The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have congratulated Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her historic emergence as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her election as a landmark victory for the legal profession and women in leadership.

In separate statements issued on Monday, both the NUJ FCT Council and the Kogi Central senator said Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence marked a defining moment in Nigeria’s legal history, demonstrating that competence, excellence, integrity and resilience remain the hallmarks of effective leadership.

The NUJ FCT Council, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, said Badejo-Okusanya’s election was not only a personal achievement but also a triumph for Nigerian women and young professionals striving to break long-standing barriers through merit and hard work.

The council noted that the milestone resonates strongly within the NUJ FCT, where Grace Ike recently emerged as the first female chairman in the council’s 43-year history.

It described both developments as evidence of the growing acceptance of inclusive and merit-based leadership across Nigeria’s professional institutions.

“The emergence of two women to lead two of Nigeria’s foremost professional bodies within such a short period is a powerful statement that the nation’s institutions are increasingly embracing competence and excellence above all else.

“We believe these achievements will inspire a new generation of women to aspire to leadership and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the statement read.

The council also acknowledged the Nigerian Bar Association’s longstanding role in defending constitutional democracy, promoting the rule of law, protecting fundamental human rights and advancing justice in the country.

It expressed confidence that under Badejo-Okusanya’s leadership, the association would strengthen public confidence in the legal profession, consolidate on its rich legacy and champion reforms that would further improve the administration of justice.

The NUJ FCT reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration between the media and the legal profession in promoting democratic governance, accountability, press freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

On her part, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan described Badejo-Okusanya’s election as a watershed moment for the legal profession and Nigeria, saying the development reflects the enduring values of competence, excellence, resilience and integrity.

The senator said the election represents far more than a personal victory, adding that it is a significant breakthrough for women aspiring to leadership positions across the country.

“This remarkable achievement is not only a personal victory but a defining moment for the legal profession and for Nigeria. It affirms that competence, excellence, resilience and character will always find their rightful place,” she said.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the development sends a powerful message to Nigerian women and girls that leadership has no gender and that barriers which existed for generations can be broken.

“As a fellow woman in public service, I celebrate this milestone with great pride and optimism. May your tenure strengthen the Bar, uphold the rule of law, and inspire a new generation of women to aspire, lead and serve with distinction,” she added.

She wished the new NBA president a successful tenure, expressing confidence that her administration would strengthen the association, advance the cause of justice and leave an enduring legacy for future generations of legal practitioners.