Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode celebrates a significant milestone as she marks her 60th birthday today, December 24, 2023. Born on December 24, 1963, she is recognised for her notable contributions in the fields of law, humanitarianism, academia and public service. The daughter of the late General Murtala Muhammed and Mrs Ajoke Afsat Muhammed, her life’s journey has been characterised by passion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to social justice. As she commemorates this meaningful milestone, her impactful work and contributions to the legal profession and national discourse continue to serve as an inspiration. Her unwavering dedication to improving society and championing causes that promote the common good stands as a testament to her exceptional character and enduring legacy.
Dr Aisha holds a PhD in law from SOAS University of London, an LLM in public international law from King’s College, University of London, and an MBA in finance from Imperial College, University of London. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 and is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Her career spans business and the social sector, demonstrating expertise in gender, youth and inclusion. Serving as the CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, she champions democratic and social reform in Africa, with focus on education, capacity building and disaster risk reduction in situations of insecurity and fragility across Nigeria. Driven by a commitment to thought leadership on the role of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) in Africa, she provides valuable counsel to various governments, particularly on issues related to insurgency and terrorism. Her advice includes guiding state governments on effective strategies to confront and mitigate the complexities of security threats. Her insightful leadership proves instrumental in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed specifically by the Boko Haram insurgency, with a particular emphasis on its impact on women and children.
Dr Aisha’s influence extends internationally, notably in the academia. She is a board member of the Women and Public Policy Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School, where her expertise has been instrumental in advancing gender equality and public policy initiatives. In 2023, her appointment to the Global Development Council of the Centre for International Development, also at the Harvard Kennedy School, further highlights her commitment to tackling intricate global challenges and promoting sustainable development. Additionally, she serves as an advisor and country expert for the University of Pennsylvania’s Law Global Women’s Leadership Project. Her advisory role with the United States Institute of Peace reflects her commitment to global peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Her insights have been instrumental in guiding initiatives aimed at promoting stability and sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas.
In her entrepreneurial endeavours, Dr Aisha is the Group Chair at Asset Management Group Limited, an indigenous real estate development firm known for its diverse social initiatives. Additionally, she serves as the Chair of the Board of Lekoil Limited, an Africa-focused energy company. Beyond her corporate roles, she plays pivotal leadership roles in various organisations dedicated to social causes. She chairs the NEEM Foundation, committed to safeguarding the welfare of communities in conflict zones, in Africa and the Middle East. Furthermore, as the Board Chair of the Alliance for Women and Girls, a UK-based charity, she lends her voice to support advocacy for women and girls on a global scale.
Dr Aisha’s accomplishments have earned her global recognition, with prestigious awards including the New African Woman Award in Civil Society, the Amazing Woman and Change Leader Award at the Women’s Forum Global Meeting in Mauritius, the African Leadership Academy Award for Developing the Next Generation of African Leaders in Johannesburg and the Award for Excellence for Contributing to Education in Lagos State. Notably, in 2023, she was named the International Advocate of the Year by the Global Fund for Widows.
Her commitment to humanitarian service involves work with orphans and children with special needs. Indeed, her dedication to the advancement of special needs support has earned her several awards for excellence in this field. Noteworthy is her recognition by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board for her support for the advancement of the education of children with special needs. The Patrick Speech Centre Award, acknowledging her contribution to the awareness and support of Autism, along with the Zonta International Inspirational Award for Commitment to the Underprivileged in Society, serve as prominent expressions of her advocacy for those with unique needs.
Her vast body of work and unwavering commitment to advancing critical issues within Nigeria includes several impactful publications and opinion pieces, each contributing to a diverse array of themes. In her extensive exploration, she delves into the enduring pain of Boko Haram abductees portrayed in: “We have become social pariahs: A mother’s anguish five years on”. Her writings further dissect the emblematic significance of the abducted girls within the broader context of Boko Haram’s violence against women as articulated in “Abducted Girls: An Emblem of Boko Haram’s Violence Against Women”, navigating the complexities of memory surrounding these traumatic events in “Abducted Girls and the Challenge of Memory”.
Additionally, her critical review of global initiatives is evident in “Renegotiating Africa in the World: A Review of the Paris Climate Change COP 21” intertwining climate change, corruption, and conflict, while proposing practical guidelines for addressing post-traumatic stress disorder in conflict zones, as discussed in “Guidelines for Framework for Designing a Comprehensive Response Mechanism for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Conflict Zones in Nigeria”.
Shifting focus to urban planning, she presents a model city plan for Lagos State in “Model City Plan for Lagos State; An Urban Renewal Initiative” and advocates for community reclamation through an urban renewal initiative in “Reclaiming Our Communities: Urban Renewal Initiative for Lagos State”.” Dr Aisha’s advocacy extends to human capital development, with a specific emphasis on empowering women in Nigeria as explored in “Human Capital Development: Women Empowerment in Nigeria.”
As she celebrates this milestone, her appointment as a Lagos State Justice of the Peace symbolises her remarkable journey marked by a passionate commitment to addressing critical national issues. Fearlessly tackling issues such as the state of the nation, the Boko Haram insurgency, the plight of abducted women and girls, and the indefinite incarceration of women involved with the insurgency, Aisha’s career is characterised by widespread respect and admiration from victims, affected communities, the military, work colleagues, and the public.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr Aisha has been a formidable voice shaping discourse around challenging social and political issues. Offering invaluable perspectives on addressing and navigating the complex landscape of modern Nigeria, her insights reflecting her deep concern for the welfare of the nation and its citizens, have significantly enriched the national dialogue.
Her contributions to global development, peacebuilding, and critical policy issues continue to inspire those who have witnessed her impactful work. As she turns the diamond age, it is expedient to wish this humility personified great Nigerian and mother, another decade and more years of resounding successes in good health. Happy Birthday AMO.
Abiodun Kehinde Akinyemi is a journalist based in Abeokuta, Ogun State
