Udo Jude Ilo
CEO
The world, governments, and communities must find justice solutions that work for everyone—responsive to local realities, individual needs, and offering a sense of belonging and an enabling environment for all to thrive. In a world that is fast losing its humanity, this is a tough call but one I firmly believe is existential and achievable if we all work together serving justice one person at a time.
As a Nigerian with firsthand experience of decades of dictatorship and impunity, Udo’s concept of democracy and good governance evolved with a keen understanding of the importance of building solidarity, knowledge and networks for protecting rights and strengthening democratic practices. His 21-year career has focused on addressing impunity, creating innovative approaches to citizen mobilisation, and facilitating a solidarity network for the protection of human rights. He has been a consistent voice for democratic reforms and his most recent work on democracy regression in West Africa is among a growing body of work and thought leadership.
As the leader of Open Society Foundations in Nigeria for a decade, Udo provided strategic leadership on expanding civic space, supporting new organizations and activists, and promoting accountability and good governance. He played a key role in opening the space for new ideas and new organizations and was directly instrumental in birthing or supporting new social innovation and activist groups in Nigeria who have gone on to become major influencers within and beyond Africa.
Udo’s leadership and management experience span founding and running organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association’s social justice program, the pioneer country manager of the Forum of Federations and leading the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC). As CIVIC’s Senior Director for Advocacy, he expanded partnerships and restructured internal systems to bolster external advocacy. Appointed Interim Executive Director in 2023, he strengthened CIVIC during a critical transition, raising resources, energising CIVIC’s global standing and reforming internal processes.
Udo has demonstrated in his 21 years of professional career, consistency, innovation, audacity, and empathy, which has made him effective in leadership, impactful in programming and remarkable in public engagement. Udo’s most recent writing is a Primer on Influencing Change, which has received rave reviews.
Contact info
udo.ilo@hiil.org
+31 70 762 0700
