Badejo-Okusanya’s NBA Victory Inspires Women, Says Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has congratulated Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya on her historic election as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, describing the achievement as a major inspiration for Nigerian women and a victory for gender inclusion and merit-based leadership.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has hailed the election of Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing the landmark victory as a powerful source of inspiration for women and girls across Nigeria.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, said Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence demonstrates that competence, perseverance and integrity can break long-standing barriers in professions traditionally dominated by men.
Her congratulatory message followed the announcement of the results of the NBA presidential election, in which Badejo-Okusanya defeated her two challengers to become only the second woman to lead Africa’s largest bar association and the first woman to attain the office through a direct electoral mandate. (Channels Television)
A Landmark Victory for Women
Akpoti-Uduaghan described the election as more than a personal achievement for the newly elected NBA president, saying it represents another milestone in the ongoing struggle for greater female representation in leadership positions across Nigeria.
According to the senator, Badejo-Okusanya’s victory sends a strong message that women possess the capacity to lead major professional institutions when given equal opportunities.
She noted that the legal profession has produced many outstanding women over the years and expressed optimism that the new NBA president's tenure would encourage even more women to pursue leadership roles in law, governance and public service.
The lawmaker has consistently advocated for increased visibility and recognition of women's achievements, arguing that documenting and celebrating such success stories inspires future generations of female leaders. (TheCable)
Breaking a Historic Barrier
Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the ballots cast in the election conducted electronically by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA).
She defeated fellow Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, who polled 7,934 votes, and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, who secured 5,855 votes.
Her victory marks a defining moment in the history of the NBA, which was founded in 1933.
Although the late Dame Priscilla Kuye previously served as NBA president after assuming office from the vice presidency following a vacancy, Badejo-Okusanya is the first woman to earn the position through a direct vote of members nationwide.
'An Inspiration to Millions'
Women's advocacy groups also welcomed the outcome, describing it as a significant step toward gender inclusion in Nigeria's professional space.
The coalition Womanifesto, comprising more than 300 women's rights organisations, said Badejo-Okusanya's election reflects growing confidence in women's competence and leadership abilities.
According to the coalition, the victory will inspire millions of Nigerian girls and women who aspire to occupy positions of responsibility in public and private institutions.
The organisation noted that the election demonstrated that merit, resilience and professionalism remain essential qualities for leadership irrespective of gender.
Womanifesto further commended members of the Nigerian Bar Association for strengthening democratic values by electing a woman with proven professional credentials and a distinguished legal career. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Commitment to an Inclusive NBA
In her acceptance message, Badejo-Okusanya expressed gratitude to lawyers across Nigeria for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the association.
She described her victory as a collective achievement for members committed to building "a bolder Bar that works for everyone."
The president-elect pledged to prioritise lawyers' welfare by promoting better earnings, improved working conditions and expanded professional opportunities.
She also promised to lead with integrity, fairness, transparency and accountability while ensuring that every member of the association is carried along irrespective of political affiliation during the election.
According to her, extensive consultations held across Nigeria during the campaign would form the foundation of policies to be implemented during her administration.
Calls for Unity
Following the closely contested election, prominent legal practitioners urged the incoming president to unite members of the Bar.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kemi Pinheiro, congratulated Badejo-Okusanya while encouraging her to make reconciliation and organisational unity a priority.
He observed that divisions within the association should be addressed to enable the NBA to continue playing its critical role in defending the rule of law, promoting justice and advancing good governance in Nigeria.
Pinheiro expressed confidence in Badejo-Okusanya's leadership qualities and pledged his support for efforts aimed at building a stronger and more cohesive association. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Symbol of Progress
Political analysts say Badejo-Okusanya's emergence reflects gradual progress in expanding opportunities for women in leadership across Nigeria's professional bodies.
Her election comes amid growing calls for greater female participation in politics, business, the judiciary and public administration.
Observers believe her success could encourage more women to contest leadership positions within professional associations and other influential institutions.
For many young female lawyers, the achievement represents tangible proof that the highest offices in the legal profession are attainable through dedication, competence and public confidence.
Looking Ahead
As Badejo-Okusanya prepares to assume office, expectations remain high that her administration will focus on strengthening the legal profession, improving members' welfare and safeguarding the independence of the Bar.
For Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and many advocates of gender equality, her election represents not only a victory for the legal profession but also another significant chapter in Nigeria's journey toward inclusive leadership.
The senator believes that such milestones reinforce the message that women should never be discouraged from pursuing ambitious goals, regardless of historical barriers.
With her election now part of Nigeria's legal history, Badejo-Okusanya is expected to serve as both a reformer for the NBA and a role model for future generations of Nigerian women aspiring to leadership.