The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), on her election as the 33rd president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her victory as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s legal profession and women’s leadership.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, the council said Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence as the first woman to be democratically elected to lead the NBA represents a major turning point in the association’s history and demonstrates that leadership is defined by competence, integrity, resilience and vision rather than gender.
According to the council, the outcome of the election goes beyond a personal accomplishment for the senior lawyer, serving as an inspiration to women and young professionals across the country who continue to overcome institutional barriers through dedication, excellence and merit.
The statement also highlighted similarities between the NBA election and recent developments within the NUJ FCT Council, where Ike became the first female chairman in the council’s 43-year history.
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The council described both milestones as evidence of a gradual shift toward inclusive leadership within Nigeria’s professional bodies, where ability and performance are increasingly taking precedence over gender considerations.
“The emergence of women at the helm of two of Nigeria’s leading professional organisations within a short period reflects growing confidence in merit-based leadership. These achievements will encourage more women to aspire to leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the statement said.
The NUJ FCT further praised the NBA for its longstanding contributions to the defence of constitutional democracy, the protection of human rights, the promotion of the rule of law and the advancement of justice in Nigeria.
The council expressed confidence that Badejo-Okusanya’s leadership would strengthen the association’s legacy, reinforce public trust in the legal profession and drive reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s justice system.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining collaboration between the media and the legal profession in promoting democratic governance, accountability, press freedom, human rights and the rule of law.
The NUJ FCT wished the incoming NBA president a successful tenure, expressing optimism that her administration would be remembered for transformational leadership, professional excellence and expanded opportunities for future generations of legal practitioners and women leaders.
