The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has named the President-Elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as its Iconic Woman of the Month for July 2026, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the legal profession, leadership and the advancement of women.
The honour comes weeks after Badejo-Okusanya made history by emerging as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, becoming the first woman to be directly elected by members to lead Nigeria's foremost legal body.
NAWOJ Lagos said the recognition celebrates her distinguished legal career, exceptional leadership and commitment to justice, equity and public service, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for women in the legal profession and the country.
A founding partner at ALP NG & Co. and Co-Head of the firm's Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice, Badejo-Okusanya previously served as General Counsel to the Governor of Lagos State before attaining the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), one of the highest honours in the legal profession.
In a nomination statement jointly signed by the Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, Jumoke Falayi-Johnson, and the association's Secretary, Anu M. Thomas, the association praised the senior lawyer for her consistent advocacy for justice sector reforms, human rights and gender inclusion, as well as her dedication to mentoring young lawyers, particularly women.
According to the statement, Badejo-Okusanya embodies the values the initiative seeks to promote through the monthly recognition programme.
"The goal of the NAWOJ Lagos Iconic Woman of the Month initiative is to showcase women of substance, character and distinction whose giant strides encourage, motivate and challenge young women to maximise their potential for the good of society. Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya's groundbreaking achievement and career exemplify these values and the highest standards of professional excellence and public service," the association stated.
As part of the recognition, NAWOJ Lagos will release a special video showcasing some of Badejo-Okusanya's defining professional moments and contributions to the legal profession.
She will also be honoured alongside other distinguished recipients during the association's grand gala scheduled to hold later in the year.
The association congratulated the NBA President-Elect on her historic achievement and wished her a successful tenure as she prepares to lead the Nigerian Bar Association.