The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman -Ibrahim, FSI, has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her landmark election as the first-ever directly elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The Minister describes this remarkable achievement as transcending personal accomplishment which represents a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic and legal history. By attaining this distinguished position through a direct mandate from members of the Bar, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya has reinforced the values of competence, integrity, excellence, and visionary leadership as the foundation for institutional advancement.
While Dame Priscilla Olabori Kuye made history in 1991 as the first woman to lead the Nigerian Bar Association through constitutional succession, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya has now established a new milestone as the first woman to be directly elected by the membership of the Nigerian Bar Association. Her emergence is a powerful affirmation that Nigeria continues to make progress towards a more inclusive society where talent, merit, and capacity are given the opportunity to thrive.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and indeed Nigeria Women and Families celebrate this achievement as a reflection of the growing impact of women in shaping Nigeria’s institutions and national development. It aligns with our collective commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, towards expanding opportunities, strengthening inclusion, and ensuring that every Nigerian; regardless of gender, can contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
This milestone is particularly significant as Nigeria continues to witness remarkable female leadership across the justice sector. Today, the nation proudly has a woman serving as the Solicitor-General of the Federation, a woman as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, a woman as the President of the Court of Appeal, a woman as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, and now a woman as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
This convergence of women at the highest levels of Nigeria’s legal and justice institutions represents a powerful symbol of progress and possibility. It demonstrates that women’s leadership strengthens institutions, enhances accountability, deepens democracy, and advances access to justice for all citizens.
As we continue to champion the Women O’Clock, mantra, this moment reminds us that the time for women’s meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making is not a distant aspiration; it is now. Women across Nigeria continue to break barriers, redefine possibilities, and contribute significantly to the transformation of critical sectors. This achievement serves as inspiration to millions of women and girls to pursue excellence, embrace leadership, and continue to challenge limitations with courage and resilience.
The election of Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya further strengthens the advocacy for increased representation of women in governance and decision-making spaces, including the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill. Her success is compelling evidence that when women are provided equitable opportunities, they excel, innovate, and deliver transformative leadership.
The Honourable Minister expresses confidence that under Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya’s leadership, the Nigerian Bar Association will continue to uphold the rule of law, defend constitutional democracy, promote justice, and champion the protection of human rights and the rights of vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Nigerian women, the Minister extends her heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on this well-deserved achievement. May her tenure usher in a new era of inclusive leadership, institutional excellence, and enduring progress for the Nigerian legal profession and the nation.Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. Your success is a victory for every Nigerian woman and girl who dares to aspire, achieve, and lead.
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Dept (FMWASD)
