Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo

Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo
CitizenshipNigerian
EducationB.Sc. Political Science; National Diploma Public Administration
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, women and gender rights advocate whose work focused on gender-based violence and gender justice in Nigeria.[1] In 2021, she was named among Apolitical's 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy along Stella Nyanzi and Fatima Denton.[1][2] In 2024, she received the U.S. Mission Nigeria Woman of Courage Award.[1][3][4]

Education

Usiobaifo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a National Diploma in Public Administration.[1]

Career

Usiobaifo is the executive director of the BraveHeart Initiative (BHI), a non-governmental organisation based in Edo State. She founded the organisation in Igarra in 2002 as a youth development club. It was later registered as a non-governmental organisation working on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in rural communities.[5][6][7]

In 2021, Apolitical listed Usiobaifo among its 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy, specifically in the Bodily Autonomy and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) category.[2] During the 16 Days of Activism in 2022, she appeared alongside Omowumi Ogunrotimi in a public discussion on activism to end violence against women and girls.[8] In 2025, Usiobaifo participated in Ford Foundation West Africa events held during CSW69 in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.[9][10][11]

Awards and recognition

  • 2019 – Yemisi Ransome Kuti (YRK) Leadership Award[1]
  • 2020 – Orange Champion, U.S. Embassy Nigeria[1]
  • 2020 – Beijing Eaglet, UN Women Nigeria[1]
  • 2021 – Federal Ministry of Women Affairs recognition for grassroots child protection and women's rights work[1]
  • 2024 – U.S. Mission Nigeria Woman of Courage Award[4]
  • 2025 – Empowerment Champion Award[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 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. 1 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. U.S. Mission in Africa. April 4, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  4. 1 2 Evelyn Osagie (April 14, 2024). "Meet US Mission 2024 Woman of Courage". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  5. ↑ Nike Adebowale-Tambe (December 17, 2023). "How judiciary can support fight against SGBV in Nigeria – Advocate". Premium Times. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Celebrating the Hard Work of Women on Gender Policy". The New Nigerian. March 30, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  7. ↑ 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. ↑ Cognito (December 19, 2022). ""UNITE!" Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls". VoiceNaija. Voice Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ↑ Adetutu A (April 15, 2025). "Nigerians Partner Ford Foundation to End Gender-Based Violence". Insights Nigeria. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Transforming Societal Norms: Ford Foundation Hosts West African Leaders". Prime Business Africa. March 26, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  11. ↑ Arinze Nwafor (April 15, 2025). "Nigerians partner Ford Foundation to tackle gender-based violence". The Punch. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
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