A British-Nigerian family lawyer and global gender justice advocate, Oluwaseun Ikusika, has said that effective enforcement of existing laws, rather than policy promises, remains the most critical factor in protecting the rights of women and children in Nigeria.
Ikusika made this assertion while speaking in an interview published on Tribune Online and obtained by this reporter, where she addressed challenges facing Nigeria’s education, legal, and child-protection systems.
According to her, countries that have made measurable progress in safeguarding women and children prioritise not just policy formulation but consistent implementation at the grassroots level.
“Protecting women and children requires more than strong policies; it requires effective enforcement,” she said, stressing that Nigeria must strengthen teacher quality, expand access to legal aid, and ensure that child- and gender-protection laws are applied consistently within communities.
Youth Population an Opportunity, Not a Burden
Ikusika described Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population as an untapped opportunity for national development, rather than a liability.
She said strategic investments in skills-based education, job creation, and youth participation in governance would allow young Nigerians to drive innovation, economic growth, and long-term stability.
“When young people are empowered, protected, and included, they become catalysts for development,” she noted.
Gender Equality Requires Accountability
On gender equality, the global advocate said Nigeria must move beyond commitments and declarations to measurable action, particularly through accountability mechanisms.
She called for full implementation of laws protecting women’s rights, improved access to justice, and institutional responsibility for violations, while also addressing harmful cultural norms through education and economic empowerment.
Education for Marginalised Groups
Ikusika emphasised that access to quality education remains central to national growth, especially for marginalised populations.
She urged the government to prioritise funding for public schools in underserved communities, strengthen teacher training, and expand inclusive and girl-focused education programmes. Civil society organisations, she added, must continue community mobilisation and advocacy to remove social barriers and hold institutions accountable.
Reforms Needed to Strengthen the Justice System
Addressing corruption and inefficiencies within Nigeria’s legal system, Ikusika advocated reforms centred on transparency and technology.
She identified the digitisation of legal processes, stronger oversight institutions, expanded legal aid, and whistleblower protection as essential steps toward accelerating justice and equity.
Driven by Passion for Family Law
Ikusika explained that her decision to specialise in family law was influenced by early exposure to cases involving domestic violence and child protection during her legal training.
She said the experience fostered a strong connection with victims and solidified her commitment to advocating for vulnerable women and children.
Having supported over 300 women to secure protection orders in the United Kingdom, she described the most rewarding moments as witnessing survivors regain safety, confidence, and control over their lives.
Balancing Law, Advocacy, and Global Engagement
Ikusika noted that her work across law, policy, and youth engagement is anchored in community impact.
She said her legal practice informs her advocacy, while policy engagement helps translate lived experiences into long-term systemic reforms.
As founder of 1inclusion4all, Ikusika said the platform was established to promote equality and inclusion globally, particularly among young people. Through the initiative, she has engaged schools, communities, intergovernmental organisations, and the United Nations to amplify youth voices and promote inclusive development.
Leadership and Mental Wellbeing
On leadership, Ikusika said sustainable social change requires purpose, consistency, and people-centred service rather than positions of authority.
She also highlighted the importance of mental well-being, noting that rest, boundaries, and support systems are essential for sustaining impact in high-pressure global advocacy roles.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Ikusika said her focus remains on strengthening access to justice, expanding rights-based education, and supporting policies that protect women, children, and persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Globally, she said she aims to scale advocacy efforts through strategic partnerships to ensure that inclusion and protection move from commitments to measurable outcomes.
