Manny Ita –
Nigerian public-interest lawyer and poet Karimot Odebode has been named a recipient of the 29th Global Love of Lives Award, an international honor conferred by Taiwan’s Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation in recognition of individuals whose work demonstrates exceptional compassion and service to humanity. Odebode emerged as the overall winner from more than 3,700 nominees worldwide, with the foundation citing her sustained advocacy for gender equality and social justice in Nigeria.
The foundation announced that the award acknowledges Odebode’s legal and literary efforts to advance the rights of women and girls, particularly survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. In a statement, organizers said her work “embodies the spirit of love of lives by transforming pain into purposeful action that uplifts vulnerable communities,” noting that her advocacy spans courtroom representation, public campaigns, and creative expression through poetry.
Odebode, who has built a reputation as a public-interest litigator, has been involved in landmark interventions addressing sexual assault, child protection, and accountability for rights violations. Her initiatives include legal support for survivors, policy advocacy, and public education aimed at dismantling stigma around reporting abuse. According to the foundation, these efforts distinguished her among thousands of nominees from diverse fields including medicine, education, humanitarian work, and grassroots activism.
Reacting to the honor, Odebode described the recognition as a tribute not only to her personal work but also to the resilience of survivors whose stories continue to shape her advocacy. She said the award “belongs to every girl and woman who refused to be silenced,” adding that global solidarity remains essential in confronting gender-based violence. She further emphasized that legal reform must be accompanied by cultural change to achieve lasting protection for vulnerable populations.
Officials of the foundation stated that this year’s selection process was particularly competitive due to the large number of nominations submitted from across continents. They noted that the Global Love of Lives Award seeks to spotlight individuals who turn compassion into tangible impact, especially in contexts where institutional support is limited. Odebode’s combination of legal activism and artistic voice, they said, created “a powerful platform for justice and healing.”
The award ceremony is expected to take place in Taiwan, bringing together laureates from different countries whose work addresses humanitarian challenges ranging from healthcare access to environmental protection. Observers say Odebode’s selection underscores growing international recognition of Nigerian civil society actors working on human rights issues, particularly those confronting gender inequality.
Analysts note that honors of this scale can amplify advocacy campaigns by attracting global attention, funding opportunities, and cross-border partnerships. For Nigeria, Odebode’s recognition highlights the role of legal practitioners and artists in shaping social change, especially in areas where formal institutions struggle to deliver justice effectively.
The Global Love of Lives Award, established to celebrate extraordinary acts of compassion and courage, has previously recognized activists, educators, and medical professionals whose efforts have transformed communities. Odebode now joins a distinguished list of laureates whose work continues to influence humanitarian discourse worldwide.
