Squadron Leader Dr. Alexander Ochogwu, a Nigerian Air Force officer, peace and security scholar, and bestselling author, is set to launch his new novel, “Edge of the Sun.” The story centres on youth radicalisation and the realities of boyhood in today’s complex world.
In a pre-launch interview with AkweyaTV’s Odoh Diego Okenyodo, Dr. Ochogwu shared the driving force behind his writing and the innovative strategies that have set his literary journey apart.
“There is no story you’re telling that is not within the framework of existence,” he explained. “Whether it is historical or futuristic, it must connect to humanity.”
That connection to humanity is what inspired his earlier work, “Omo,” a novel focused on the global struggles of the girl-child, touching on issues like gender-based violence and human trafficking. Through deliberate digital strategy, “Omo” reached readers around the world, selling over 10,000 copies between print and digital formats.
“We wanted to tell a story that would resonate globally. If you want to go global, you need to go digital,” he said.
Ochogwu went beyond conventional publishing models. He designed digital interest forms, launched a “Face of Omar” pageantry, partnered with institutions like Sterling Bank and Daily Trust, and ran social media campaigns where individuals who supported his book’s visibility had their businesses promoted in return. “People were begging to use our banners. That’s consciousness marketing,” he added with a smile.
Despite being in the military, Dr. Ochogwu debunked the stereotype that soldiers can’t be expressive or creative. “I’m a strategist by training,” he said, “and I bring that into every aspect of my work, including storytelling. Writing is art, but publishing is business,” he added.
He noted that many Nigerian authors fall short, not due to lack of talent but due to poor marketing.
“Separate the art of writing from the business of writing,” he advised. “Great writers sometimes don’t get read because they don’t know how to sell.”
“Edge of the Sun” draws from his years in the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria and tackles the topic of the radicalisation of boys and their vulnerability to extremism. “We need a whole-of-society approach to deal with this,” he said. “And that’s what this book and the upcoming launch aim to spotlight.”
Regarding the upcoming launch event at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, Ochogwu assured attendees that “it’s not just a book launch; it’s a movement.” When asked what participants should expect, the bestselling author detailed an extensive programme, including a symposium featuring experts such as Prof. Chris Kwaja, Dr. Aisha Asmau, and Dr. Jobe, who will discuss intervention strategies for boys.
The event will also showcase various artistic performances, including spoken word poetry by renowned performers, music, dance, and drama. Additionally, the author highlighted networking opportunities for stakeholders from literary, security, governance, and diplomatic communities, as well as live performances by the Nigerian Air Force Band and other cultural troupes.
Dr. Ochogwu’s literary works also include “Diary of a Boy Soldier,” a semi-fictional account based on true stories from the Nigerian Military School.
“We told the story of every boy soldier through one character,” he explained. “It wasn’t just about military school. It was about family, loss, choices, and redemption.”
Reflecting on today’s youth, Ochogwu admitted he wouldn’t send his son to NMS, not because it isn’t valuable, but because “the world has changed. Children today are more exposed and more vulnerable.”
“Our job as parents is not just to make them tough but to keep them safe.”
His writing, he says, is inspired by music, quiet time, travel, and deep curiosity about human behaviour.
“When I write, I build characters with a crazy mindset but still within the framework of reasonable human behaviour, as well as road trips. I love to travel,” he added.
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