Theresa Odinkalu-Okoro Brings Over 20 Years of Experience to Security, Governance and Development in West Africa
Oru Leonard
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Security, Governance and Development, Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro, has over two decades of professional experience in leadership, governance and development, with a focus on promoting transparency, human rights and accountability in the security sector across West Africa.
An alumnus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Odinkalu-Okoro holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Department of History and War Studies. Her multidisciplinary expertise covers Security Sector Reform, governance, development, leadership, policing, election security, gender equality and social inclusion.
She also specialises in Women, Peace and Security, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), the prevention and countering of violent extremism, mediation, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and civilian protection.
Throughout her career, Odinkalu-Okoro has contributed to the development of important national policy frameworks and legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening security, justice, democratic governance and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
Her contributions include work on Nigeria’s National Action Plan on Countering Violent Extremism, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP).
She has also contributed to State Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security, as well as European Union-supported democratic governance initiatives.
Beyond policy development, Odinkalu-Okoro has helped advance professional knowledge in security and governance through co-editing foundational publications covering policing, human rights, security sector reform, governance, development, criminal justice administration, countering violent extremism, and Women, Peace and Security.
Her work reflects the interconnected nature of security, justice, inclusive governance and sustainable development, particularly in addressing the complex challenges facing communities across West Africa.
In recognition of her professional standing, Odinkalu-Okoro was inducted in 2026 as a member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered).
As Executive Director of the African Centre for Security, Governance and Development, she brings her experience in policy development, institutional strengthening, conflict prevention and inclusive governance to the organisation’s mission of advancing security, good governance and sustainable development.
Her professional background underscores the importance of integrating human rights, gender inclusion, effective institutions and community-centred approaches into security and development initiatives across the region.
