Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin traversed courageously where men fear to thread. She remained consistent without minding the hazards to her person in a society where critical voices are loathed by unjust system which rewards the crook and punishes the just.She cut her teeth in activism as the Secretary of Women in Nigeria (WIN), Kwara State from 1988 – 1991 and the Coordinator of Women in Nigeria (WIN), Kwara State branch 1991 – 1996; Chairperson, Rethink Nigeria (1987 – 1992) and Chairperson, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Kwara State branch (1990 – 1996).Her foray into human rights activism was at a period when the Babangida dictatorship was baring its fangs and locking up critical voices. She became one of the targets of the administration as she was arrested and detained for not less than seventeen times at different locations: Division B Police Station Ilorin; Police Headquarters Ilorin; SSS Headquarters Ilorin; SSS HQ Maitama Abuja; Panti Police Station Lagos; Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos; and Alagbon Close in Lagos.

But her spirit was not daunted and became the Assistant General Secretary of CD in 1994 at a time the battle against the annulment of June 12 had become so fierce.

She was the General Secretary of the body from March 1996 – July 29, 2006 (10 years) when she became the President on July 29, 2006. She is also the Executive Director of the Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Studies, the President of Women Arise for Change Initiative; Chairman, Task Force of the Citizen Forum, Spokesperson, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations and President, Centre for Participatory Democracy (CPD).

She has received several awards at the national and international levels. Last year alone, she received five awards. In March, the United Nations Nigeria gave her an award as the “Hero of Democracy and Good Governance”. In October 2007, she was given an award by Development Issues Initiatives Association (DINA) for her contribution to national development and human rights, the same October she was given an award by Human Rights Now as “The Defender women” In November 2007, Assemblies of God Church, Festac Town, Lagos gave her an award as the “Icon of Democracy” and in September 2007, the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)

Oyo State Chapter gave her an award as “The Hero of Democracy”. She also received an award in Imo State of Nigeria in November 2008 as “The Defender of Women’s Rights” during the commemoration of Aba Women Riot.

August 19, 2008, she was authorize and commissioned to serve as an ambassador of Good will from Arkansas to the people of nations beyond the borders of the United States or wherever this Ambassador of Arkansas may hereafter travel or reside

June 2, 2009, Encomium Magazine gave her an award in human rights advocacy. The same June, Tell Magazine honored her as the “Hero of Democracy”.

In March, 2010 Rebrand Nigeria gave her an award as the “Hero of Democracy”. In May, CEPAN recognized her as an “Advocate for Good Governance”. Also in July, Good Shepherds Schools in Lagos gave her an award as the “Role Model of the Year award”. In September 2010 the Priceless Jewels Initiative gave her an award as the “Champion of Women Empowerment”. October 2010 “Beacon of Hope Award” given by Empower

Africa for Change. November 25, 2010 International Institute For Humanitarian And Environmental Law gave her an award in recognition of her selfless service.

Feb, 2011, Change Nigeria Today honoured as Amazon of Democracy. April, 2011, Women Democratic Frontiers recognized her as champion of Women cause, June, 2011 History and international Relations Students, Isolo, LASU gave her an award as icon of Democracy August 2011, Priceless jewels initiative honoured her as hero of Democracy and Africa Mouthpiece international gave her a role model award.

In November 2011, Empower Africa for Change gave her another award as an “Ambassador of Goodwill”.

Her consistency and unwavering determination for survival of democracy in Nigeria made Professor Wole Soyinka to describe her as follows during her 40th Birthday Ceremony in 2006.

“I present to you a tireless fighter whose frail bearing, bellies an inner strength and resilience purpose, a veteran of affirmative marches, of crude arrests and detentions, baton charges and tear gas who have lent luster to the struggle for justice and human dignity, who remain an inspiration of men and women, old and young.

And recently, at the celebration of Ambassador Walter Carrington’s 80th birthday commemoration in Lagos, the Ambassador in recognition of her efforts in sustaining democracy in Nigeria described her as “a fearless, fiery champion of democracy and human