Grace

THE FIRST DAY There is something profound about walking through the doors of an institution you have just been entrusted to lead. My first day as President of the Nigerian Bar Association began not with ceremony, but with continuity. Together with my predecessor, Afam Osigwe, SAN, the 32nd President of the NBA, I toured NBA House, where he took me through the National Secretariat and introduced me to members of staff. Then came the farewell and the quiet realisation that the baton had truly changed hands. I returned to the office, and we began with prayer. Then, we got to work. An interactive meeting with the staff of the National Secretariat as we begin translating the vision of this administration into action. My first day in office reminded me of something I have always believed: Leadership is not the moment you receive the baton. It is what you do with it after you receive it. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb President, Nigerian Bar Association

A BOLD MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE. Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed 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 is not mine alone; it belongs to every member who believed that our Association can be stronger, more inclusive, more responsive, and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers. Over the past months, I had the privilege of travelling across our nation, engaging with colleagues in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. I listened to your hopes, your concerns, your aspirations, and your ideas. Those conversations shaped this campaign, and they will continue to guide my leadership. I extend my sincere appreciation to every member who participated in this election, regardless of the candidate you supported. The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law. I congratulate my fellow contestants for their commitment to our Association and for enriching this democratic process. I look forward to working with all of you as partners in building an NBA that reflects the very best of our profession. To the BBOLD Campaign Council, our volunteers, coordinators, supporters, friends, colleagues, and every person who worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, I cannot thank you enough. Your dedication, sacrifice, belief, and hard work made this journey possible. I am deeply grateful. To my husband, thank you for your love, your sacrifices, your encouragement, and your unwavering belief in me throughout this journey. Your support, strength, and quiet confidence have meant more than words can express. I am deeply grateful to have walked this path with you by my side. Thank you for being my steadfast partner through it all. To my family, mentors, friends, and everyone who stood by me with their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support, thank you for walking this journey with me. Today marks not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a new responsibility. I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness, and accountability. I will be a President for every member of the Nigerian Bar Association. Together, we will build an Association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better, and practise better. The work begins now. May God continue to bless the Nigerian Bar Association and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you, and God bless you all. - Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb (Mrs. B) Partner, ALP NG & Co President-Elect, Nigerian Bar Association #BBold

Dear Colleagues, The ECNBA has revised the voting process for the 2026 NBA Elections. Please take note of this important change: Your One-Time Password (OTP) will now be sent by SMS to your registered mobile phone number, not to your email address. To avoid any difficulty on Election Day, please ensure that: - Your registered mobile number is active and with you throughout the voting period. - Your phone has sufficient network coverage and can receive SMS messages. - Your SIM card is active. - Any Do Not Disturb (DND) or SMS blocking settings that may prevent you from receiving text messages are disabled. - You use your OTP immediately upon receiving it. After you successfully cast your vote, a confirmation of your ballot submission will be sent to your registered email address. Election Day: Saturday, 18 July 2026 Voting Time: 12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. (WAT) Every vote will count. Please be prepared, vote early, and encourage other eligible colleagues to do the same. - Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb (Mrs. B) Partner, ALP NG & Co #BBold