Early Life and Wartime Leadership: In 1963, the death of his mother compelled Patrick to leave school and find work to support himself. He entered into stewardship with Mr. Sam Okuji in Onitsha, where he hawked groundnuts, afufa and ukwa. After two years he returned to Nkporo and, in 1965, entered the service of Engr. Akpala Iro Onwuka of Etitiama Nkporo, moving with him to Enugu. Later he lived and worked in Ezzamgbo and Awgu. When the Nigerian civil war intensified in 1969, Patrick’s master was conscripted into the Biafran Army, leaving Patrick responsible for their belongings. At that time, he joined the local “Boys Company” in Awgu. Returning to Nkporo the same year, he used his experience to organize and train a local Boys Company drilling and preparing young men to march, defend, and gather intelligence. He rose to command the Nkporo battalion, known locally as “Academias’,” and served as the unit’s General Commander.

Return to Education and School Achievements: After the war ended in 1970, Patrick resumed his education at Nkporo Central School, entering Elementary 3. He distinguished himself academically, finishing first in his class that year and maintaining top positions as he advanced. In 1971, while in Elementary 4, he again finished the year ranked first and also excelled in sports—serving as goalkeeper in a notable 1–0 victory over Ohafia. Persistent financial hardship marked his school years; determined to progress despite limited means, he advanced from Class 4 to Class 6, skipping Class 5 to accelerate completion of his elementary education. Under the mentorship of headmasters such as Mr. Elebua and H.R.H Eze Ogbu Arunsi (late) (Headmaster at Etitiama Elementary School as at then), he continued to work hard and ultimately passed the common entrance examination with credit.
 

He began secondary education at St. Catherine’s Commercial Secondary School, Mberi Owerri, among the first group of students posted to schools without prior choice of placement. He later attended Eziama High School, Aba, up until 1976. Following an interruption that required him to repeat an examination year at Iheorji Secondary School, he continued his schooling under the support and guardianship of his uncle, Dr. Lekwauwa Mang Lekwauwa from Abiriba. 

Business Career and International Experience: Patrick’s commercial instincts developed early. In August 1977 he traveled to Cameroon and entered the textile trade, buying and selling fabrics and building practical business experience. He returned to Aba in 1978 to continue trading. On 29 January 1979, his uncle - Dr. Lekwauwa Mang Lekwauwa, from Abiriba, sent him to the United States of America to source merchandise and learn import practices firsthand; he remained engaged in international trade through 1985, returning to Nigeria with broader knowledge of global business operations. By 1986 he had established his own business enterprise – Patex Resources (Nig) Ltd. and other subsidiary company – in Aba, marking the start of a long entrepreneurial career. 

Community Service and Leadership: Throughout his life Chief Patrick has been deeply committed to community development in Elughu Nkporo and the wider Nkporo area. He has served in leadership roles including Chairman at ceremonies organized by the Nkporo Development Union and as chief donor for projects such as the 1980 electrification initiative in Elughu — a contribution that continues to benefit residents. He donated toward the construction of Nkporo Hall at Aja Road, provided scholarships for young people from his community, paid medical bills for needy families, and regularly supported community projects and celebrations, often acting as chairman of Elughu Day events.
Honors and Recognition: In recognition of his service, Chief Patrick Agu-Orji has received several honors, including the prestigious chieftaincy title of Enyi-Oha I of Nkporo - the highest honor of the land; a certificate of  honor from the Elughu Nkporo Community Development Union, and a Merit Award from the National Association of Nkporo Students (NANS). He also received numerous awards of recognition from various churches within and outside the community among which is award of recognition from St Andrews Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Amurie Parish Nkporo. He is also credited with influencing the rescheduling of the Igwa mang festival in Elughu from 29 December to 31 December, among other local initiatives.
Personal Life: Chief Patrick is happily married and the father of eight children — three sons and five daughters.
He remains respected in his community for his leadership, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial example.