NBA President-elect Badejo-Okusanya promises inclusive leadership, calls for unity after election victory (VIDEO)

President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has described her emergence as the next leader of the association as a collective victory for lawyers committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and responsive Bar.

In a statement issued on Sunday following her election, Badejo-Okusanya expressed gratitude to members of the NBA for entrusting her with the leadership of the association, describing the mandate as both a privilege and a profound responsibility.

She said the outcome of the election reflected the confidence of members in a shared vision of an association that better serves the interests of legal practitioners across the country.

“I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed in me by electing me to serve as your President,” she said.

According to her, the victory belongs to every lawyer who believed in the possibility of a more effective and inclusive NBA.

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“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member who believed that our Association can be stronger, more inclusive, more responsive, and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers,” Badejo-Okusanya stated.

The president-elect recalled travelling across the country during her campaign, engaging lawyers in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, saying the interactions gave her valuable insight into the challenges and aspirations of members.

She noted that the conversations with lawyers would continue to shape her administration and guide the policies and programmes of the association during her tenure.

Badejo-Okusanya also urged members to put the election behind them and embrace unity, stressing that the NBA must remain focused on advancing the legal profession and defending justice and the rule of law.

“The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law,” she said.

She extended congratulations to the other contestants in the election, commending them for their participation and expressing optimism about working together to strengthen the association.

The president-elect equally acknowledged the contributions of her campaign team, volunteers, supporters, mentors, friends and family, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout the electioneering process.

Looking ahead, Badejo-Okusanya pledged to provide leadership anchored on integrity, courage, fairness, humility and accountability.

She assured members that her administration would be inclusive and focused on improving the welfare and professional prospects of lawyers across the country.

“I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness, and accountability. I will be a President for every member of the Nigerian Bar Association,” she said.

She added that her administration would work towards creating an association where lawyers have greater opportunities to earn better, live better and practise under improved professional conditions.

“Together, we will build an Association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better, and practise better. The work begins now,” Badejo-Okusanya said.