Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo

Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
CitizenshipNigerian
Occupation
  • Gender rights advocate
Known forGender Justice Advocacy
AwardsU.S. Mission Nigeria Woman of Courage Award 2024
Websitewww.braveheartinitiative.org

Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo is a Nigerian feminist and woman's rights advocate focused on gender justice and eradication of gender-based violence in Nigeria.[1] She is the founder and executive director of BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI). In 2021, she was named among Apolitical’s 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy along Stella Nyanzi and Fatima Denton.[1][2] Also, in 2024 she received the U.S. Mission Nigeria Woman of Courage Award in recognition of her advocacy and impact.[1][3][4]

Career

Usiobaifo's advocacy work was influenced by her exposure to systemic gender inequality and violence affecting women and girls in underserved communities.[5][6] Her early engagement in gender justice efforts shaped her later founding of BHI.[5][7]

She founded the BraveHeart Initiative (BHI) as a youth development club in 2002 in Igara, Edo State.[5] The organisation later formalised in 2009 and registered as a non-governmental organisation working on sexual and reproductive health and rights and ending sexual and gender‑based violence (SGBV) in rural communities.[5][7]

Notable casework and advocacy

Usiobaifo through BHI was prominently involved in the legal pursuit of Jacob Alonge, convicted in 2019 for the incestuous rape of his daughter. Alonge escaped custody during the 2020 #EndSARS jailbreak and was re‑arrested in May 2024, after which BHI called for stronger custodial safeguards.[8][9] Commentary in national media has cited the case to illustrate both the risks to advocates and the persistence required to secure justice for survivors.[10][11][12]

News reports have described Usiobaifo as a leading voice on anti‑rape advocacy and community‑based systems strengthening in Nigeria, particularly in rural Edo State.[1][4] In WANEP’s regional newsletter Usiobaifo's work was recognised for securing convictions in multiple SGBV cases and for providing survivor‑centred support.[13]

Panels and public engagements

During the 16 Days of Activism in 2022, Usiobaifo appeared alongside Omowumi Ogunrotimi in a public discussion on activism to end violence against women and girls.[14] She has also engaged the Ford Foundation’s West Africa efforts to transform harmful social norms, including events held during CSW69 in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, spotlighting the role of traditional, religious and community leaders in preventing GBV.[15][16][17]

Awards and recognition

  • In March 2025, she received the Empowerment Champion Award from the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, for her sustained work in education, wellbeing, and gender equity.[1]
  • In April 2024, the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria conferred on Usiobaifo its “Woman of Courage” award, citing two decades of work to reform laws and challenge socio‑cultural norms that perpetuate GBV.[4]
  • She was listed among Apolitical’s “100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy” (reported in Nigerian media in 2021).[6]
  • In 2012, Usiobaifo was nominated for The Future Awards Africa in the category Best Use of Advocacy, alongside Olumide Makanjuola.[18]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Esther Onyegbula (April 6, 2025). "The courage to change: Priscilla Usiobaifo's bold fight for women, girls". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  2. ^ "Apolitical's 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy". Apolitical. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  3. ^ "U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria Confers "Woman of Courage" Award to Ms. Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo". U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  4. ^ a b c Evelyn Osagie. "Meet US Mission 2024 Woman of Courage". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  5. ^ a b c d Nike Adebowale-Tambe. "How judiciary can support fight against SGBV in Nigeria – Advocate". Premium Times. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  6. ^ a b "Celebrating the Hard Work of Women on Gender Policy". The New Nigerian. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  7. ^ a b Emeka, Mazi (September 23, 2016). "Impact365: You probably don't know this NGO but it is changing life in Edo State". YNaija. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  8. ^ Adekunbi Ero. "Incestuous rape conviction of Jacob Alonge: Proof that justice is not evasive – Priscilla Usiobaifo (Interview)". TELL Magazine. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  9. ^ "Prison escapee who raped daughter rearrested in Edo". PM News Nigeria. May 5, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  10. ^ Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi (May 2024). "Justice for Gift Alonge". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  11. ^ "Incestuous father rearrested after escaping from Edo prison". Law & Society Magazine. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  12. ^ "Re-arrest of fugitive Jacob Alonge victory for justice in Edo – BHI". The Free Library. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  13. ^ "Gender Connect – June 2020" (PDF). WANEP (West Africa Network for Peacebuilding). June 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  14. ^ ""UNITE!" Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls". VoiceNaija. Voice Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ Adetutu A. "Nigerians Partner Ford Foundation to End Gender-Based Violence". Insights Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  16. ^ "Transforming Societal Norms: Ford Foundation Hosts West African Leaders". Prime Business Africa. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  17. ^ Arinze Nwafor. "Nigerians partner Ford Foundation to tackle gender-based violence". The Punch. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  18. ^ "The Future Awards Africa 2012 Nominees". The Future Awards Africa. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
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