QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department is working with reduced space, which may lead to delays for those with less urgent concerns. Learn more here.
Starting Saturday, December 14, the entrance to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department will change to 1840 Bell Road. Learn more.
Meet Dr. Chidozie "Obi" and Dr. Jane Njoku: A journey to a Nova Scotia community united in support
The Njoku family has made a significant impact on both the medical community and the town of Digby. Dr. Chidozie "Obi" and Dr. Jane Njoku, both dedicated physicians, immigrated from Nigeria and moved to the beautiful town of Digby with their beautiful triplets. Their journey from Nigeria to Canada is one filled with resilience, love, and a deep commitment to community health.
Obi's story begins in Moscow, Russia, where he was born to Nigerian parents who were studying abroad. This multicultural upbringing exposed him to diverse experiences, as his family later moved to India, London, and back to Nigeria. Dr. Obi graduated from medical school in southern Nigeria in 2005, completing training and internships that prepared him for his future career in medicine.
Jane is from the North-Central region of Nigeria and graduated in Plateau in the north-central zone. Her initial dream was to become an accountant, but her mother encouraged her to explore medicine. Once she entered medical school, Jane excelled, eventually becoming a physician with an interest in chronic disease management.
Their paths crossed in Nigeria's healthcare system, where Jane was an intern and Obi served as her mentor. Their professional relationship turned into a personal one when Jane completed her internship in the hospital, and they have since become a dynamic duo in both life and work.
Obi arrived in Nova Scotia in April 2023 starting the 12-week Practice Ready Assessment Program before starting his practice in Digby. Jane followed suit and started her assessments a year later in a different area of the province. In September 2024, Dr. Jane started her practice and joined Obi at the Digby General Hospital.
Shortly after their arrival in Digby, they faced a challenging time when a fire broke out in their home. However, Nancy Whalley, Digby Community Navigator, and the Digby and Area Health Service Charitable Foundation stepped in, providing them with a temporary place to stay, along with donations from the local school, coworkers, and friends, demonstrating the community spirit that defines Digby.
Living by the ocean has its perks, and the Njokus love to walk the Digby boardwalk, enjoying the stunning views and fresh sea air. The couple appreciates the warm-hearted nature of the locals, often commenting on how Nova Scotians are among the friendliest people in Canada. They’ve found a home here, with a strong network of support.
The Njokus embrace family life with their three children. Obi enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending quality time with his family, while Jane loves to cook and play the piano. Their family time often involves exploring the natural beauty of Nova Scotia.
As the Njokus continue to build their lives and careers in Nova Scotia, they invite others to experience the charm of Digby. With whale watching, breathtaking landscapes, and a supportive community, they believe it’s a place where anyone can feel at home.
“Healthcare is a noble profession,” Obi said.
“It comes with challenges, but it’s rewarding to see the impact we can make in our patients’ lives,” Jane said, stating that there’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing her patients recover and thrive.
The Njoku family’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community. Their story is one of hope and healing, proving that sometimes, the best journeys lead us to where we truly belong.
Photo of (L-R) Dr. Chidozie "Obi" and Dr. Jane Njoku.