Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) Olukemi Ibikunle of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has emerged as the winner of the 2025 United Nations Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers. The award, presented by the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (UNDPO), recognized her outstanding achievements in correctional reform, inmate rehabilitation, and the advancement of human rights within custodial settings.
Ibikunle received the honour at a formal ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where she was presented with the award by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed.
According to Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections and the Service’s Public Relations Officer in a statement, the award reflected “a growing global confidence in the professionalism, integrity, and impact of Nigerian correctional officers.”
CSC Ibikunle was selected following a rigorous international vetting process, emerging as the overall winner from a group of five nominees across the globe. Notably, two of the five finalists were officers from the Nigerian Correctional Service a rare distinction that underscored the Service’s rising global profile. Ibikunle’s nomination was based on her exemplary work with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), where she has led significant efforts in correctional transformation and gender-inclusive practices. Fellow Nigerian nominee, Sarah Adole, was recognized for her contributions to the UN Mission in South Sudan (MINUSCO).
In his official remarks, the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, CGC Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, congratulated Ibikunle for bringing honour to the Service and to Nigeria as a whole. He described the award as “a reflection of the new spirit of the Nigerian Correctional Service one driven by reform, respect for human dignity, and professional excellence.”
CGC Nwakuche further reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to upholding international best practices and fostering gender equity within its ranks. He encouraged all personnel to emulate CSC Ibikunle’s discipline, dedication, and leadership, noting that her achievement represents a milestone not only for the Service but for women professionals across the justice and corrections sector.
This international recognition mark a significant achievement for Nigeria’s justice system and highlights the critical role Nigerian officers continue to play in advancing global peace, rehabilitation, and correctional development.
