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I was glad when the AGF congratulated me on my birthday last year – Mark Orgu
This weekend, we caught up with the Editor-In-Chief, Afrikanwatch Network, Lagos, Mark Columbus Orgu, a graduate of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and University of Lagos.
His intellectual works and researches has made him an intellectual among his equals. Orgu is the Author, Nigeria in the global Perspective, 2014, Historiography of Orogun, (1&2), 2021 and, Brave and Blunt, Sen. Anthony Adefuye, setting standards and truism, 2024.
Orgu, has now been seen as an intellectual, and has edited Eight Afrikanwatch National Memoir: Should the labour of our Heroes past be in Vain?, Did our founding fathers dream of a united Nigeria,? Nigerians, where do we go from here after 58 years of independence, 1999 constitution and the Nigerian economy, The kind of leaders Nigeria needs, A new Nigeria with innovative ideologies devoid of hypocritical leaders, Arise O Compatriots in the spirit of building one nation, Nigerian politics of today, the quest for national rebirth…reclaiming the identity of a nation.
The Delta state born young journalist has practiced innovative journalism and strategic communication close to 14 years, making waves and becoming a rising star in the profession. He believes that, nothing is greater than self-development and adapting to learning new things. Orgu has written many commentaries in most of the national dailies on critical national issues.
Excerpts
Let’s talk about the Afrikanwatch lecture, what has been your motivation
Well, I have built myself intellectually from the beginning, taking every slightest opportunity around me. That is why, reading and researching especially on leadership, economy and social transformation is now part and parcel of me. I get inspired often time whenever I am in my private closet, or when am reading some political or religious or social ideologies. This has made me different totally from my equals or contemporaries, because, anytime I share some thoughts, it comes with different ideological supports. So, most of my friends call me, the boss. I have met and had interactions with who is who in Nigeria in almost all the sectors of the Nigerian economy, and I have also maintained my integrity and pride, and I have also come to realize that, nothing to struggle for with anybody. I just want to do my things according to my ability and strength. Afrikanwatch has provided that opportunity.
Now, coming to talk about this year’s Afrikanwatch Lecture, titled, The Nigerian Leadership Structure and Its Unsung National Heroes…A look at various media revelations, is a timely thought, because Nigeria should move forward irrespective of the most greedy politicians, who have caged the progress of this great country. The lecture is part of our annual event which will hold on May 3, which will include some distinguished Nigerians coming together to brainstorm ideas on how a nation should be governed, not ruled. Distinguished Nigerians will be honoured at the event. This is our contribution our dear nation.
Tell us how you have been able to navigate the media space
Sincerely, most of my colleagues in the media still wonder how I succeed in the media industry, especially, maintaining high profile, meeting distinguished Nigerians both in politics, economy, social, among others. But I must tell you something; it is the grace of God. The second one is a life of humility, honesty, integrity that I have learnt all this years from my mentors. These three virtues can take anyone to the top. For instance, the current Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Senator Anthony Adefuye, GAC member, Lagos State, Mr. Sam Omatseye, Chairman, Editorial Board, Nation Newspaper, Chief (Dr) Nzeribe Okegbue JP, CEO, Combatant guards Limited, is also my mentor among others. In fact, there are many of them whose names are not mentioned here but their lifestyle has continued to inspire me.
I was surprised last year when I silently marked my 36 years birthday, the AGF sent me a congratulatory message, praising my resilience, hard work and honesty. I didn’t take for granted, even if he has been supporting my vision and dream regularly. Likewise Sen. Adefuye who gave me money too. That is to tell you how they value my contributions to the Nigerian State and humanity at my youthful age.
You published a book on Senate Adefuye last year, tell us a bit about it
Yes, the title of the book is, Brave and Blunt: Sen. Anthony Adefuye, setting standards and truism. The foreword of the book was written by Prof. Solomon Akinboye, former Dean, School of Postgraduate studies, University of Lagos. The book was reviewed by Mr. Sam Omatseye during the Senator’s 80th birthday last year’s August. It tells a story of a democrat and lover of truth, recording very crucial political nightmares of the Senator and his triumphant. It reveals provocative narratives of facts, the fall and rising sunset of the elder statesman. The book came with a documentary evidence of five chapters.
You worked in the office of the Deputy Senate President in the 9th Assembly, tell us your experience.
I don’t think that is necessary for now, but what I can tell you is that, it was an experience that will not be forgotten so soon, as greediness and struggle for relevance among the political appointees of the Deputy Senate president was at its peak. And act of greediness and selfishness created more division within appointees. Some were super Aides, others were ant-aides. But as a media practitioner, who was engaged to do my job professionally, I didn’t struggle but remained patriotic to the service I was engaged to do. As at that time, I fly airline almost every month from Lagos to Abuja.
Thank you for granting us this interview,
My pleasure
