WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTER CONGRATULATES OYINKANSOLA BADEJO-OKUSANYA, SAN, ON LANDMARK ELECTION AS NBA PRESIDENT
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her landmark election as the first woman to be directly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the achievement as transcending personal accomplishment and marking 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,” she said.
The Minister added that 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 set a new milestone as the first woman directly elected by the membership of the NBA.
According to her, this emergence affirms Nigeria’s continued progress toward a more inclusive society where talent, merit, and capacity are given room to thrive.
A statement signed by Lawan Danbazau, Head of Press and Public Relations, highlighted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and indeed Nigerian women and families, celebrate this achievement as evidence of the growing impact of women in shaping national institutions and development. It noted that this aligns with the collective commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to expand opportunities, strengthen inclusion, and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, can contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
The Minister further stated that this milestone is particularly significant as Nigeria continues to witness remarkable female leadership across the justice sector. She noted that today, the nation has a woman serving as the Solicitor-General of the Federation, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, and now the President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The statement added that this convergence of women at the highest levels of Nigeria’s legal and justice institutions is 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.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that as we 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 drive transformation in critical sectors. This achievement will inspire millions of women and girls to pursue excellence, embrace leadership, and challenge limitations with courage and resilience.
The Minister also observed that the election of Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya further reinforces advocacy for increased representation of women in governance and decision-making, including the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill.
She emphasized that her success is compelling evidence that when women are given equitable opportunities, they excel, innovate, and deliver transformative leadership.
The Minister expressed 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.
“I, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Nigerian women, extend 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,” the Minister said
