His Worship, Onome Nwankwo, is a Chief Magistrate in the Anambra State Judiciary and currently serves as the Administrative Chief Magistrate of the Okpoko Magisterial District, Ogbaru Local Government Area. She is the Chairperson of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra State Chapter (2022–date), and presently serves as the Acting National President of the Association, providing strategic leadership at the national level.
Her educational journey began at Victory Primary School, Benin City, before she proceeded to University Secondary School, Ekpoma (1989–1995). She obtained a Diploma in Public Administration from Edo State University (1996–1998), and thereafter earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree with a Second Class Upper Division from Ambrose Alli University (1998–2002). She attended the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja (2003–2004) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2004.
She began her legal career in private practice in 2004 with the reputable firm of Oseloka Osuigwe & Co., SAN. In 2007, she was appointed as Magistrate Grade 11 and, through diligence, judicial excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice, rose to the rank of Chief Magistrate Grade 1 on Grade Level 17.
A trailblazer within the Nigerian Magistracy, His Worship made history in 2024 as the Editor-in-Chief of Selected Judgments of Magistrates in Anambra State, a pioneering publication widely regarded as the first of its kind in Nigeria. This landmark work has significantly enriched the legal scholarship and elevated the intellectual visibility of Learned Magistrates within the justice sector.
Her commitment to justice sector reform is profound. She serves as a dedicated foot soldier of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee in Anambra State and as an ACJA Ranger with the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Abuja, where she has contributed meaningfully to advancing criminal justice reforms.
His Worship has participated in numerous professional trainings, conferences, workshops as well as international programmes. She currently serves as a trainer for the Nigerian Police Force, Anambra Command under the RoLAC and International IDEA programmes (2024 till date). She is a resource person for the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Abuja.
In recognition of her outstanding service, she made history in 2025 as the first Magistrate to receive the Best Magistrate in Nigeria Award from the National Community Policing Campaign (NCPC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) She received an Award for Excellence in the Legal Profession (2025) from University Secondary School, Ekpoma, her Alumni as the only Magistrate the institution has produced. She was also honoured by the Nigerian Bar Association, Aguata Branch in (May 2026) with Exceptional Judicial Integrity and Leadership Award.
A devout Christian, she is a Lady Knight of St. Christopher under the Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion), a recipient of the Episcopal Merit Award from the Bishop of Esan Diocese (Anglican Communion, 2023). She was honoured with A Golden Mummy Award by Chapel of Redemption, Nnewi (2022), and A Woman of Excellence Award by St John the Divine Church, Awka (2026). She is a committed member of the Women’s Guild and Mother’s Union.
His Worship is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association and the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), among others.
She is happily married to Barr. (Sir) Chijioke Nwankwo, and they are blessed with three children.
A woman of remarkable intellect, grace, and vision, His Worship Onome Nwankwo’s career has been distinguished by excellence, exemplary leadership, continuous personal growth, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she exemplifies a devout Christian character, remaining steadfast in her faith, unwavering in her devotion to God, and selfless in her service to humanity.