The President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has pledged to run an inclusive administration and prioritise training and career development for lawyers.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Parley of the African Women Lawyers Association, AWLA Nigeria, in Port Harcourt, Badejo-Okusanya said every NBA member deserves leadership that supports professional growth and career development.
She said affirmative action remains necessary to support women lawyers who are still underrepresented in leadership and other areas of the profession. Badejo-Okusanya disclosed that her administration has more than 70 action points, with particular focus on structures that will help women lawyers realise their potential within and outside the legal profession.
Opening the event, the President of AWLA Nigeria, Caroline Ibharuneafe, and the Chairperson of the National Parley Committee, Bibian Aloba, said excellence should guide the thoughts, words and actions of lawyers, both in public and behind the scenes.
The representative of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and other keynote speakers also challenged women lawyers to lead with courage and competence.
The AWLA 2026 Parley, themed “Excellence Wears Heels,” ended with calls for greater collaboration, mentorship and excellence in the legal profession, with delegates describing the event as timely and inspiring for women seeking leadership roles in the legal profession.
