Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has praised the election of Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN) as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, describing the milestone as a breakthrough for women in leadership and a significant moment for Nigeria’s legal community.
Badejo-Okusanya made history on Sunday after emerging as the first woman to be directly elected president of the NBA since the association was established in 1960.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Kogi Central senator said the outcome demonstrated that merit, resilience and integrity remain essential qualities for leadership, noting that the achievement extends beyond the legal profession.
“Hearty congratulations to Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her historic election as the first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association since its establishment in 1960.
“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.
Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence would inspire more women and young girls to pursue leadership roles, saying it proves that gender should never stand in the way of achievement.
“Her election sends a powerful message to every girl and woman across our nation: that leadership has no gender, and that barriers which stood for generations can indeed be broken,” she added.
The senator expressed optimism that the new NBA president would strengthen the legal profession and uphold justice throughout her tenure.
“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 said.
She ended her message with a final note of congratulations, saying, “Congratulations once again, Madam President.”
Badejo-Okusanya secured 12,317 votes to defeat Lateef Akangbe (SAN) and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) in the NBA’s 2026 national election. She will serve as the association’s 33rd president for a two-year term from 2026 to 2028.