An Ijesa-born officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) Olukemi Ibikunle, has made Nigeria proud by winning the 2025 United Nations Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers.
The award, given by the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (UNDPO), was presented by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at a special event held at the UN Headquarters in New York.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the award celebrates women who show great leadership, creativity, and commitment to justice and prison reform across the world.
CSC Ibikunle was honoured for her work in improving prison systems, helping to rehabilitate inmates, and promoting human rights in prisons.
She was chosen from five nominees around the world, including another Nigerian officer.
She earned the recognition for her outstanding work with the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), where she helped reform the prison system.
The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, congratulated her, saying the award proves that Nigerian correctional officers are professional, competent, and respected internationally.
He added that her achievement shows the new spirit of the Service — one that values reform, human dignity, and positive change.
Meanwhile, The Ijesa Youth Forum has congratulated Mrs. Ibikunle, describing her as a true example of Ijesa excellence.
In their message, the youth group said “Your hard work, professionalism, and dedication reflect the proud Ijesa tradition of excellence. This global recognition makes us all proud.”
Mrs. Olukemi Ibikunle’s success has not only brought honour to Nigeria but also shined a bright light on Ijesaland as a home of achievers and great leaders.
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