Please introduce yourself to us. We’d love to know more about your background, experiences, and what led you to become a leading  African social innovator and human rights activist. 

Professor Nwaocha Ogechukwu is the leading African social Innovator  Leader in Human Right Activism and Peace Advocacy for social justice and the Liberation of African man from socio-cultural discrimination to fight inequality through the Abolition of the Practice of caste system and to reintegrate Africans into the African society into the societal Socio-Economic life for nation building and Sustainable Democracy. Through his Activism, He has provided decisive impulses for the development of liberal civil society in African society through the Abolition of the caste system in South Eastern Nigeria which covers the entire Igbo Community to promote peaceful coexistence, peaceful cohabitation of Igbo families, Advocate for the Right of caste on equality and promote total unity of  Igbo communities for proper integration for nation’s peacebuilding to tackle SDG  9 on inequality and create an adaptable environment for people of different socio-cultural backgrounds to coexist Peacefully in African society. Professor Nwaocha  Ogechukwu was first appointed Imo State Peace Ambassador by Imo State  Government Bureaus of Conflict Resolution, then followed by Eminent Peace  Ambassador by the International Association of World Peace Advocates,  International Peace Ambassador by Universal Peace Federation (UN peace consultant), and Global Peace Ambassador from Global Peace chain. He has won the Global Social Innovator Leader, India ( for his fight for the Right of the  Culturally suppressed to marry across socio-cultural boundaries which has led to over 1,500 successful marriages), the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award  India, Funmilayo Ransom Kuti Human Rights Award from CAHAR ( CSR-IN ACTION) Nigeria, and Mahatma Gandhi Community Development Award in  Canada and The Most Outstanding Social Innovator Leader Award in India. 

Your advocacy for peace, equality, and the abolition of the caste system is remarkable. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that ignited your passion for social justice and drove you to create positive change in  African society? 

The major factor that led me to initiate the advocacy program is the way the discrimination is intensified in Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu State despite the existence of celebrated intellectual icons, the influence of Christianity and Western education, and the civic life of the western world. First, I have confronted many marital crises in Igbo communities only to find out that it’s a  result of the Practice of the caste system. Secondly, I confronted late Professor  Chinua Achebe’s erroneous definition of Osu and took a bold step to rectify it through academic research. The third experience is the most painful experience we all saw on the media that happened in Anambra State– two young couples committed suicide because their parents refused them to marry due to the practice of the caste system. Even before the suicidal incident, I also discovered that a man ( name withheld) in the same Anambra State poisoned his son to prevent him from marrying Osu lady into his family. Can you now imagine the wickedness encountered in the practice of the Osu, Ume, Ohu, and Diala caste systems? 

Beyond your activism, what are some of your hobbies and interests? How do you strike a balance between your busy schedule and personal life? 

Well, I am a basketball player and also like to swim. Though I enjoy writing stories, both fictional and nonfictional works. But I take my time to balance my busy schedule and personal life by allowing midnights for personal prayers,  normal nights and mornings for writing, and then the normal day for work. Sometimes  I use the weekend for extensive research and try as much as possible to balance it with my Christian ministerial activities.

As an advocate for peace and equality, what are some of the challenges you’ve faced along your journey, and how do you stay motivated and resilient in the face of adversity? 

One of the major challenges I always face is the reactions and antagonism of native kinsmen who value the practice of the caste system as a cultural heritage in rural communities. In one of the communities, I was threatened with witchcraft attacks and leg edema (called acheree in the Igbo language). Some even threaten me on the phone whenever I intervene in a major marital crisis caused by the same socio-cultural problems. I have always succeeded in countering such actions by involving the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Resolution,  Government of Imo State. I am one of their Peace Ambassadors. They respond faster and more positively whenever I engage them with the Nigerian security personnel. It’s not an easy task but through the Bureau’s involvement and my constant sensitization strategies, I have been able to counter the adversity.

Your efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and integration among different Igbo communities are commendable. How do you envision these initiatives contributing to building a more peaceful and sustainable community? 

I see a state, I mean a Nigerian state, in the future where people of different socio-cultural backgrounds, religious fate, and ethnic groups can cohabit and speak with one marginal voice towards better political, economic, socio-cultural, and spiritual endeavors for the enhancement of human capital development and nation building. Currently, I have developed a platform called “MARRIAGE WITHOUT BORDERS” ( MWB). This is where we network with people of different socio-cultural backgrounds to marry despite their cultural, socio-cultural boundaries, and religious differences. First, we created the platform to tackle the practice of the caste system through Marriage Having seen its positive result, we now made it a global platform to cut across religious, ethnic, and sociocultural boundaries. Currently, Muslims and Non- Nigerians are there. 

Beyond your professional achievements, what is one of your fondest memories from your personal life that brings you joy whenever you think about it? 

Being the first African scholar to Develop dynamic methods and theory for the Abolition of Osu, Ume, Ohu, and the Diala caste system through research brings joy to me. I call it “Three phase Models.” Initially, Abolishing the practice was a  problem, but after my research work, Abolition became as easy as ABC to  Communities that respond positively. Currently, my theory is used in UCL (  University College London ) in African studies and studies of slavery. The Imo  state Government has also approved the work as a standard measure for  seminars and workshops on the related field  

How do you recharge and refuel yourself? What activities or practices do you engage in to find balance and maintain your energy to continue making a positive impact in the world? 

My dear, it’s a big challenge to recharge and refuel myself, especially in this fuel increment period, Lol. I like recreation and music because they always give me a sense of welcome and also recharge my energy. 

Currently, the fuel subsidy crisis has intensified inflation in Nigeria. So no time for a jolly outing with my lovely wife. Make we dey manage the jolly for the house – Lol. The major activities I engage myself in to strike a balance are religious activities and listening to music. They help me a lot, but I feel better and recharge whenever I have my midnight prayer. I mean it. As a Christian, I don’t joke with my midnight prayers. 

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be,  knowing what you know now? 

I will advise my younger generation to be dynamic and diversified before being optimistic in their activism. Because the major idea you may develop to tackle a particular Activism program may not work out well if implemented. With diversity, a positive result can come out even from the least expected idea you may not fancy.

Your work is undoubtedly impactful, but must also come with its fair share of challenges. Could you share some of the current challenges you face in your endeavors and how you navigate these challenges and stay committed to your mission despite the obstacles you encounter? 

One of the major challenges I usually encounter is financial sustenance. Sustainability is a very big challenge to every activist. It can be financially sustained, manpower and personnel challenges, confronting adversity, etc.  Sometimes we suspend an accepted idea due to financial challenges to curtail the already running program to help me stay focused on my mission. To start with, fundraising is another challenge in southeastern Nigeria, most especially in Imo  State where I reside. So it’s not always easy, but “ The more I do a better job to  the satisfaction of people, the more God opens more doors to success!”

For those who aspire to follow in your footsteps and make a meaningful impact in their communities, what advice would you give to them? What steps can they take to become effective advocates for equality, peace, and social justice in their contexts? 

My advice for the younger and upcoming Activists is to stay focused,  committed, and courageous to help them confront unexpected adversities. I  will also advise them to try as much as possible to be creative and dynamic to help them succeed through innovation. They can also partner with experienced activists in the related field to help them acquire more knowledge towards success. Finally, the step they can take is to “start from somewhere  before they determine their pace!”