Abuja — Rep. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, has described the appointment of Nigeria-born Ms Bunmi Awoniyi as a judge in the U.S. as a landmark achievement.

In a statement in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa (AC-Lagos) said it was gratifying that the US-based was qualified enough to be a judge in the city of California.

She said the appointment had confirmed that "we still have many wonderful Nigerians portraying the good image of the country in their chosen profession.

"More importantly, as a woman, Ms Awoniyi should be celebrated not only by Nigerians but the entire black Africa for making us proud," she said.

While congratulating the new judge on her achievement, she implored her to continue to be a good ambassador of Nigeria and urged other Nigerians in the Diaspora to emulate her.

The lawmaker expressed the hope that more Nigerians living abroad, who had been contributing to the development of their chosen profession, would soon be recognised for landmark appointments.

California State Governor Edmund Brown had last weekend announced that Nigeria-born Ms Bunmi Awoniyi, 48, will be joining the state bench, an equivalent of state high courts in Nigeria.

Her appointment has drawn commendation and inspiration among US-based Nigerians and groups, many of who see it as proof of the sterling qualities of Nigerians resident in the U.S.

According to the statement from the California governor's office, Awoniyi and another new judge, Steven Gevercer, will serve their judgeships in the Sacramento County Superior Court.

Before her appointment, Awoniyi, who is a certified family law specialist, served as a principal attorney with a family law practice since 1994.

NAN