Meet Ogedegbe Akpos Blessing, A Graduate Of Geology And Mining

OUR guest today is a shortlisted writer at the ongoing Speak Up Literary Award (SULA), September 2025 Edition. A graduate of Geology and Mining from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). His writing journey, challenges, published works, and more will surprise you. Enjoy this wonderful interview session with him.

Question:
Please, can you briefly tell us about yourself?

Answer:
I am Ogedegbe Akpos Blessing, an indigene of Ekakpamre in Ughelli-South. A graduate of Geology and Mining from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). I am married with one child.

Question:
What sparked your interest in writing, and how did you develop your passion for it?

Answer:
The small shelf of old books hung on the wall of our one-room apartment was the beginning of everything. From merely looking at the pictures in the books, I began to have an interest in reading some of the books. From reading, I gradually developed an interest in writing.

Question:
Can you tell us about your earliest writing memories? What kind of stories did you write, and what inspired them?

Answer:
I started writing in secondary school. I wrote essays on cultism, student misconduct/inappropriate teacher behavior, and examination malpractice. In secondary school, I was just writing about anything that came to mind. While in university, my writings were mainly about social vices on campus. I was inspired by personal experience and observation of things around me.

Question:
About Your Writing Style and Influences. How do you balance writing with other responsibilities, such as school or work?

Answer:
For me, as a writer, no matter how busy I am, I must create time to pick a book and read on weekends. If I stay away from books for long, I often find it difficult to express my thoughts in writing. My writing is more creative and imaginative, influenced by authors like Chinua Achebe and S.M.O Aka.

Question:
Who are some authors or writers who inspire you, and why?

Answer:
Chinua Achebe, S.M.O Aka, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. These authors have good narratives, creativity, and vivid descriptions.

Question:
About Your Writing Process. Can you walk us through your writing process? Do you have any specific habits or rituals that help you get creative?

Answer:
When writing, I do a lot of deep thinking. If I’m stuck and can’t write any further, I stop writing and try to have some quiet time. I engage myself with other books, listen to Urhobo traditional songs, walk to the marketplace to observe people and their behavior. From there, I can just get inspired again.

Question:
How do you approach writer’s block or creative slumps?

Answer:
My approach to writer’s block is to get inspired and improve my writing skills, increase my creativity, and refresh myself.

Question:
About Your Goals and Aspirations.What are your writing goals for the next year or five years?

Answer:
As a writer, my goals and aspirations for the next five years are to see my work transcend my writing desk to the shelves of school libraries, homes, and ultimately the hands of every child.

Question:
About Your Published Works. Can you tell us about your published works? What inspired those projects?

Answer:
My first publication is “Vengeance Is Silence.” It’s a story of greed, guile, and death. At the center is Chief Makati, who was loved, respected, and praised by all and sundry for his generosity, charity, and forwardness in the matters of his village and beyond.

Question:
About Your Writing Community and Support. How important is having a writing community or support system for you? Do you have any writing friends or mentors?

Answer:
Writing community and support system are very important, but I’m not connected to any. However, I have a few writer friends with whom I share my work. I really tried to have a mentor, but the reception was very poor.