With 19 years of clinical experience and nearly a decade in leadership, Oluchi Angel Okoi works at the critical intersection of healthcare, trauma response, and the justice system. As Head of Nursing at the Rape Crisis Centre under WARIF in Lagos, she leads the care of survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), ensuring that clinical treatment is delivered alongside emotional support and legal preparedness. Her work has been central to embedding trauma-informed care practices, creating safe and confidential environments that enable survivors to disclose experiences, access timely care, and begin recovery.

She has led the training and mentorship of healthcare workers in forensic documentation, survivor’s psycho-social support, and courtroom preparedness, significantly strengthening the ability of nursing teams to manage complex SGBV cases. Her role as an expert witness in court further extends her impact, where her detailed clinical documentation and testimony contribute directly to legal outcomes. In one notable case involving nine child survivors, her intervention supported the successful conviction of the perpetrator, demonstrating the critical role nurses can play in delivering justice.

Her patient-centered approach has resulted in improved disclosure rates, stronger adherence to treatment and follow-ups, and better psychological recovery among survivors. At a systems level, she has enhanced coordination between healthcare providers, legal teams, and psychosocial services, improving case management and outcomes.

She has also established a foundation to connect survivors with comprehensive support services, extending care beyond the clinical setting. Her work exemplifies how nursing leadership can drive both healing and justice, particularly in some of the most sensitive and complex areas of healthcare.