The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Foundation (PANDEF), Dr. Godknows Igali, has urged the Federal Government to immortalise Dr. Paddy Kemdi Njoku for his contributions to Nigeria.
Igali made the call while speaking at a Night of Tributes and Service of Songs held in Abuja in honour of Njoku, a former Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), who recently died.
He described the late Njoku as a patriotic Nigerian who risked his personal safety to protect the interests of Nigerians living and conducting businesses in Cameroon during a difficult period in relations between both countries.
According to Igali, Njoku played a crucial role in defending Nigerians during the diplomatic tensions surrounding the Bakassi Peninsula dispute.
Igali, who served as Nigeria’s Consul-General in Cameroon during the period, recalled that Nigerians in the country faced intense pressure and increased security surveillance as tensions escalated.
He said Njoku, who was then President-General of the Nigerian community in Cameroon, stood firmly with Nigerians and worked to protect their interests despite the risks involved.
The PANDEF chairman said Njoku’s intervention was particularly significant because millions of Nigerians were living and doing business in Cameroon at the time.
He described the deceased as not only a community leader but also a successful entrepreneur who built businesses spanning shipping and publishing.
However, Igali said the pressure and threats associated with Njoku’s activities eventually took a heavy toll on his business interests, leading to the collapse of his ventures and his eventual return to Nigeria.
Beyond protecting Nigerians, Igali credited Njoku with contributing to efforts aimed at easing tensions between Nigeria and Cameroon.
He described the late community leader as a man committed to peace and dialogue, saying his mediation efforts helped create conditions for improved relations between the two countries.
Igali therefore called on the Nigerian government to formally recognise Njoku’s sacrifices and contributions to the country.
“Nigeria owes him a debt of gratitude for standing up for Nigerians when their protection was most needed,” Igali said.
He added that Njoku’s life should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians who work to protect their compatriots and promote the country’s interests beyond its borders.
Other prominent Nigerians who paid tribute to the late Njoku included Cardinal John Onaiyekan, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja; Senator Chris Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State; and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State.
Former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke; former Executive Secretary of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr. Carol Ndaguba; and former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who was also Njoku’s brother-in-law, were among those who honoured his memory.
Speakers at the gathering highlighted Njoku’s leadership, patriotism, entrepreneurial achievements and commitment to peace, while reflecting on the impact he made during his lifetime.