Sir Patrick Okwudili Igwilo has emerged Supreme Second-Vice President of the worldwide Catholic Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI).

He was elected Supreme Second Vice-President at the just concluded KSJI 82nd International and 56th Biennial Convention held in Buffalo, USA, from 16th to 20th July, 2024, and attended by delegates from various countries, including Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Sierra Leone, from Africa.

Sir Igwilo, who is also a Knight of the Pontifical Order of St. Sylvester the Pope is a distinguished Structural Engineer. He had served the Knights of St. John International in various capacities.

He was Supreme Subordinate Secretary of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria, and Grand President of the Lagos Grand Commandery, which covers the Lagos and Ibadan Ecclesiastical Provinces.

Sir Igwilo is from Awkuzu, Anambra State, and resident in Lagos. He is a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church, Akowonjo, Lagos.

His election as Supreme Second Vice-President automatically elevated Sir Igwilo to the rank of Lieutenant-General. Other officers elected at the Convention are Gen. Thomas Deluca, Supreme President, Lt. Gen. Martin Bella, Supreme First-Vice President, Lt. Gen. Chijioke Okafor, Supreme Secretary, Lt. Gen. Terrence McCann, Supreme Treasurer, Maj. Gen Gerald Ganda and Maj. Gen. Donatus Anigbogu, Supreme Trustees.

The Nigerian delegation to the Convention was led by the KSJI Nigeria Supreme Subordinate President, Maj. Gen. (Prof.) Remy Uche. Others in the delegation included Rev. Fr. (Dr) Vincent Olofinkua, Spiritual Director of KSJI Lagos Grand Commandery, and Rev. Fr. Nicholas Ibeneme, CM, Spiritual Adviser of KSJI Lagos Grand Commandery 557, Akowonjo, Lagos.

Knights of St. John International is a fraternal organization in the Roman Catholic Church and has a membership of over 18,000 in Nigeria.  It is 138 years old, having been incorporated in New York, United States of America in 1886, and came to Nigeria in 1976.  

KSJI exists in Catholic Dioceses in Nigeria under the supervision of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).  In addition to teaching the faith and love for the Catholic Church, the Order engages in numerous works of charity.