By Esther Orebiyi, Visionary Policy Practitioner

I have always believed true fulfillment comes from making a difference in the lives of others. As a legal practitioner transitioning into public policy, my journey is shaped by a deep passion for justice, equity, and empowering marginalized communities. Every step I take is driven by a desire to leave a lasting impact—ensuring people, regardless of background, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

From Law to Public Policy: A Purposeful

Transition My career began in law as a Judicial Research Officer with the Ogun State Judiciary, where I encountered numerous cases of sexual abuse and assault. I quickly realized justice for victims goes beyond courtroom rulings—it requires psychological and emotional healing. This ignited my interest in public policy, where I saw an opportunity to influence systemic change rather than just individual outcomes. I wanted to shape policies and design solutions addressing the root causes of social injustices.

Empowering Communities Through Education

One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been working with children in Ototo Village, Abeokuta. During a visit, I discovered many struggled with reading and writing. Moved to action, I began teaching children aged 4 to 7 how to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic. Seeing a child go from avoiding lessons to eagerly awaiting the next class has been one of my most fulfilling experiences.

Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and I am committed to expanding access to quality education, especially for underserved communities. Through literacy programs and mentorship, I hope to inspire young people to embrace learning and believe in their potential.

Driving Civic Engagement and Awareness

Beyond education, I am passionate about ensuring citizens understand their rights and responsibilities in governance. As part of my postgraduate studies at the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance, I developed a capstone project called Politeracy—a civic education initiative designed to empower Nigerians with knowledge about government structures, civic duties, and policy engagement. 

I have worked with a team to create a six-module curriculum, collaborate with influencers, and translate materials into Pidgin English to reach a broader audience. Civic awareness is the foundation of a thriving democracy, and I believe an informed citizenry is essential for meaningful change. Through Politeracy and other advocacy efforts, I am committed to equipping people with the knowledge they need to engage with governance and demand accountability.

What Drives Me

At the heart of my work is a simple but powerful belief: healthcare, education, and civic engagement are fundamental rights, not privileges. I am deeply motivated by the idea that policies should be designed with the well-being of the majority in mind. Whether through legal research, policy advocacy, community engagement, or teaching children to read, I see every action as a step toward building a more just and equitable society. My legacy will not be measured by titles or accolades but by the lives transformed—by the child who learns to read, the citizen who understands their rights, or the community that gains access to better healthcare. That is the impact I want to leave behind. As I continue this journey, I remain committed to learning, growing, and finding new ways to drive sustainable change. The work is far from over, but I am excited for the road ahead.