Founding and Early Years
The Knights of St. John International (KSJI) is an ancient Catholic fraternal order, dating back to the Crusades and formally incorporated in New York in 1886 under the patronage of St. John the Baptist . It was introduced in Nigeria in the mid-1970s with the blessing of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) . The Lagos Grand Commandery itself was established shortly thereafter (mid-1990s) to serve Lagos and the surrounding region. In its early years the Lagos Grand was guided by pioneer leaders who laid the foundation for growth; for example, Brigadier-General Patrick Igwilo served as Grand President (with Brigadier-General Felix Kola Olubowale as his immediate predecessor) and helped secure key projects for the Church .
Growth and Expansion
Over the past decades KSJI has flourished in Nigeria. As of 2024, Nigeria counted roughly 10,000 knight members (over 25,000 including Ladies and cadets) in all dioceses . The Lagos Grand Commandery has grown in parallel: at one point it even oversaw commanderies across the entire South-West region (including parts of Edo, Delta and Kwara states) . Today Lagos remains one of the largest state commanderies. It has expanded from a handful of local units to dozens of active Commanderies spread across Lagos and neighboring provinces . Under successive Grand Presidents, the Lagos Grand has nurtured membership through prayer, formation and fraternity, contributing greatly to the national KSJI network.
Notable Projects and Service
The Lagos Grand Commandery has undertaken many landmark projects in service to Church and community:
Seminary Education: In 2014 the Lagos Grand funded and built an 8‑classroom block at St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Abeokuta (serving the Lagos, Ibadan and Benin Provinces). Grand President Brig. Gen. Patrick Igwilo personally presented the new classrooms to Archbishop Martins, earning praise from the Archdiocese for this tangible support of priestly formation . Health and Fitness (Jericho Walk): In May 2025 the Grand Commandery launched the Jericho Walk Sports Fiesta, a family-oriented athletics and health event at the Army Resettlement Centre in Oshodi. Spearheaded by Grand President Brig. Gen. Chuks Amamgbo and Lady Justina Nwankwo, this “maiden edition” featured soccer, badminton, chess and more, all aimed at promoting fitness and fellowship among members . The Jericho Walk, now slated as an annual event, is part of the Order’s modern outreach to families and youth. Family Faith Quiz: For over a decade the Lagos Knights and Ladies have co-sponsored the Archbishop Adewale Martins Catholic Faith Family Quiz, a catechetical competition run in partnership with the Archdiocesan Religious Education Department . This tiered quiz (parish, deanery, regional, finale) encourages scripture study in Catholic families. In 2025 the Lagos Grand helped organize the Grand Finale of the Faith Quiz after Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Ikeja , and in Archdiocesan bulletins it routinely appeared as the sponsor of this faith project . Other Outreach: More broadly, KSJI Nigeria’s leadership notes that the Order “extends beyond spiritual guidance” into church-building, priestly formation and charitable outreach . The Lagos Grand has embodied this by supporting local parishes, educating catechists, and performing works of mercy. For example, Lagos Knights have joined relief efforts after disasters (reflecting national initiatives of “saving souls and helping others” across ethnic and religious lines ).
Leaders and Officers
The Lagos Grand Commandery has been led by distinguished members of the Knights:
Brigadier-General Joachim Chuks Amamgbo – Served as Grand President of Lagos Grand and (in late 2025) became Supreme Subordinate President (national head) of KSJI Nigeria. He is the first Lagosite to attain the national presidency . Brigadier-General Patrick O. Igwilo – A former Grand President of Lagos Grand, later elected Supreme Second-Vice President of KSJI International in 2024 . He helped oversee major projects (like the seminary classroom) and represented Lagos in national affairs. Brigadier-General Felix K. Olubowale – Past Grand President and deputy, who worked alongside Gen. Igwilo in leading the Commandery’s mid-career development . Noble Lady Justina Chinyere Nwakwo – The Lagos Grand Respected President (Ladies Auxiliary leader). She co-chairs major initiatives and mobilizes the Ladies. At the 30th anniversary she reminded all that the Knights and Ladies are “soldiers of Christ who no longer fight with guns, but with the Word of God” . Clerical Advisors: The Lagos Grand is guided by appointed clergy. Its Spiritual Director and chaplains (e.g. Rev. Fr. Vincent Olofinkua in 2024 ) ensure that members grow in the sacraments and align with Catholic teaching.
Together these leaders uphold the Order’s four cardinal ideals – discipline, charity, fraternity and spirituality – inspired by St. John the Baptist (their patron saint) .
Collaboration with the Catholic Church
From the outset the Lagos Knights have worked closely with the Archdiocese of Lagos. They partner in faith and service projects and have received support from the bishops. For example, the annual Catholic Quiz is officially held “in collaboration with [the] Religious Education Department, Lagos Archdiocese” , and Archdiocesan bulletins routinely announce the quiz dates and sponsors . The Knights also contribute to priestly events; a 2019 Archdiocesan newsletter notes KSJI sponsorship of pastoral programs and retreats. Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins has publicly acknowledged the Lagos Grand’s service projects. In 2025 he congratulated the Lagos Knights on their 30th anniversary, urging them “not to drop the ball” but to strive ever higher in their mission . Earlier, when Grand President Igwilo delivered the seminary classrooms, the Archbishop praised the Order’s commitment to education and formation . In all these ways, the Lagos Grand remains a trusted lay partner of the Church, exemplifying its faith in charitable action and family formation.
30th Anniversary Celebrations (2025)
Between October 10–12, 2025 the Lagos Grand Commandery joyfully celebrated its 30th anniversary under the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Service to God and Country.” The festivities were held at the Church of the Ascension (Airport Road, Ikeja) . The national Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was the Special Guest of Honour, and His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu (the Oba of Lagos) was the Royal Father of the Day . Renowned dignitaries attended – for example, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR (Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines) chaired the event planning , and Chief Sir John Nnia Nwodo (former Federal Minister and Ohanaeze President-General) delivered the keynote address .
The three-day program featured a Colloquium, cultural dances, and a spectacular awards ceremony. Grand President Brig. Gen. Amamgbo announced that “awards [would be given] to deserving Knights and Ladies who have used their Time, Talent, and Treasure to foster the ideals of the Order” . A highlight was a Gala Banquet and Mass of Thanksgiving uniting clergy and laity. The event combined solemn homage to tradition (march-past processions, prayers, Bible recitations) with dynamic displays of Nigerian pageantry. As the Ladies’ Grand President Noble Sis. Nwakwo said, the members “will line out in their numbers to showcase their journey these 30 years” – truly “soldiers of Christ who no longer fight with guns, but with the Word of God.”
Vision and Programs Beyond the 30th Year
In the wake of the 30th anniversary, the Lagos Grand Commandery has charted a forward-looking course. At the December 2025 national convention, Lagos GP Amamgbo was elected Supreme Subordinate President of KSJI Nigeria . In his acceptance he outlined a unifying vision for the Order: a discipline‑rooted, performance‑driven fraternity that serves as a moral compass for society . Key priorities include leadership development, youth engagement, membership growth, financial stability and a reinforced culture of service . Lagos initiatives will align with this vision. For example, the Jericho Walk is now an annual health-and-fellowship event, while the Family Faith Quiz and other catechetical programs continue to deepen Catholic formation.
The Lagos Grand Commandery remains organized under its Grand President (now Sir Paulinus Nwankwo, elected 2025) with a supporting Board of Officers, Grand Respected President (Ladies), committees and a Spiritual Director. All activities are carried out in communion with the Archdiocese and wider KSJI network. In every initiative and ceremony, the Lagos Knights and Ladies honor their patron’s example: humble service. As one veteran Knightsman observed at their Golden Jubilee planning, the Lagos Order’s focus on discipline, charity, fraternity and spirituality keeps them “speaking out against societal ills while serving with compassion and discipline” .
Through three decades the Lagos Grand Commandery has faithfully upheld the Church’s mission of “saving souls and helping others.” Embracing both tradition and innovation, its members continue to live by their motto – indeed as “soldiers of Christ” armed only with faith and charity – ensuring the Knights of St. John remain a vibrant force for good in Lagos and beyond.
Knights of St. John International, Lagos Grand Commandery 