By WANDOO SOMBO

The President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to prioritise the welfare of lawyers by promoting better earnings, improved working conditions and enhanced professional opportunities.

Badejo-Okusanya made the pledge in a message posted on her X account on Sunday after emerging winner of the NBA’s 2026 national officers’ election.

She described her victory as a collective achievement for lawyers committed to a more inclusive, responsive and progressive association.

“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility.

‘’I am honoured by the confidence members of the Nigerian Bar Association have placed in me by electing me to serve as your president.

“Thank you for believing in our shared vision of a bolder bar that works for everyone.

“This victory belongs to every member who believes our association can become stronger, more inclusive, more responsive and better equipped to protect the interests of all lawyers,” she said.

Badejo-Okusanya said consultations with lawyers across the country had shaped her campaign agenda and would continue to guide the policies of her administration.

According to her, engagements with legal practitioners in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory gave her a clearer understanding of the profession’s challenges and expectations.

“I listened to your hopes, your concerns, your aspirations and your ideas.

“Those conversations formed the foundation of this campaign, and they will remain the compass for my leadership,” she said.

The president-elect also called for unity within the association, urging members to move beyond the election and work together for the advancement of the legal profession.

She congratulated the other contestants for contributing to what she described as a credible democratic process, and expressed readiness to work with them to strengthen the association.

“The election is behind us; we are one bar, bound together by our commitment to justice, the rule of law and growth of our profession.

” I look forward to working with everyone in building an association that reflects the highest ideals of the legal profession,” she said.

Badejo-Okusanya acknowledged the contributions of her campaign team, volunteers, supporters, family and friends, describing their commitment throughout the election period as invaluable.

She also paid tribute to her husband for his support, encouragement and sacrifices during the campaign.

Reaffirming her commitment to members, Badejo-Okusanya said she would lead with integrity, transparency and accountability.

“This is not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a greater responsibility. I will serve every member of the NBA with courage, humility, fairness and accountability.

“Together, we will build an association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better and practise better, the work starts now,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Badejo-Okusanya defeated her closest rivals, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Lateef Akangbe, and Mr Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

The president-elect polled 12,317 votes, Akangbe had secured 7,934 votes, and Akinboro polled 5,855 votes.

She thus made history as the second woman to lead the NBA since its formation in 1933.

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