UN Recognises NCoS Officer Olukemi Ibikunle For Groundbreaking Prison Reforms In Congo

A Nigerian corrections officer, Olukemi Ibikunle, has been honoured with the 2025 United Nations Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers for her outstanding contributions to prison reform and rehabilitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Ibikunle, who serves as the Corrections Unit Engineer with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), was celebrated for leading transformative infrastructure and rehabilitation projects that align prison conditions with international standards while empowering national institutions.

The award ceremony, now in its third year, holds this Wednesday, at 10 a.m. (ET) at the UN Headquarters in New York, and will be presented by the UN Deputy Secretary-General.

A statement from the UN House in Abuja noted that the event would also feature remarks from high-level officials including Margaret Satterthwaite, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers; Amy Jarrette, Deputy Commissioner for Women of Correctional Service Canada; and representatives from various UN member-states.

Ibikunle, a passionate advocate for humane correctional systems, is renowned for her philosophy that “peace begins behind prison walls.” She believes that dignity, safety, and rehabilitation within detention centres are critical to achieving long-term peace and social stability.

“More than an award, this moment represents visibility and recognition of the countless women and girls whose voices are often silenced and whose dreams are constrained by societal expectations,” Ibikunle said in reaction to the announcement.

Since joining MONUSCO in 2020, Ibikunle has spearheaded several high-impact projects. Among them is the construction of an advanced security prison block in Kabare, designed to house high-risk detainees, including members of armed groups. She also developed a model prison blueprint for the DRC, a landmark effort aimed at standardising prison design and improving detention conditions nationwide.

Her Biogas Initiative at Uvira Prison has also earned international commendation. The sustainability-focused project converts waste into clean energy, improving both hygiene and environmental standards in the facility. Beyond its environmental benefits, it provides vocational training for inmates, offering them practical skills to support rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Established in 2022 by the Justice and Corrections Service of the Office for the Rule of Law and Security Institutions under the Department of Peace Operations, the Trailblazer Award recognises the exceptional work of women officers in UN peace operations who challenge gender stereotypes and systemic barriers within justice and corrections systems.

While women’s representation in peace operations has grown in recent years, the UN says challenges persist. Gender-based discrimination and stereotyping continue to hinder women from attaining leadership roles, despite the implementation of targeted initiatives under the UN’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy.

Ibikunle’s recognition, the UN said, serves as a reminder of what’s possible when women are empowered to lead change, even in the most demanding environments.