Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Professor Grace Chidozie Ononiwu, CBE, on her historic appointment as the first Black African Director-General of Legal Services in the United Kingdom.
In a congratulatory statement, Dabiri-Erewa described Prof. Ononiwu’s achievement as a remarkable milestone and an enduring source of pride and inspiration for Nigerians across the globe.
“Prof. Ononiwu’s excellence, resilience, and professionalism embody the very best of our global citizens,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
“We celebrate her trailblazing accomplishment and look forward to even greater heights in her distinguished career.”
Prof. Ononiwu, a seasoned solicitor and Chief Crown Prosecutor, currently serves as the Director-General of Legal Delivery at the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Born to Igbo parents and raised in East London, she qualified as a solicitor in 1991 and has since built an illustrious career in the British justice system. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her respect both within and beyond the legal community.
She has also served as Chair of the National Black Crown Prosecution Association (NBCPA), where she has been a strong voice for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the legal sector.
Prof. Ononiwu’s contributions have been widely recognized through numerous national honours and awards. She received an OBE in 2008, a CBE in 2019, and was appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Hertfordshire. In recognition of her impact, the university named a building after her in 2022.
Her achievements have also earned her repeated listings on the UK Power List, which celebrates the country’s most influential Black people. In 2020, she was named Woman of the Year, cementing her legacy as one of the most outstanding legal professionals of African descent in the UK.
Dabiri-Erewa commended her as a role model for young Nigerians, especially women, urging them to emulate her dedication, excellence, and commitment to service.
