The life and times of Dr. Sir Paddy Kemdi Njoku

It was a Scottish Minister, Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), who wrote the popular Christian hymn: _“Fading Away like the morning stars; losing their light in the glorious sun-Thus would we pass from the earth and its toil. Only remembered by what we have done.”_

The chorus emphasizes that individuals are remembered by their deeds rather than their existence.

As family, friends, well-wishers, and indeed, the nation, prepare to accord a befitting farewell to Dr. Sir Paddy Kemdi Njoku, KSS, KSJI, FICMC, a cerebral scholar, accomplished public administrator, chartered mediator, cultural ambassador, devout Catholic faithful and distinguished diplomat, it has become obvious that he would be remembered solely by what he did while he sojourned here on earth.

Dr. Sir Paddy Njoku, popularly known by his traditional title, Omenuko aku, passed on in Abuja on May 26th, 2026 at the age of 75. Until his demise, Dr. Njoku was the President of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Director General of the International Institute for Leadership and Governance (INILAG) and former Chairman of the Governing Board of National Examinations Council (NECO).

Dr. Njoku was born to the family of John Nwaoloo Njoku and Serena Akwaugo Njoku in Okwunakwu, Umuaghara, Uvuru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State on 28th August, 1950. Through the dint of hard work and perseverance, he weathered a debilitating economic background and rose to become one of Nigeria`s most formidable public intellectuals, and advocates for peace, leadership and national development.

His childhood was marked by hardship following the death of his father during the Nigerian Civil War. With the support of his former Headmaster, Sir. J. N. Akalefu, he completed his secondary education at Ife Grammar School, Mbaise, where a moment of public embarrassment in a French class became the turning point that inspired him to master the language. His relentlessness earned him distinction in French and ultimately opened the door to an international career.

Njoku obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French from the University of Ibadan and pursued further studies at the Universite de Bordeaux III, France. He later acquired a Master of Science (M.Sc) Degree in the Management of Public Enterprises and a Doctorate in Public Administration, reflecting his lifelong commitment to scholarship and learning.

Dr. Njoku was a versatile leader with an adventurous spirit. During his sojourn in the Republic of Cameroun, he established Safari Publishers Limited and later expanded into other areas of business, including communications, maritime transportation, and industrial fishing.

It is important to note that in the course of his glorious public career, he became the President of the Nigerian Community in the Republic of Cameroon. In that position, Dr. Njoku served as a rallying point for all Nigerians in the country. Through his far-sighted leadership, he was able to unite, defend, and protect the interests of all Nigerians in Cameroon.

Dr. Njoku, a respected community leader and cultural icon was actively involved in several socio-cultural organizations, including Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella body for the Igbo nation in Nigeria. He was a man very close to his roots and was always ready to showcase the Igbo culture at any opportune time. In Abuja, where he resided, he once served as the President of the Imo community. He also served as a Member of the Judicial Service Commission of Imo, his home State. In all the positions he held, he gave out his best, and was held in high esteem.

Omenuko, as he was fondly called, was a quintessential icon who profoundly impacted his generation. He was a man of poise, elegance, and impeccable character. Dr. Njoku was imbued with remarkable wisdom and transcendental knowledge.
His life exemplified excellence, selflessness, service, and humility. He was a polyglot endowed with immense networking skills.

A devoted Catholic, he worshipped at the Catholic Church of the Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja. He was national Grand Patron of the Catholic Men`s Organization (CMO), serving his parish and other churches at various state levels. He was also Grand Patron of the Blessed Iwene Tansi Igbo Catholic Community and Catholic Couples for Christ, and held several other significant leadership roles within the Catholic Church. In recognition of his outstanding services, he was honoured as a Knight of St. John International (KSJI) and later invested as a Knight of the Papal Order of St. Sylvester (KSS).

The loss of Dr. Paddy Njoku has created a huge void which may be difficult to fill. With his exit, the nation has lost a quintessential leader, a man of the people, a cultural ambassador, and a great repository of knowledge.

Activities leading to his committal to mother earth commenced in Abuja on Monday, 3rd August, 2026 where a Requiem Mass was held in his honour at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja, followed by a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs on Tuesday, 4th August, 2026 at the Boardwalk Fun City, Utako, Abuja.

His body would be laid to rest at his country home, Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State today, Thursday, 13th August, 2026, after a Funeral Mass at St. Raphael`s Catholic Church, Okwunakwu, Uvuru, Mbaise in Imo State.

Dr. Paddy Njoku was a great man who lived life to the fullest. In the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), the famous 19th-century American poet, “lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, and departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time”.
Omenukoaku left indelible footprints in the sands of history.

Amongst those left to mourn him are Barrister Ogechi Njoku (daughter) and HE. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, and ex-Governor of Imo State (brother-in-law).

As we prepare to lay his body to rest, we pray to God Almighty to grant his soul eternal repose.

Adieu Dr. Sir Paddy Njoku !

Adieu Omenuko Ndigbo!!

Jee ije gi nke oma !!!