By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
Abuja ( PRECISE POST) – Election of Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been described as a major breakthrough for women’s leadership and gender inclusion in Nigeria.
Womanifesto, a coalition of more than 300 women’s rights organisations, gave the commendation in a statement signed by its Convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, on Sunday.
The coalition said Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence marked a defining moment in the history of the legal profession, as she became the second woman to lead the NBA and the first to attain the position through a direct electoral mandate.
According to Womanifesto, while the late Mrs. Priscilla Kuye made history as the NBA’s first female president after constitutionally succeeding the then president, who was appointed Attorney-General of the Federation, Badejo-Okusanya’s victory through a competitive election demonstrated growing confidence in women’s competence and leadership.
The coalition described the outcome of the NBA election as a significant milestone for gender inclusion, noting that it showed how women continue to break barriers in professions historically dominated by men.
“This victory is not only a personal achievement for Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya but also an inspiration to millions of Nigerian girls and women who aspire to leadership. It sends a powerful message that competence, integrity and resilience remain the hallmarks of effective leadership,” the statement said.
Womanifesto also commended members of the NBA for strengthening internal democracy by electing a woman of proven capacity and distinguished professional standing to lead the association.
Expressing confidence in the President-elect’s ability to steer the affairs of the NBA, the coalition said her wealth of experience, professionalism and commitment to justice would help strengthen the association, promote the rule of law and advance reforms beneficial to both the legal profession and the country.
It wished Badejo-Okusanya a successful tenure and pledged its continued support for initiatives promoting justice, gender equality, human rights and national development.
