In a historic stride towards diversity and inclusion, Dr. Olusimbo Ige, a Nigerian native, has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, marking her as the first black woman to hold such a prestigious position.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), unveiled the groundbreaking news, who expressed her joy and admiration for Dr. Ige's extraordinary accomplishment. In a congratulatory message, Dabiri-Erewa hailed the moment as "history made" and commended Ige for becoming a trailblazer in public health.
"Congrats to the first black woman in the history of Chicago Department of Public Health to be appointed as Commissioner," remarked Dabiri-Erewa. She emphasized that Dr. Ige's achievement once again validates the remarkable contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora, showcasing their ability to excel and make a positive impact wherever they are.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, a spokesperson for NIDCOM, conveyed Dabiri-Erewa's call for Dr. Ige to live up to the high expectations of her new role. The NIDCOM boss urged Ige to serve as an inspiration for other young Nigerian professionals, encouraging them to be exemplary ambassadors of their country in their respective fields.
Dr. Olusimbo Ige's appointment comes on the heels of Mayor Brandon Johnson's approval, following the dismissal of Dr. Allison Arwady, the former commissioner at the Chicago Department of Public Health in the United States. Ige brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously served as the managing director of programs at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a non-profit public health organization based in New Jersey.
As Dr. Ige steps into this historic role, she faces the responsibility of not only leading the Chicago Department of Public Health but also serving as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals, particularly women of color, in the field of public health. The appointment reflects a positive step towards increased diversity and representation in leadership positions, setting a powerful precedent for future generation
