Chief Superintendent of Corrections Olukemi Ibikunle of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been named the winner of the prestigious 2025 United Nations Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers.
The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to corrections reform, inmate rehabilitation, and promoting human rights within custodial environments, according to a press release from Umar Abubakar, Deputy-Controller of Corrections Public Relations Officer on Thursday.
The award, presented by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at the UN Headquarters in New York, celebrates women professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to justice and correctional excellence globally. Ibikunle’s selection followed a rigorous international vetting process that highlighted her professional distinction, integrity, and passion for humanitarian service.
Ibikunle, who served with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), was recognized for her inspiring work in corrections, inmate rehabilitation, and gender inclusion.
In her achievements so far, she was said to have developed an advanced security prison block in Kabare for high-risk detainees, created a standardized prison design to improve detention conditions in the DRC, and implemented a sustainability-focused project that converts waste into clean energy at Uvira Prison
The award is a testament to the Nigerian Correctional Service’s growing reputation for professionalism, integrity, and global relevance.
Two NCoS officers were among the five global nominees, highlighting the Service’s commitment to excellence and global best practices.
The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, congratulated Ibikunle for bringing pride and honour to the Service and the nation.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to excellence, gender equity, and global best practices, encouraging other officers to emulate Ibikunle’s dedication, discipline, and professionalism.
This achievement reflects the new spirit of the Nigerian Correctional Service, driven by reform, human dignity, and positive transformation. Ibikunle’s win underscores the growing confidence of international institutions in the NCoS’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and correctional development globally.
