Photo: Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach, renowned Nigerian author and activist, leads the charge for societal reform through his powerful words and revolutionary philosophies.
Empowering Youth for a Better Nigeria and Africa
Esteemed author Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach discusses his groundbreaking philosophies, blending activism and literature, youth empowerment, the role of journalism, and his global impact through translated works, advocating for societal reform.
I degu Ojonugwa Shadrach stands as a towering figure in contemporary literature, journalism, and activism. His profound influence transcends borders, with his voice resonating in multiple languages and cultures. A steadfast advocate for humanity, Shadrach’s work masterfully combines activism, philosophy, and poetry, making him a rare and indispensable voice in addressing the complexities of human existence. His literary contributions, such as The Revolutionary Subjects of Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach, The Letters of Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach, and Measures of Politics and Religion in Humanity, are more than books—they are catalysts of societal reflection and transformation, embodying his commitment to intellectual and social reform.
With accolades for literary excellence and recognition for his contributions to global discourse, Shadrach’s intellectual depth is matched only by his compassion. His conceptual legacy, including the widely discussed “Shadrachology” and its extensions—Ideguology, Ojonugwaology, and Aruwaology—reveals a visionary mind dedicated to unifying philosophy, understanding, and wisdom for the upliftment of humanity. His works, translated into several major languages, have significantly broadened his reach, amplifying his call for justice, inclusion, and the protection of human dignity across the globe.
This interview delves deeply into the mind of an author who has seamlessly woven his journalistic expertise with his passion for change, using the written word to challenge socio-political norms and ignite dialogue. Shadrach’s dedication to youth empowerment, his aspirations for a reformed Nigeria, and his transformative approach to literature as a tool for activism offer insights that inspire and challenge in equal measure. It is with great pride that we present this thought-provoking conversation with a man who has refused to stand silent in the face of injustice—a true revolutionary of the pen.
Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach is a literary genius whose works inspire global change, combining activism, philosophy, and compassion in transformative ways.
What inspired you to create the concept of “Shadrachology” and how did it evolve into such a broad philosophical framework?
Very proudly, my wealth of experience and reflections of transactions between humans and natures has empowered and energized my creative faculty to come in terms with a collaborative terrain in exploring and institutionalizing my depth of knowledge and level of understanding –the sole wisdom. Having seen divergent souls of learning and teaching, I have come to terms with conditions – knowledge and understanding under an umbrella. It is kindly integrated into loving wisdom to sparehearded illusions of time. Shadrachology is birthed to glorify knowledge and understanding under a singular umbrella. Life is philosophical, and to live a balanced relationship between time and nature of humanity, we all collectively strive to trend wisdom in everything. That is what transpired me to evolve the concept of Shadrachology, which has an extension of Ideguology, Ojonugwaology, and Aruwaology. All these concepts focus on awakening the humans’ appreciation of bloom taxonomy – the four types of human knowledge. I love humanity, and I can’t stop looking for a way to contribute my quarter. I put it straight that this concept is one of my contributions to see a better humanity. To that end, every day transactions with humans and natures drive me closer to the depth of universe and it is equally one of the things that inspired me to create the concept of “Shadrachology”, which also gave birth to Ideguology, Ojonugwaology and Aruwaology. All these concepts have been put together and published under a title called “The Revolutionary Subjects of Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach.”
“Shadrachology is birthed to glorify knowledge and understanding under a singular umbrella.” – Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach
Many of your works blend activism, philosophy, and poetry – how do you balance these different elements in your process?
Equivocally, a huge part of my writing is measured on political discourse and hypotheses. When it comes to inclusively changing the odds of society, it is important to bring deeper words that can penetrate through the minds and hearts of political figures and leaders. It is on that note that I have employed these basics of environmental reforms and transformational elements into my writing – published books, scholarly articles, and political opinions on newspapers. It has been easy for me to bring the light of Activism, philosophy, and poetry together in my writing as they share similar arts and acts of work in transforming humanity. I have taken activism physically and in writing. What I do write, I do practicalize along, and each time I go about activism, philosophy, and poetry, I am within my soul. So, blending these three elements in my writing makes my work so humanitized. Putting them together in my writing has made my work deeper in a pool of message.
“A good writer has no big difference from an activist.” – Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach
Your books often touch on social and political reform: how has your background in journalism influenced your literary voice?
I see journalism as a balanced trade between social and political landscapes. Having a kind background in environmental reportage, it has helped me to write more on critical issues affecting citizens, it has enriched my stories with factual facts with a touch of human differences in dealing with societal issues. In summary, my journalism has influenced some of my political social works and has a direct blueprint on my activism as I do engage in columns reflecting my area of activism.
Several of your works have been translated into multiple languages – how has this global reach impacted your message and audience?
Honestly, it is a great thing to see some of my books translated into Spanish, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Hindu, French, and the host alike. These translations have helped my message reach a global audience. I thank all my translators who find something good about my writing for helping me reach a wider audience across the globe. With this, I am happy to say that my writing is acquired globally.
Could you share more about your experience working with various international journals and how that shapes your perspectives on African literature?
Yes. I serve as an editorial member of BrilliancePublisher, a reviewer with the African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, and B. P. International Publisher. This opportunity has plugged me into a real knowledge of African literature. Indeed, Africa is rich in culture, and culture is the benchhall of literature. My experience on these journals has encouraged me to buy a lot of workings on African literature.
In “Mask Uncovered,” you critique Nigeria’s democratic system; what specific changes do you are essential for true reform?
Truly, Nigeria governance is democratically declined. In everyday issues of Nigeria, it plugs me into complex thinking. In every sitting to look into the future of my dear Nigeria, I would always end up writing an article or a poem. In my book “Mask Uncovered,” it is an envelope of constructive criticisms. I pointed out a lot of things that can be essential for a better Nigeria, and amongst them are political inclusion of youth, restructuring of electoral processes, check and balances, and citizens’ full representation in governance without sentiments of all kinds and the host alike.
How do you see the role of youth in shaping the future of Nigerian and African governance as reflected in your writings?
The role of youths in any government remains sacrosanct. Nigeria youths are politically declined following great measures that have hindered their possibilities of getting positioned. In all indications, it will be a revolutionary package if Nigerian youth and African youth should get involved in full political participation and dividends. Nigeria has a youth population worth 70 percent. The demands of the youths are ever different. For that reason, if Nigerian and African youths are given full political representation, then the problems of Nigeria and Africa would be half solved. In my writing, all I have advocated is youth inclusion and exclusive governance. At the moment, if these are taken care of, Nigeria and Africa will explore more than before. In the same spirit, the youth and aged political leaders are admonished to open conferences and summits to discuss pressing issues and to attempt a squarely presented solutions.
What advice would you give to emerging authors who wish to use literature as a tool for activism and social change?
In all my interviews and a few of my published articles, I have encouraged the emerging authors to always use literature, the father of the moral societal change to help citizens have their rights and voices before the political leaders. Writing is the easiest way to campaign for the less privileged in society. A good writer has no big difference from an activist. Therefore, the emerging authors are duly advised again to carry the mantle of writing basically on activism. We write to see better changes in the societies. Activists protest and campaign for better changes. These are similar. To that fact, the emerging authors must write without fears. Tell the truth. That is what distinguished us among other professions.
