Nigerian correctional officer, Olukemi Ibikunle, wins 2025 UN trailblazer award
Story by Susan Mbamah
Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC Olukemi Ibikunle) of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has won the prestigious 2025 United Nations Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers.
The award was conferred by the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (UNDPO) during a ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York, where it was presented by Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, Service Public Relations Officer Abubakar Umar explained that the award recognises Ibikunle’s exceptional work. It specifically honours her “outstanding contributions to corrections reform, inmate rehabilitation and the promotion of human rights within custodial environments.”
Mr. Umar noted that the UN Trailblazer Award celebrates women professionals globally who have demonstrated “exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to justice and correctional excellence.”
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CSC Ibikunle’s selection followed “a rigorous international vetting process” that highlighted her professional distinction, integrity, and passion for humanitarian service.
“Out of five nominees selected globally, two were officers of the NCoS which is CSC Olukemi Ibikunle, nominated for her work with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUSCO,” he stated.
“The second officer is Sarah Adole, nominated for her service under MINUSCO.”
“CSC Ibikunle emerged the overall winner, earning international recognition for her inspiring work in corrections, inmate rehabilitation and gender inclusion,” Mr. Umar confirmed.
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A Testament to Professionalism
Reacting to the achievement, the Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, congratulated CSC Ibikunle for bringing pride and honour to the Service and the nation.
Mr. Nwakuche described her recognition as: “a testament to the professionalism, competence and global relevance of NCoS officers.”
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to “excellence, gender equity and global best practices.”
Mr. Nwakuche further stated that the award underscored “the growing confidence of international institutions in the Service’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and correctional development on the global stage.”
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