Distinguished Leadership Award for Internationals

Ms. Abosede Oyeleye is a devoted advocate for the rights of women, orphans, and vulnerable children in Nigeria. As a leading force in the field of social work, Ms. Oyeleye is deeply committed to serving others and providing marginalized communities with the chance to thrive.

In 2005, Ms. Oyeleye founded the Children Emergency Relief Foundation in Lagos, Nigeria. The Foundation provides services, housing, and relief for more than 20,000 children and families in the region. It also works to mitigate human trafficking and empower vulnerable populations. Based on her work with the Foundation, Ms. Oyeleye was accepted as an International Hubert Humphrey Fellow at the Human Rights Center at the University of Minnesota Law School in 2015.

During her fellowship at the University, Ms. Oyeleye took courses in international law, social work leadership, and project management. She took workshops on immigration, human rights, and human trafficking, and participated in public school programs working with children. She made more than 20 site visits to local organizations and completed a professional affiliation with the Tubman Center, a shelter for people who have experienced relationship violence or other forms of abuse.

Today, Ms. Oyeleye works as the executive director of the Children Emergency Relief Foundation. Additionally, she serves as a chairperson for the Board of Christ Army Academy, and treasurer of the National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria. During her career she has won awards from many international organizations, including the Humphrey Fellowship Alumni, United States Exchange Alumni Association, and USAID.

In naming Ms. Oyeleye as a recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award for Internationals, the selection committee acknowledges her tenacious dedication to supporting vulnerable populations and commitment to improving the lives of many in her country.