The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has lauded the election of
Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her emergence as a milestone for women’s leadership and Nigeria’s democratic development.

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the minister described Badejo-Okusanya as the first woman to be directly elected President of the NBA, saying her victory reflects the growing recognition of competence, integrity and merit in leadership.

According to the statement, while the late Dame Priscilla Olabori Kuye became the first female NBA President through constitutional succession in 1991, Badejo-Okusanya has now made history as the first woman to attain the office through a direct mandate of members of the association.

The minister said the development represents a defining moment in the country’s legal history and demonstrates Nigeria’s progress towards a more inclusive society where talent and capacity are given the opportunity to thrive.

“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,” the statement read.

The minister noted that the achievement aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to expand opportunities for women and promote inclusive governance.

According to the statement, the election comes at a time when women are occupying strategic positions across Nigeria’s justice sector, including the offices of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School.

“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,” the minister said.

She added that Badejo-Okusanya’s election has further strengthened advocacy for increased representation of women in governance and decision-making, including the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill before the National Assembly.

“Her success is compelling evidence that when women are provided equitable opportunities, they excel, innovate and deliver transformative leadership,” the statement added.

The minister expressed confidence that the NBA President-elect would provide effective leadership for the association by upholding the rule of law, defending constitutional democracy, promoting justice and advancing the protection of human rights.

She described the election as “a victory for every Nigerian woman and girl who dares to aspire, achieve and lead.”