ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the first democratically elected and second female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), urging her to unite the legal body and address concerns arising from the association’s election.
The President described Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence as a landmark achievement for the legal profession, saying her victory reflects merit, excellence and the growing recognition of women’s contributions to nation-building and the administration of justice.
In a congratulatory message on Tuesday obtained by Vanguard, Tinubu said the senior advocate’s distinguished career, marked by integrity, professionalism and dedication to justice, earned her the confidence of lawyers across the country.
He urged the incoming NBA president to work towards healing divisions within the association by engaging other contestants and resolving issues that trailed the election.
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“I extend my hearty congratulations to the President-elect of the NBA for her victory. As the first elected female president of the Association of Lawyers in Nigeria, Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya has made history.
“She has once again shown that our women can attain any heights in pursuit of excellence in their careers and ambitions, both in the private sector and in public service.
“I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the Bar and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election,” the President said.
Tinubu also expressed confidence that Badejo-Okusanya’s leadership would strengthen the legal profession by upholding the rule of law and promoting reforms that improve access to justice for Nigerians.
He called on her to work closely with relevant stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, safeguard the Constitution and reinforce the legal profession’s role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system.
The President further assured the new NBA leader of his administration’s readiness to continue working with the association to deepen democratic governance, promote justice and strengthen national development.
Wishing her a successful tenure, Tinubu said he looked forward to a productive partnership between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Bar Association in advancing the country’s democratic and legal institutions.