Kemi Okenyodo, a lawyer and governance expert, has spent more than two decades working in security, criminal justice reform and civil society development, with a focus on strengthening police accountability, promoting inclusive governance and improving citizens’ access to justice.
She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), a women-led non-governmental organisation working to improve security governance, encourage citizens’ participation and strengthen protection systems in Nigeria and West Africa.
In her role, Kemi Okenyodo provides strategic and operational leadership for the organisation, working with its board and team to advance reforms in the justice and security sectors.
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Kemi Okenyodo’s Educational Journey
Kemi Okenyodo studied law at the University of Lagos, where she obtained an LLB degree in September 1997. She proceeded to the Nigeria Law School in Abuja and qualified as a Barrister at Law in September 1999.
In June 2004, she earned a master’s degree in Humanitarian and Refugee Studies from the University of Lagos. She later obtained a Certificate in Defence and Security Management from the National Defence College, Nigeria, in January 2010.
In 2021, she completed a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Criminal Justice at Walden University.
Her academic background in law, humanitarian studies, security management and criminal justice has informed her work on institutional accountability, public safety and access to justice.
A central part of Kemi Okenyodo’s work is improving the relationship between citizens and security institutions. Her areas of expertise include police accountability, inclusive governance, gender and policing, election security management and the role of civil society in promoting public safety.
Police accountability involves ensuring that officers and institutions operate within the law, respect citizens’ rights and are answerable for their conduct. It is an important component of democratic governance because public trust in law enforcement can influence cooperation between communities and security agencies.
Nigeria’s Police Act 2020 provides a legal framework that emphasises accountability, transparency, respect for human rights and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve. These principles are relevant to the reform efforts and citizen engagement initiatives associated with Kemi Okenyodo’s work.
Through her professional engagements, she has supported international reform programmes focused on security, governance, public safety and criminal justice.
Kemi Okenyodo’s work also highlights the role citizens and non-state actors can play in improving security and governance. Civil society organisations can help communities communicate their concerns, monitor public institutions, promote awareness of rights and contribute evidence to policy discussions.
Under her leadership, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) works across areas including the rule of law, citizen security and civil society strengthening. Its interventions include research, advocacy, capacity building and community engagement aimed at improving institutional accountability and expanding citizens’ participation in decisions affecting their safety and welfare.
The organisation also focuses on the inclusion of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in governance and protection initiatives.
This approach recognises that security is not limited to responding to crime. It also involves protecting fundamental rights, ensuring access to justice and enabling communities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Gender And Security Reform
Gender is another important aspect of Kemi Okenyodo’s professional work. She has engaged in initiatives examining the relationship between gender, policing, public safety and election security.
Her experience in the sector has included efforts to strengthen the participation of women in security and governance processes. This is particularly relevant in a field where women have historically faced barriers to leadership and representation.
In an interview published by Premium Times on April 27, 2025, Okenyodo discussed her experience working in the largely male-dominated security and governance sector and the importance of creating opportunities for women to take on leadership responsibilities.
Her work reflects a broader recognition that effective security and peacebuilding require the involvement of women and other groups whose experiences and concerns may otherwise be overlooked.
Kemi Okenyodo’s Leadership And Professional Journey
Beyond her work at Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), Kemi Okenyodo has experience in project management, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, networking and team development. She has also supported programmes involving collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and international partners.
She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the African Security Sector Network (ASSN). She is also affiliated with the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS), Nigeria Alumni Chapter, where she serves her second term as Secretary-General, according to her professional profile.
Her work across legal practice, civil society and security reform places her at the intersection of institutional accountability, citizens’ rights and public policy.
Through her leadership at Partners West Africa Nigeria(PWAN), Kemi Okenyodo continues to work in areas central to Nigeria’s governance and security challenges, accountable institutions, citizen participation, criminal justice reform and the protection of vulnerable populations.
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