In a groundbreaking development that underscores the global impact of Nigerian talent, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has extended heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Grace Chidozie Ononiwu CBE. This felicitation comes in response to Prof. Ononiwu's landmark appointment as the first Black African to serve as Director-General of Legal Services in the United Kingdom. The announcement, which has reverberated across international communities, highlights not only personal triumph but also the broader narrative of diaspora excellence and the breaking of barriers in traditionally homogeneous institutions.
Dabiri-Erewa's congratulatory message was unequivocal in its praise, framing Prof. Ononiwu's accomplishment as a "remarkable milestone" that serves as a beacon of inspiration for Nigerians worldwide. "Prof. Ononiwu’s excellence, resilience, and professionalism embody the very best of our global citizens," she stated. "We celebrate her trail-blazing achievement and look forward to even greater heights." These words resonate deeply within the context of NiDCOM's mission to foster connections between Nigeria and its vast diaspora, estimated at over 17 million people scattered across the globe. The commission, established in 2017 under the Nigerian government's diaspora policy, actively promotes the achievements of Nigerians abroad to encourage remittances, investments, and knowledge transfer back home. In this instance, Prof. Ononiwu's elevation is positioned as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Nigerians who navigate foreign systems with distinction, often overcoming systemic challenges rooted in race, ethnicity, and immigration status.
Prof. Grace Chidozie Ononiwu CBE currently holds the pivotal role of Director-General of Legal Delivery at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the principal public prosecuting authority for England and Wales. The CPS, an independent body responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police, plays a critical role in the UK's justice system, handling everything from minor offenses to high-profile terrorism and fraud cases. In her capacity, Prof. Ononiwu oversees the legal framework that ensures prosecutions are fair, effective, and in the public interest. Her appointment to this director-general position marks a historic first, shattering glass ceilings for Black Africans in the upper echelons of British legal administration. It is a role that demands not only legal acumen but also strategic leadership in an organization employing thousands and managing caseloads that exceed 500,000 annually.
Born to Igbo parents—hailing from Nigeria's southeastern region known for its entrepreneurial and educational ethos—Prof. Ononiwu was raised in the vibrant yet challenging environment of East London. This upbringing in a multicultural urban setting instilled in her a blend of cultural heritage and adaptability, qualities that have defined her trajectory. She qualified as a solicitor in 1991, a feat that required rigorous training under the Solicitors Regulation Authority, including a law degree, the Legal Practice Course, and a two-year training contract. From there, she ascended through the ranks of the UK's justice system, establishing herself as a seasoned solicitor and Chief Crown Prosecutor. Her career spans decades of prosecuting complex cases, mentoring junior lawyers, and influencing policy on diversity and inclusion.
Beyond her prosecutorial duties, Prof. Ononiwu has been a vocal advocate for equity and representation. She previously chaired the National Black Crown Prosecution Association (NBCPA), an employee network dedicated to supporting Black and minority ethnic staff within the CPS. Under her leadership, the NBCPA pushed for initiatives addressing underrepresentation, unconscious bias training, and career progression pathways for minorities. These efforts align with broader UK government goals, such as the 2020 Race Disparity Audit, which exposed inequalities in public sector employment. Prof. Ononiwu's advocacy has not only elevated voices within the CPS but also contributed to tangible changes, including increased recruitment from diverse backgrounds and the establishment of mentorship programs.
Her accolades paint a picture of sustained excellence and recognition. In 2008, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the law and diversity, an honor bestowed by the late Queen Elizabeth II. This was elevated to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019, acknowledging her ongoing contributions. Academically, she was appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Hertfordshire, where she imparts knowledge on criminal justice, ethics, and leadership to the next generation of legal professionals. In a rare tribute, the university named a building in her honor in 2022—the Grace Ononiwu Building—symbolizing her enduring legacy in education and public service. Furthermore, she has been repeatedly featured on the UK Power List, a prestigious compilation of the most influential Black Britons. Her crowning moment came in 2020 when she was named Woman of the Year, an accolade that celebrated her as a role model amid global conversations on racial justice sparked by movements like Black Lives Matter.
This appointment arrives at a pivotal time for the UK legal sector, which has faced scrutiny over diversity. According to a 2023 report by the Judicial Diversity Statistics, only 1% of senior judges are Black, and representation in prosecutorial leadership remains disproportionately low. Prof. Ononiwu's rise challenges these statistics, potentially paving the way for more inclusive policies. For Nigeria, it reinforces the diaspora's role as a soft power asset; Nigerians in the UK contribute over £3 billion in remittances annually and hold influential positions in finance, healthcare, and now, unequivocally, in justice.
NiDCOM's celebration extends beyond rhetoric. The commission often organizes events, such as the annual Diaspora Day, to showcase such successes and facilitate networking. Prof. Ononiwu's story is likely to be highlighted in future engagements, inspiring young Nigerians to pursue international careers without forsaking their roots. Her Igbo heritage, with its emphasis on education and resilience— encapsulated in the proverb "Onye kwe, Chi ya ekwe" (If a person agrees to a thing, their personal god will agree)—mirrors her journey.
Looking ahead, expectations are high. As Director-General, Prof. Ononiwu is poised to influence reforms in digital prosecution, victim support, and hate crime policies. Her trailblazing path may encourage similar appointments, fostering a more representative legal system that reflects the UK's multicultural fabric.
In essence, Prof. Grace Chidozie Ononiwu CBE's appointment is more than a personal victory; it is a collective triumph for the Nigerian diaspora, a catalyst for change in global institutions, and a powerful reminder that excellence knows no borders. As Hon. Dabiri-Erewa aptly noted, it propels us toward "even greater heights," with ripple effects felt from East London to Abuja and beyond.
