By Ijeoma John, Nnewi
The Faculty of Law at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has held a prestigious ceremony to present an award of excellence to Chief Dr. Simon Nsobundu Okeke (Ochendu), the pioneer former Chairman of Nigeria’s Police Service Commission (PSC).
The high-profile event on July 3, 2026 held at Hollywood event center Awka, Anambra state, recognized Chief Okeke’s decades of meritorious public service, structural reforms in the Nigerian Police ecosystem, and his lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and societal development.
The ceremony was marked by a distinguished gathering of academics, legal luminaries, and government officials.
Among key dignitaries in attendance were: the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha (FNIPR), who hosted the event as part of her ongoing “3Vs” mission (Values, Viability, and Visibility) for the institution.
Speaking, the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebe, presented a strong judicial endorsement of the ceremony, showcasing the deep connection between legal academia and public service accountability.
Also present at the event were professors, staff, and student executives from the COOU Faculty of Law.
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
Chief Dr. S.N. Okeke, widely revered by his traditional title, Ochendu, has left an indelible mark on Nigerian public administration.
Serving as the Executive Chairman of the Police Service Commission from 2001 to 2006 under the Obasanjo administration, he is credited with pioneering institutional oversight, driving recruitment standards, and advocating tirelessly for civil accountability within the police force.
During the award presentation, speakers praised Ochendo for his integrity, his contributions to estate management as a foundational figure in Nigeria’s real estate sector (Knight Frank), and his outspoken advocacy for regional equity and inclusive national governance.
According to them, the award represents more than a token of appreciation, and points to lifetime spent building structures of justice and institutional integrity in Nigeria. They added that Chief Okeke’s legacy remains a guiding light both for the law students and the nation at large.
The recognition by the COOU Faculty of Law points to the university’s commitment to honoring national icons whose lives align with the values of the legal profession, justice, leadership, and service to humanity.
Speaking, Chief Okeke expressed his gratitude to the institution for honoring him, assuring them that he would continue to create positive impacts in building future leaders.
In his speech, titled “The Role of Law and Security Institutions in Protecting Democracy”, Ochendu said law and security institutions were expected to play their roles in the protection of democracy.
“It would seem that the threat to democracy is coming rather unfortunately from the court orders that threaten the sustenance of democracy.
“Our institutions are expected to display independence and professional integrity in order to strengthen our democracy.
“We may be singing the ‘Nunc Dimittis’ for democracy in Nigeria, if our judiciary and our security institutions fail to perform their constitutional functions dispassionately and with proven maximum professionalism and integrity,” he concluded.
