Raymond Amanze Njoku (August 1915 – 1977) was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, politician, and nationalist, whose contributions were pivotal to Nigeria’s journey to independence. A native of the Eastern Region, he began his career as a successful lawyer in Aba between 1949 and 1954. His influence grew when he succeeded Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the President of the Igbo State Union of Nigeria and also served as Vice President of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
Njoku’s early attempt to secure a regional political seat in 1951 was unsuccessful. However, in 1954, his political fortunes changed when he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives, paving the way for his rise to national prominence. He served in various cabinet positions, including Minister of Commerce and Industry, and later, Minister of Transport and Aviation, holding office from 1954 to 1966.
Njoku played a critical role in Nigeria’s independence. As Minister of Trade and Industry, he endorsed the historic motion for independence on 1 October 1960, which was moved by Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. His leadership and diplomacy were recognized on the international stage when he served as Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He famously addressed British parliamentarians, including Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, at the Guildhall in London, advocating for Nigeria’s future on equal footing with other nations.
Today, Raymond Njoku’s legacy endures, symbolized by a street in Ikoyi that bears his name, a tribute to his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress and sovereignty.
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment