Morenikejimi Olaniran

Morenikejimi Olaniran is a survivor advocate, researcher, and award-winning social impact leader with 5+ years of experience advancing sustainable development in underserved communities and among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. As a survivor of sexual, gender-based violence and period poverty, she uses her lived experience to challenge harmful social norms and advocate for the rights, dignity, and well-being of adolescents, and vulnerable populations.

She serves on the NGYouthSDGs Youth Advisory Board, she’s a Global Ambassador for United Leaders Global, where she contributes to youth-focused programmes, advocacy, and global representation. Morenikejimi is also a global mentor who has supported young changemakers across 27 countries and serves as the GOTNI NYSC FCT Mentor, equipping emerging leaders with the skills and opportunities to create impact. As Project Lead at the Centre for Teens Health and Development (Centre4teens), she leads initiatives focused on mental health, youth empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Morenikejimi is the first Nigerian recipient of the NextWorldNow USA Grant and has received grants from the European Union, Forward UK, and Leap Africa. She holds a Mini-MBA in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Lagos Business School. Her work advances gender justice, bodily autonomy, and economic empowerment.