Woman Makes NBA History as New President Takes Charge

(Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya. Photo by Sun Nigeria)

A woman has been sworn in as president of the Nigerian Bar Association for the first time through an elected process.

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya made history on August 28, becoming the 33rd president of the NBA, Africa's largest lawyer body.

She is only the second woman to lead the association since it was founded in 1933.

The first was Dame Priscilla Kuye, who became president from 1991 to 1992 after the previous president was appointed attorney general.

Interestingly, both women took over in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, nearly thirty-five years apart.

Badejo-Okusanya's election comes at a time when the association faces questions about whether its election process was fair and transparent, with some members saying technical problems stopped them from voting.

In her first speech as president, she made clear her priorities.

She said the association must support its members better by helping them earn more money and live better lives.

She committed to making it easier for lawyers to get access to legal research materials, discounts on goods and services, and better healthcare options.

The association will also work to reduce the cost of running a law practice and help younger lawyers find jobs and mentors.

She acknowledged that the election raised concerns and announced plans to review how future NBA elections will be run.

She said future elections must be transparent, accessible and secure so members have confidence in the process.

Badejo-Okusanya stressed that the NBA must be independent and speak truth to power without being controlled by any government or political party.

At the same time, she said the association should work constructively with courts and government while pointing out problems and offering practical solutions.

She promised to run the association with transparency and regularly report to members about what money is being spent and why.

She called on all NBA members to judge her administration by how well it delivers on these promises, not just by her words.