UJI
Udo Jude Ilo
HiiL | The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law
CEO
Biography
Udo Jude Ilo is the Chief Executive Officer of HiiL and an international expert on democracy, human rights, and civic space, with over twenty-one years of experience. His work has been profoundly shaped by a personal history of dictatorship and impunity, driving a lifelong commitment to addressing injustice, mobilising citizens, and building networks that protect rights and strengthen democracy.
As the former head of the Open Society Foundations in Nigeria, he led initiatives to expand civic space, nurture emerging activists, and advance good governance. He has also served in leadership roles at the Nigerian Bar Association and the Forum of Federations, and in 2023 he was Interim Executive Director of CIVIC, where he guided efforts to defend civil liberties during a period of heightened global threats to democracy.
Widely recognised for his innovation, empathy, and courageous leadership, Udo has combined deep knowledge of governance with practical strategies for change. His work consistently reflects a belief in the power of people-centred approaches and inclusive movements to deliver sustainable progress.
In addition to his leadership and advocacy, he is an accomplished writer. His recent publication, It is POSSIBLE: Influencing Change in Nigeria, has been praised for its insights into the challenges of governance and the potential for reform through citizen action. Through his writing and practice alike, Udo continues to inspire new generations of leaders committed to building stronger, more just societies.
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