By Chigozie Igbo Jr
At 90, many slow down, retreating quietly into the comfort of memory. But for Chief (Dr) Simon Nsobundu Okeke, former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, age has become less a marker of decline and more a testament to endurance, purpose, and grace. As he marked his 90th birthday, Dr. Okeke reflected on a life defined not merely by titles held or offices occupied, but by values lived and principles upheld.
Calm, reflective and full of gratitude, the elder statesman looked back on nine decades of service, family, and faith with a rare sense of fulfilment. His story is one of quiet impact , a reminder that true greatness often speaks softly.
Born and raised within the rich tapestry of Igbo tradition, Dr. Okeke’s formative years were guided by lessons of hard work, honesty, respect for elders and communal responsibility. These values, instilled early by his father, became the compass by which he navigated life.
“I was raised to value decency and integrity,” he recalls. “Those things stay with you if you allow them.”
That moral grounding would later define his public career. Drawn naturally to public service, Dr. Okeke devoted his working life to institutions meant to safeguard order, justice and human dignity. His rise to the position of Chairman of the Police Service Commission marked the peak of a career committed to strengthening governance, accountability and respect for human rights within Nigeria’s policing system.
Colleagues and observers alike describe his tenure as one marked by vision, balance and principled leadership — qualities increasingly rare in public life.
At 90, Dr. Okeke is often asked the same question: what is the secret to a long and healthy life? His answer is simple, almost disarming.
“Peace,” he says. “Peace with yourself and with others.”
To him, longevity is not accidental. It is cultivated through moderation, emotional balance and moral clarity. He speaks openly about the dangers of stress, dishonesty and living a life at odds with one’s conscience.
“Nothing reduces life span so much as stress, living a false life, and being negative,” he notes. “Try as much as you can to maintain integrity and honesty in all your dealings.”
He also credits healthy living,to eating right and exercising regularly ,but insists that inner peace matters just as much as physical discipline. His relationship with his children, he says with a smile, is built on harmony and mutual respect. “If you see me with my children, you will think we are of the same age. We are all in peace.”
Despite a career that placed him at the centre of national responsibility, Dr. Okeke remains strikingly modest. There is no bravado in his recollections, no attempt to impress or exaggerate his role in history. Instead, he speaks with the calm assurance of someone comfortable with who he is and what he stands for.
“I don’t try to impress people by what I do,” he says. “I belong to the old Igbo values.”
His words reflect concern about a society increasingly driven by noise, haste and self-promotion, especially among the younger generation. Yet there is no bitterness in his tone
,only a gentle reminder of enduring virtues: respect, restraint and responsibility.
Faith, he says, has also played a central role in keeping him grounded. Through success and challenge alike, he has leaned on gratitude rather than entitlement, service rather than self-glorification.
As family, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate his 90th birthday, tributes flowed not just for Dr. Okeke’s professional achievements, but for the man he has been to those around him, a mentor, a father figure, a voice of reason.
His life offers a powerful lesson: that legacy is not measured solely by positions held, but by lives touched and values transmitted. In an era of fleeting fame and fragile institutions, his story stands as proof that character still matters.
“I’m grateful to God for His mercy and blessings,” Dr. Okeke says, his voice steady with emotion. “I’ve lived a good life, and I’m at peace with myself and others. That is the greatest wealth I could ask for.”
At 90, Chief (Dr) Simon Nsobundu Okeke is not just still going strong he is standing tall as a symbol of integrity, humility and purposeful living. His journey reminds us all that a life well-lived is one anchored in peace, service and truth.