ABUJA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her emergence as a significant milestone for the legal profession and a strong affirmation of women’s growing role in leadership across Nigeria.
The congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement signed by the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, fnipr, who said the institute joins members of the legal community and other Nigerians in celebrating what he described as a landmark moment in the history of the NBA.
Neliaku noted that Badejo-Okusanya’s victory is particularly historic as she becomes the first woman to be elected President of the association in its 93-year history and only the second female to occupy the office after Dame Priscilla Olabori Kuye, SAN.
According to him, the outcome of the election reflects the confidence reposed in her by members of the Bar, citing her professional competence, integrity and proven leadership record as qualities that earned her the mandate.
He said her journey to the top of Nigeria’s foremost legal professional body should inspire young women across the country, demonstrating that resilience, dedication and excellence remain critical ingredients for attaining leadership positions.
The NIPR President added that the development resonates with the institute’s longstanding advocacy for gender equity, merit-based leadership and greater inclusion in professional organisations.
Neliaku also observed that the achievement holds special significance for the institute because Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya is married to Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, fnipr, a respected member of the NIPR who currently chairs the Board of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG). He noted that Chief Badejo-Okusanya has made notable contributions to the growth of public relations practice in Nigeria, including serving three times as Chairman of the National Planning Committee of the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW).
He further stated that both the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations are united by shared values of professionalism, integrity and service, expressing optimism that the new NBA President would strengthen institutional governance, promote access to justice and uphold the highest standards of legal practice.
While wishing her a successful tenure, Neliaku expressed confidence that her leadership would further enhance the reputation of the association and contribute to the continued advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria.
