A Journey of Resilience and Innovation in Corrections and Peacekeeping
Olukemi Ibikunle, a Chief Superintendent of Corrections with the Nigerian Correctional Service, is currently serving on a peace mission in Congo. Her commitment to humane detention, innovation, and resilience in high-risk environments has earned her the 2025 United Nations Trailblazer Award for Women Justice and Corrections Officers. She shares insights into her work, the challenges of peacekeeping, and the values that sustain her in demanding environments.
The Path to Corrections and International Peace Operations
I grew up around many corrections officers: friends and family, and that environment shaped me. I developed an interest in improving the living conditions of detainees because I had the opportunity to interact with them as a child and young adult. I realized early on that they are as human and often more vulnerable than the rest of us.
My journey into international peace operations began with a desire to do more and contribute meaningfully to global peace. When my country received a call for nominations from the United Nations, I matched the required profile. Through a sponsor, who was a senior colleague, I was given the opportunity to interview for the role. I was fortunate to succeed in the UN selection process, and since then, I have grown under the guidance of a supportive mentor and boss.
Detention and Rehabilitation as Tools for Peace
The way individuals are treated in detention profoundly influences whether they return to society as constructive, law-abiding citizens. Humane conditions of detention, supported by meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, are essential for reducing crime and recidivism and for strengthening peaceful, resilient communities.
When people in custody are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, rather than stigma, judgment, or discrimination, they are far more likely to embrace positive change and contribute to community stability and safety upon release. Compassion within prison walls ultimately translates into peace beyond them.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Field
Entering a field traditionally viewed as male-dominated felt natural to me. I was raised to believe I could achieve anything I set my mind to, so I never regarded any profession as exclusively for men. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have often been the only woman, or one of very few women, in predominantly male environments, yet I have always collaborated effectively with colleagues.
In corrections, being a woman can present challenges linked to gender bias and stereotypes. However, I have consistently navigated these obstacles through professionalism, competence, and resilience. By maintaining high standards of conduct and demonstrating strong technical and leadership skills, I have earned the respect of peers and national counterparts. These experiences have strengthened my confidence and reinforced my belief in the valuable contributions women bring to corrections management and peacekeeping settings.
Innovations in Prison Design and Sustainability
I led the design of a high-security prison block and a model prison blueprint in the DRC mission. The development of a prison blueprint for the DRC is part of the MONUSCO Corrections Unit’s prison reform efforts. It stemmed from a comprehensive needs analysis of the DRC prison administration and a series of consultations with national authorities. It responded to the need for a national policy guiding the construction of new prisons and the rehabilitation of existing ones in line with international standards.
The high-security block is also part of this reform, aimed at achieving proper classification and specialized treatment of high-risk prisoners, including detainees incarcerated for armed group activities and terrorism. Its objective is to contribute to civilian protection by reducing armed attacks and reinforcing the capacity of state institutions.
One of my innovations is the biogas initiative at Uvira Prison, which converts waste into energy while training detainees. The idea emerged from the need for effective waste management in an overcrowded prison with limited resources. It was conceived as a sustainable solution to sewage problems that would also generate clean energy for cooking, reducing reliance on firewood and mitigating deforestation.
One major challenge was sourcing qualified biogas technicians. The implementing partner engaged by the UN could not find a competent local technician experienced in large-scale biogas construction. This led to a collaboration with a company in a neighboring country where biogas is widely used in prisons.
As a pilot project in the DRC, it recorded unprecedented success in waste management and clean energy generation. Both personnel and detainees were trained to manage the biogas system, equipping detainees with skills for reintegration. Waste from the system also serves as manure for gardening by female detainees, improving their nutrition and supporting their mental health.
Funds previously spent on firewood are now used to purchase additional food, allowing detainees to eat twice instead of once daily. Cooking became easier and cleaner, improving living conditions for detainees and working conditions for officers.
Personal Qualities and Support Systems
I am a resilient person who never backs down in the face of difficulties. This strength has helped me manage pressure in mission environments. As for daily habits, I start my day with prayers, then listen to music while getting ready for work. I also prioritize nourishment and regular physical exercise to keep my body and mind balanced.
My greatest support system is my family. My husband not only allows me to ‘fly’; he actively removes the obstacles that traditional gender roles place on women. He cares for our children and shares domestic responsibilities. I also have friends who support my children in my absence, and a network of suppliers who deliver essentials, food, school items, clothing, and gifts directly to the house. It makes managing the home easier, even when I am away.
Spiritually, my Christian community keeps me grounded. They pray with me and for me, especially in moments when I am unable to pray for myself. Professionally, I have mentors and colleagues who alert me to opportunities and encourage me to pursue them.
Advice to Younger Self and Future Goals
If I could go back to my younger self at the start of my career, I would tell her never to doubt her abilities or be afraid of judgment. I would also caution her against imposter syndrome.
Common misconceptions about prison reform, corrections engineering, or peacekeeping include the idea that prison reform is a waste of resources. Offenders deserve a second chance and can become productive members of society. Many contribute through agriculture and rehabilitation programmes.
Peacekeeping should also not be viewed as a closed circle for a privileged few. Any Nigerian officer with the right skills can be nominated. The UN operates a merit-based system, and qualified officers should be encouraged to apply.
Working in the DRC meant operating in difficult and unpredictable conditions. One of the most stressful periods was in early 2025 when the AFC/M23 group took over parts of South Kivu, including Bukavu, where I worked. MONUSCO’s South Kivu office had been closed since June 2024, leaving only a small Residual Team behind. I was part of that team, responsible for the transition of MONUSCO’s work to national partners and the UN Country Team. With the closure came reduced logistics, limited medical support, and no military base for staff protection.
At the height of the invasion threat, I was alone in my unit; my only colleague was on leave. I had to handle prison monitoring and mentoring by myself while worrying about my own safety. We eventually evacuated through land borders because the airport was inaccessible. The journey from Bukavu to safety in Uganda is a story for another day, but I’m grateful for life.
Cultural Values and Future Aspirations
Being Nigerian has shaped my professional identity and approach within global peace operations. Nigerians are known globally for excellence, resilience, and adaptability. These values shape my approach to work. I believe that no matter how difficult a situation seems, there is always a solution, or at least, a way to reduce its impact. I adapt quickly to new environments and face challenges head-on.
I have been struck by the chronic underfunding of the prison system in my host country and the glaring infrastructure gaps. These create real challenges for the humane and effective management of detainees. Through advocacy, capacity-building, and daily mentoring, I have witnessed meaningful progress, greater awareness, stronger engagement, and a growing commitment to aligning practices with international standards.
I learned French and Swahili during my mission. I learnt French to enhance my impact. Working as a Project Officer in a Francophone country required not just everyday communication but also technical engagement with partners. I therefore invested in mastering functional and technical French, allowing me to draft and review project documents accurately in both languages.
When I moved to Bukavu in 2023, I discovered that Swahili was more widely spoken. I learned the language directly from female detainees. This helped build trust, improve communication, and assess needs more effectively.
Language, to me, is a bridge. It strengthens advocacy, improves coordination, and fosters better working relationships. It also helped me support colleagues who were newly deployed to the mission.
Women play indispensable roles in peacekeeping. In corrections and justice spaces, male detainees often open up more easily to female officers, whom they perceive as more empathetic and approachable. This improves conflict resolution, information-gathering, and detainee management.
Many young Nigerians dream of international careers. The qualities needed for success at home—commitment, professionalism, diligence, and good interpersonal relationships—are also required internationally. Continuous learning, language skills, and adaptability are essential.
My advice: develop competence, nurture professional relationships, and take every task seriously. Each assignment carries the seed of your next opportunity.
When I am off duty or back home, I spend time with my family. I enjoy nature and outdoor activities, and I love watching a good movie with grilled fish or goat meat.
Respect is central to my culture. It guides how I relate with colleagues and national partners. Respecting people, their beliefs, and their way of life is key to gaining trust.
Integrity is another core value, both personally and within the UN system. It anchors me when making tough decisions and helps me choose what is right.
Looking ahead, I hope to contribute more to global peace efforts, particularly through improving prison conditions and other humanitarian services. I aspire to a managerial role where I can influence policy and advocate for better funding of correctional services.
A legacy of excellence, innovation, and adaptability. A legacy of gender-sensitive prison administration. A legacy where humane conditions and rehabilitation become standard practice. A legacy of reduced pretrial detention through stronger collaboration within the justice system.
If I could make one major change to the global corrections system, it would be improved funding, with national governments prioritizing corrections management worldwide.
I stay inspired in difficult environments by listening to music, dancing alone, staying connected to my spiritual community, and drawing strength from God’s word. I constantly remind myself of my “why.” Spending time with colleagues when possible also recharges me.
I had a modest and normal childhood. My happiest memories revolve around school and church. I was, and still am, a bookworm.
I like to dress depending on the occasion. In the mission area, I’m usually in a T-shirt and jeans or my service uniform. Outside work, I gravitate toward African prints, Ankara, adire, and aso-oke. I’m most comfortable in trousers.
