By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Mr. Mewhenu Hosu and copy of the books |
BADAGRY, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA – In a landmark event for Nigerian cultural heritage, author Mewhenu Hosu has launched two books, "Reflections in Ogu Anthropology" and "Footprints and Tributes: Ogu Hall of Fame," thrusting the rich history and contributions of the Ogu people into the limelight.
The dual launch, held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the historic city of Badagry, was celebrated as a significant step toward correcting centuries of historical oversight.
The motivation behind this ambitious literary project, as Hosu revealed to journalists, stems from a deep-seated desire to rectify the historical silence surrounding the Ogu people. "For several centuries, they've made a lot of contributions to the building of modern Nigeria, but history has remained almost silent about their deeds, contributions, and gallantry," Hosu stated.
He emphasized that the books were conceived to provide this "missing link," with "Reflections in Ogu Anthropology" delving into the culture and worldview of the people, while "Footprints and Tributes" highlights the heroic contributions of specific Ogu heroes and heroines.
Hosu passionately framed the work as essential for identity and self-knowledge. "Identity is an important thing; this makes you who you are as a human. Whoever does not have a grip of his identity will find himself lost," he asserted.
Addressing the Ogu community directly, he declared, "To every Ogu person, it's an important thing to get a copy of this book... Ogu people are strong and powerful, as intelligent as any other human on earth. We are not second-place citizens; we are as legitimate as every other Nigerian." This powerful statement underscores the books' role as a tool for cultural affirmation and pride.
Dr. Steve Surulere Agboyinu, the chief launcher who launched the book with #2 million commended the initiative, urging, "Every Ogu man should read this book. As an African man, you need to learn to tell your story so the language can keep on surviving... Our young people should be proud of who they are as an Ogu person." His sentiments highlight the critical role of such literature in preserving intangible heritage and inspiring future generations.
Representing the event's chairman, Dr. Babatunde Abiodun Olusheye, Dr. Odutola Oluyemi Akanbi, the Deputy Rector of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, described the books as "phenomenal and expository." He noted that they celebrate a people who have contributed immensely to national development without due recognition. "This will further encourage our youths that there is no service to one's community that will ever be forgotten,"
Dr. Akanbi said, framing the launch not as an endpoint, but as "a good beginning" for further contributions to the development of the Ogu nation and Nigeria at large through continued communal effort.