Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on women to embrace mutual support as a strategy for breaking through systemic barriers and achieving greater representation in leadership positions, as she welcomed the President-Elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, to her office in Abuja on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The meeting, which Senator Tinubu described as "a visit that would be remembered by my office for a long time to come," was a celebration of a historic milestone for women in the legal profession and a reaffirmation of the power of female solidarity.
Senator Tinubu noted that Badejo-Okusanya's victory in the NBA presidential election, held on July 19, 2026, carries profound significance beyond the legal profession. "You should set the bar and make room for other women coming behind you. This victory means a lot for women in general," the First Lady said. She highlighted the growing prominence of women in Nigeria's judiciary, pointing to the current Chief Judge and the President of the Court of Appeal as examples of the progress women are making. "In the judiciary now, women are holding sway. The Chief Judge is a woman, the President of the Court of Appeal is a woman, and now you are the President-Elect of the NBA. Women are achieving a lot," she observed.
The First Lady particularly commended Prof. Foluke Dada-Lawanson, the other female contestant for the NBA presidency, who stepped down from the race and mobilised support for Badejo-Okusanya's candidacy. Senator Tinubu described the gesture as a demonstration of "rare sportsmanship" and a powerful example of what women can achieve when they prioritise collective progress over individual ambition. Her remarks underscored a central theme of the meeting: that women supporting women is not merely a slogan but a practical pathway to dismantling the structural barriers that have long kept women from the highest echelons of power in Nigeria.
Badejo-Okusanya's election as the 33rd President of the NBA is indeed a milestone. She is the first woman to be directly elected to the position and only the second female president in the association's history. Her victory comes at a time when the legal profession in Nigeria is undergoing significant transformation, with women increasingly asserting their presence in leadership roles that were once the exclusive preserve of men. The NBA, as the foremost body of legal practitioners in Nigeria, wields considerable influence over the administration of justice, legal education, and the rule of law. Badejo-Okusanya's presidency is therefore not just a personal achievement but a signal of shifting dynamics within the profession.
During the visit, the President-Elect paid glowing tribute to Senator Tinubu for her work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), describing the First Lady's efforts in touching the lives of the most vulnerable as exemplary. "Your job with the RHI in addition to being the First Lady looks like a full-time job. You have set an example for others to emulate. We thank you for all that you have been doing. These are so much," Badejo-Okusanya said. The RHI, launched by Senator Tinubu in 2023, has been involved in various humanitarian and empowerment programmes across the country, including scholarships, healthcare interventions, and agricultural support for women and youth.
The President-Elect assured the First Lady of the NBA's readiness to partner with her and the RHI to provide pro-bono legal services for vulnerable individuals and communities. This commitment aligns with the NBA's broader mandate to promote access to justice and protect the rights of the underprivileged. The partnership, if realised, could significantly enhance the reach and impact of the RHI's programmes by ensuring that beneficiaries have access to legal support when needed.
Senator Tinubu's message of women supporting women resonates beyond the legal profession. Nigeria, like many countries, continues to struggle with gender inequality in political representation and leadership. Women hold only a small fraction of elective and appointive positions at all levels of government, and cultural norms often discourage women from seeking leadership roles. The First Lady's advocacy for female solidarity is therefore a call to action for women across all sectors to consciously support one another's ambitions and to challenge the patriarchal structures that perpetuate inequality.
The meeting also highlighted the growing influence of women in Nigeria's public life. The appointment of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the elevation of Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as President of the Court of Appeal, have been widely celebrated as milestones for gender equality in the judiciary. Badejo-Okusanya's election adds to this momentum, creating a critical mass of female leaders in institutions that shape the nation's legal and constitutional order. However, observers have noted that while these individual achievements are commendable, systemic change requires more than symbolic representation. It demands deliberate policies to address the structural barriers that limit women's participation, including discriminatory laws, cultural biases, and inadequate support systems.
The NBA President-Elect explained that the purpose of her visit was to share the joy of her achievement with the First Lady, a gesture that reflects the growing camaraderie among women in leadership positions. The visit also served as an opportunity to explore areas of collaboration between the NBA and the First Lady's office, particularly in advancing the cause of women and vulnerable groups. The partnership, if formalised, could include legal aid clinics, awareness campaigns on women's rights, and advocacy for legislative reforms that promote gender equality.
As the meeting concluded, Senator Tinubu offered her prayers and best wishes for Badejo-Okusanya's tenure, expressing confidence that the President-Elect would lead the NBA with distinction. "I can only pray for you and wish you a successful tenure," she said. The First Lady's words were not merely ceremonial; they reflected a genuine commitment to supporting women's leadership and a recognition that the success of one woman is a victory for all women.
The meeting between the First Lady and the NBA President-Elect was a moment of celebration, but it was also a reminder of the work that remains to be done. Women in Nigeria continue to face significant obstacles in their quest for leadership positions, and the gains made so far, while significant, are still fragile. The message of solidarity and mutual support that Senator Tinubu championed is therefore not just a feel-good slogan; it is a strategic imperative for women who seek to change the narrative of gender inequality in Nigeria. As Badejo-Okusanya prepares to assume office, her presidency will be watched closely as a test of whether the NBA can become a more inclusive and progressive institution. And as the First Lady continues her advocacy through the RHI, her call for women to support one another will remain a guiding principle for those who believe that a more equitable Nigeria is possible.
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