*CLOSING STATEMENT DELIVERED BY MRS. OYINKANSOLA BADEJO-OKUSANYA, SAN, AT THE 2026 NBA PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE*

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In many ways, this campaign has never really been about me.

It has been about every lawyer who has ever been told, _"Your turn will never come."_


Every young lawyer who wondered whether anyone saw them.

Every woman who dared to aspire.

Every colleague from a smaller branch who believed leadership is reserved for others.


Every lawyer who refused to allow someone else to define the limits of their ambition.


To all of them, I hope this campaign has already said one thing: *Dreams that seem impossible are still worth pursuing.*


But, I did not come this far simply to inspire. I came to serve.


It would be the greatest honour of my professional life to go to bed on Saturday, the 18th of July, and wake up on Sunday as your 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association.


Not for the history it would make.

But for the future we can build together. A future where lawyers earn better. Live better. Practise better.


So today, I ask you not only for your vote, but for your belief. Belief in someone who will not promise what she cannot deliver, but will work overtime to deliver what she promise. Belief in someone who says what she means and means what she says.


Someone who will not tell you what you want to hear because I want your votes. I will be myself because what you see is what you get; someone who is passionate about the Bar, and passionate about you.


Let us prove that service still matters.

That courage still matters.

I am ready to serve.

I have the *Vision*

I have the *boldness*.

I have the *competence and capacity.*


And I have the commitment to deliver.

I respectfully ask for your confidence, your support and your vote.


Thank you, and may God bless the Nigerian Bar Association. Let us make history, not for my sake, but for the sake of every lawyer who believes that our Bar can be bolder, fairer and stronger. Together, let us move from surviving to thriving.


May God bless you all, and May God bless the Nigerian Bar Association.


*Oyinkansola Badejo Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb(UK)* 

Partner, ALP NG & Co


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