Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya Leads All-Female Team In Organizing NBA’s Landmark 2024 Conference

Leadership and Vision

The Chairman of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has been instrumental in organizing this year’s conference. She leads an all-female team, marking a historic first for the NBA. Her leadership and meticulous planning have been pivotal in addressing critical issues concerning Nigeria’s nation-building efforts.

Conference Theme and Significance

The 2024 AGC theme, “Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria,” follows the 2023 theme, “Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building.” Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya emphasized the continuity in themes, highlighting the NBA’s commitment to sustainable nation-building. Inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call to “press forward” for change and the biblical verse Philippians 3:14, the theme embodies resilience and forward movement.

All-Female Leadership Team

For the first time, the AGCPC’s leadership is entirely female, featuring Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya as Chair, Amina Suleiman Kaoje as Alternate Chair, Laura Alakija as Secretary, and Chika Okojie as Alternate Secretary. Despite women holding the top positions, the committee maintains a balanced and inclusive approach, with an almost equal number of men and women.

Key Highlights and Speakers

The conference promises to be exceptional, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Other notable speakers include former President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama and President of the African Development Bank Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. A particularly exciting session titled “The Glass Ceiling is Shattered!” will feature eleven female bank MDs in Nigeria discussing their leadership journeys.

Venue and Logistics

The conference will be held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), chosen for its historical significance. Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya assured that safety, parking, and a memorable conference experience are top priorities. Collaborations with the Lagos State Government, private car parks, and ride-sharing services like Bolt will ensure smooth transportation and access.

Financial Considerations and Concessions

Acknowledging economic challenges, the AGCPC extended early bird registration for lawyers with 1–9 years post-call to July 31 and introduced virtual attendance options at subsidized rates. These measures aim to make the conference accessible despite financial constraints.

Accommodation and Convenience

Official hotel partners have been identified in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki to accommodate the large number of delegates. Various transportation options, including the Blue Line and BRT, will ensure convenient commuting for delegates.

Efficient Registration and Material Distribution

Building on the success of last year’s seamless distribution of conference materials, the AGCPC plans to manage delegate tags and logistics effectively, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.

Entertainment and Side Attractions

The conference will feature numerous side attractions, including sports events, a “Battle of the DJs” competition, the Friendship Centre, and the inaugural “Elders Night.” These activities are designed to provide relaxation and entertainment for the delegates.

International Participation

Invitations have been extended to presidents of various bar associations in Africa and beyond, ensuring a diverse and inclusive conference.

Impact and Outcomes

Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya emphasized that the NBA-AGC is more than a talk shop. The conference’s communiqué forms the basis for several policy decisions and actions, reflecting the NBA’s commitment to its role as a watchdog of society and promoter of the rule of law.

As the NBA prepares to host what promises to be a landmark event, delegates can look forward to a meticulously planned conference rich in content and experiences. The 2024 NBA-AGC is set to be a significant event in the history of the Nigerian Bar Association.