CHINWE MAUREEN DIKE

DECEMBER 9, 1954 – MAY 20, 2015

Chinwe Dike touched many lives. Her striking personality and extraordinary achievements have left an enduring impact on the lives of many, even acquaintances. It is difficult to recount her accomplishments, without mentioning her deep commitment to excellence. These are clearly demonstrated in every facet of her life, academic, professional and personal.

Chinwe was a loving daughter, sister and aunt, who was always ready to offer support to family, friends and colleagues. She was spiritual with a natural gift of perception. Generous, free spirited and filled with the determination and fortitude to excel, she was regal, strong and carried out her professional duties with a sense of integrity and authority.

Academic Achievements: Chinwe graduated from Wellesley College with honors in 1976 and proceeded to study law at Girton College, Cambridge University, United Kingdom where she earned a law degree. She later proceeded to earn the LLM from Harvard Law School, and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar and the State of New York.

Professional Accomplishments: Her career was varied and outstanding. She practised law, starting with a brief stint at Csaplar and Bok in Boston, and later became Staff Counsel at Barclays Bank, New York; and Assistant Corporation Counsel at the City of New York Office of the Corporation Counsel, Economic Development Division (EDD). She was appointed Deputy Counsel, City of New York, Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Her legal background and experience with the City of New York prepared her for a successful career and outstanding accomplishments at the United Nations. Her career with the United Nations spanned more than 20 years, culminating with the position of Resident Coordinator/Resident Representative (RC/RR) for Gambia, which she held until she retired in 2014. Chinwe held various positions at the United Nations, prior to her appointment as RC/RR in Gambia. She was Deputy Resident Representative and Programme Director at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zimbabwe, followed by an appointment as UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Swaziland.

Personal Life: Chinwe’s sense of style, regal bearing and integrity is very much grounded in her background. As the first daughter of accomplished parents, Professor and Mrs Dike, she was “groomed” for success, with the duty of protecting the family name and legacy – a responsibility Chinwe took very seriously and executed perfectly. Her sense of responsibility to family extended to the circle of friends, whom she regarded as family. She was trustworthy, caring and protective of those who were privileged to be included in that family circle.

Chinwe leaves an enduring legacy: sister, brothers, nephews, nieces and a circle of friends, who will truly miss her laughter, wit, analytical mind, style and grace. She is already in heaven, resting, free of pain.

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