It’s a season of firsts for some Nigerian women in the Diaspora. On the dais for diversity and excellence, another female, Dr. Olusimbo Ige, has also shattered barriers by becoming the first female Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Her achievement is said to be transformative in the pursuit of a lasting impact on the public health landscape.
Mayor’s endorsement
To showcase the weight of her choice as the new Commissioner, it took Mayor Brandon Johnson to broadcast her appointment.
Expressing his confidence in Dr. Ige’s capabilities, he states: “Dr. Ige is a tremendous addition to not just our administration, but to the City of Chicago.
“She is someone who understands the balance between hard data and community interaction when accessing public health problems and solutions.”
Emphasizing her decades of experience in public health, he highlighted her clear-eyed understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the CDPH and the city.
Education
Dr. Ige’s journey to this pioneering feat is rooted in her imposing educational background. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery as well as Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Ibadan (UI). She earned another Masters in Public Health from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
She developed a community health worker programme focused on outreach and engagement with Black communities, as well as spearheading efforts for vaccine equity across the New York City
Professional achievements
Prior to her first appointment in Chicago, Dr. Ige served as the Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from 2020 to 2023.
During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in advising New York City’s health and human services executive leadership team.
Her accomplishments included the development of a community health worker programme focused on outreach and engagement with Black communities, as well as spearheading efforts for vaccine equity across the city.
Accomplishments in leadership
Currently serving as the Managing Director of Programmes at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a nonprofit public health organization based in New Jersey, Dr, Ige has been a key figure in coordination efforts to make public health and healthcare systems more equitable nationwide.
Her strategic thinking and problem-solving skills have been acclaimed to be evident in her role, demonstrating a proven track record of leading complex solutions.
Vision for Chicago
Responding to her appointment, she conveyed her honour in serving the city of Chicago in this role. She also expressed confidence in improving health outcomes for all Chicagoans through collaboration with the Johnson Administration and community members.
Dr. Ige, drawing on her entire career in the public health field, says she is eager to bring her wealth of knowledge to CDPH.
Recognition
Congratulatory messages have poured in for Dr. Ige, with Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) acknowledging her extraordinary achievement.
Its chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Ige’s appointment as a milestone testament to the excellence of Nigerians in the Diaspora, urging her to continue being a positive ambassador for Nigeria.
From New York to Chicago
Dr. Ige’s transition from her role as Assistant Commissioner in New York to the top position at CDPH affirms her leadership skills and expertise. Her experience in overseeing pandemic responses, mental health programmes, housing and health initiatives, violence prevention, and more in New York positions her well for the opportunities and challenges in Chicago.
Ige understands the balance between hard data and community interaction when accessing public health problems and solutions
Her appointment comes three months after the abrupt ouster of Dr. Allison Arwady, the previous commissioner of the CDPH. Mayor Johnson, fulfilling a campaign promise, initiated an extensive research process, resulting in Dr. Ige was nominated as the successor.
Confirmation by the City Council confirmed her and she became the first black woman in history to lead CDPH on a permanent basis.
Though no information is provided on Dr. Ige’s marital status, yet, her appointment is widely described as representing not only a triumph, but also a significant step towards fostering diversity and excellence in public health administration.
