The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, on her swearing-in as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her emergence as a landmark moment for women and the Nigerian legal profession.
In a congratulatory statement signed by its National President, Mrs. Caroline Ibharunefe, AWLA said Badejo-Okunsanya’s assumption of office was a testament to her excellence, dedication, courage and years of distinguished service to the legal profession.
The association noted that her emergence had further demonstrated the capacity of women to occupy strategic leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to the development of the legal profession and society.
AWLA said: “Your historic emergence is a moment of great pride for the Nigerian legal profession and, particularly, for women in the law. It is a testament to your excellence, dedication, courage, and years of distinguished service.”
The association, which is committed to advancing the rights and welfare of women and children, promoting access to justice, strengthening the rule of law and empowering women in the legal profession, expressed readiness to collaborate with the new NBA administration.
According to AWLA, Badejo-Okunsanya’s tenure presents an opportunity to advance shared ideals around justice, inclusion, women’s empowerment and institutional reforms within the legal profession.
The group said it looked forward to working with the NBA under the new leadership to strengthen initiatives that would promote the rights and welfare of women and children, while improving access to justice for vulnerable groups.
AWLA also said the new NBA president’s achievement would serve as an inspiration to women and young lawyers across Nigeria and beyond, particularly those aspiring to leadership positions within the legal profession.
“May your tenure be marked by wisdom, integrity, impactful reforms, inclusion, and an enduring legacy of service to the legal profession and society,” the association stated.
Badejo-Okunsanya’s emergence comes amid growing conversations around women’s representation and inclusion in leadership within Nigeria’s legal profession and other professional institutions.
AWLA’s congratulatory message therefore places particular emphasis on the symbolic importance of her leadership, while urging the new administration to sustain efforts that promote equal opportunities and greater participation of women in decision-making.
The association said it celebrated Badejo-Okunsanya’s achievement and the broader message it sends to women and young lawyers seeking to break barriers and contribute to the advancement of Nigeria’s justice system.
