Bar that works for every lawyer.
In a statement posted on her official X handle on Sunday following her electoral victory, Badejo-Okusanya described the mandate as a collective triumph for all lawyers who believed in her vision of “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone.”
She said she was deeply humbled by the confidence reposed in her by members of the association and pledged to justify the trust through purposeful, transparent and accountable leadership.
“Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” she wrote.
“Thank you for believing in our shared vision of A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member who believed that our Association can be stronger, more inclusive, more responsive, and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers.”
Reflecting on her nationwide consultation tour during the campaign, the President-elect said her engagements with lawyers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory provided invaluable insights that would shape her administration.
According to her, the concerns, aspirations and ideas shared by members throughout the campaign would remain the foundation of her leadership as she assumes office.
Calling for unity after the keenly contested election, Badejo-Okusanya urged members to put the contest behind them and work together in the interest of the legal profession.
“The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law,” she stated.
She also congratulated her fellow contestants for strengthening the democratic process within the association, expressing her readiness to work with them in advancing the NBA.
The President-elect reserved special appreciation for members of the BBOLD Campaign Council, volunteers, coordinators, supporters and colleagues whose commitment, sacrifice and dedication, she said, made her victory possible.
She also paid glowing tribute to her husband for his unwavering support throughout the campaign, describing him as her steadfast partner whose encouragement and quiet confidence sustained her during the journey.
Badejo-Okusanya further acknowledged her family, mentors and friends for their prayers and encouragement.
Looking ahead, she declared that the campaign had ended and the real task of leadership had begun.
She pledged to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness and accountability while ensuring that every member of the Nigerian Bar Association benefits from her administration.
“I will be a President for every member of the Nigerian Bar Association. Together, we will build an Association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better, and practise better,” she assured.
Ending her message on an optimistic note, the NBA President-elect declared: “The work begins now,” while praying for God’s continued blessings upon the Nigerian Bar Association and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
