By Prof. Echefuna’ R G ONYEBEADI

Omenuko of the universe! (as I fondly call him), the shocking news of Chief Dr Sir Paddy Njoku’s demise was very devastating for me!

I had imagined that it couldn’t be true until the reality dawned on me.

My very beloved Ambassador Plenipotentiary, Chief Dr Sir Paddy Njoku, was an extraordinary, uniquely different, rare gem and an epitome of honour, dignity and high integrity.

Omenukoaku (one who performs wonderfully well in the midst of scarcity), wasn’t a chance title of Dr Sir Paddy Njoku, it was indeed his reality. He excelled where many are still struggling to attain.

Chief Dr Sir Paddy Njoku, was many things rolled into one – enigmatic international entrepreneur, diplomat, administrator, motivator, innovator, mentor, humanist, humourist, thinker, cultural and peace icon, consultant, historian, librarian, researcher, leader, philosopher and much more. Indeed, his type is rare in generations!

A very distinguished polyglot, Dr Sir Paddy Njoku, was an outstanding wordsmith!

The way he coins and joins letters to form words with unique meanings is like writing a new world dictionary!

Chief Dr Sir Paddy Njoku’s uncommon mastery of his native Igbo language, impeccable English, French, Latin and so many other languages sets him out in a class of his own!

Ambassador Sir Dr Paddy Njoku’s environment speaks volumes of who he was! The approach through to the inner recess of his residence depicts uncommon glamour, order, decency and artistic candour.

The reception arena through into his personal office and private study are a gallery of sorts, visual library, collections of highly valuable memorabilia, neatness, orderliness and very impressive majestic domain!

A very quintessential, enigmatic and highly cerebral trailblazer, Chief Dr Sir Paddy Njoku had been privileged to serve Nigeria meritoriously at top levels including being Chairman of National Examination Council (NECO), without any blemish.

A well sought after and highly valued Master of Ceremonies of national and international importance, any event Dr Sir Paddy Njoku anchored, always leaves lingering pleasurable and highly cherished memories.

Omenuko of the universe, Chief Dr Sir Paddy Njoku, we both shared very deep ethical values, high integrity factor, uncommon vision for a much better Nigeria, Africa and the entire World among others.

A very devout charismatic Catholic Christian, Dr Sir Paddy Njoku had received many Papal (Pope) recognitions, awards and high ranking knighthood of the Catholic Church, among several other national and international awards.

A very loving family man, Ambassador Chief Dr Sir Paddy Njoku, had been an exemplary loving husband to a very darling wife, committed widower and remained a single parent to his lovely four children of two males and two females, to the very end.

May the soul of Excellency, Ambassador Chief Dr Sir Paddy Njoku continually find eternal peace in the bosom of God Almighty!

May God Almighty grant the children, family, friends, associates and all of us, the fortitude to bear the irreparable and irreplaceable loss, in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ!

•His Royalty, Professor Echefuna’ R G ONYEBEADI (DBA; PhDs; CEng. Etc), United Nations Fellow, is The Inegbese of Oligbo Kingdom.