AWLA hails Badejo-Okusanya’s election as NBA president

The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) has lauded the election of Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), calling it a landmark achievement for gender inclusion in Nigeria's legal sector. The association noted that women secured six out of the NBA's ten elective national offices, a development they see as a significant shift in the legal profession's leadership landscape.

In a statement, AWLA's Enugu State Coordinator, Chidi Obeke, congratulated the NBA on its successful election and specifically praised the emergence of women in key positions. Badejo-Okusanya, the President-elect, is a life member of AWLA. The association emphasized that the outcome reflects a growing confidence in women's ability to provide effective leadership and contribute to the administration of justice.

AWLA stated that this development aligns with global efforts for gender equality, including the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 5 and the Beijing Declaration. The association acknowledged the historical underrepresentation of women in leadership despite their contributions to law. They affirmed their commitment to mentoring young female lawyers and promoting equal opportunities, encouraging more women to seek leadership roles while urging the Bar to assess candidates based on merit rather than gender.

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The outcome of this election reflects the growing recognition that women possess the competence, vision, integrity and leadership capacity required to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the legal profession and the administration of justice in Nigeria.