Real Experiences
An author and retired colonel of the Nigerian Army, Victor Ndule, has told AkweyaTV why his writings are not delivered in verses. Ndulue, author of Rumbles In The Old Academy, explained that he wanted to share his experiences in the military and the bond between comrades through his writing.
He chose not to write poetry unlike many other military writers because he wanted to capture “real events and experiences” he had.
AkweyaTV’s Odoh Diego Okenyodo interviewed Ndulue with a retired General, Mathias Efeovbokhan, both of whom have written books after leaving the military.
General Mathias Efeovbokhan told the broadcaster that military training has a significant impact on each soldier’s personal, physical, moral, and psychological being, making it a unique and interesting topic to write about. He also mentioned that military authors have made significant contributions in various fields such as management, science, and strategy.
The General also discussed the challenges of balancing academics and military training and the difficulties faced by cadets in the new academy. They touched upon the apparently dehumanising nature of military training and how it builds confidence and resilience. The conversation explored the motivations of military men in becoming writers and shed light on the importance of military experiences in shaping one’s writing.
About the Writers
Victor Ndulue was born on 01 January 1958 at Lagos. He hails from Anambra State. He schooled at Immaculate Heart School Onitsha, Abbot Secondary School Ihiala and concluded his Higher School Certificate at Christ the King College Onitsha. He subsequently proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna as an Officer Cadet in 1978.
After his military training, Victor was granted a Presidential Commission in the rank of Second Lieutenant in 1981 and was posted to the Armour Corps. He attended various military courses both at home and abroad. He held appointments ranging from Command, Staff and Instruction.
Victor had operational experience in Liberian War and commanded a Tank Regiment in the North East. In the course of his military service, he visited seven African countries – Liberia, Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, Algeria, Ethiopia, Angola and Mozambique- and four countries in Europe and Asia – UK, France, Holland and India.
In 2010, he retired to civil life in the rank of Colonel after his National Defence College course. Victor holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan) and another in Public Administration (University of Calabar). He also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi).
Victor was into sports as he played football in his secondary school and was the captain of NDA football team. He also played for the Nigerian Army. He wrote several books. The latest are Rumbles In The Old Academy, Shadows of Gunpowder, and Etiquette For Military Officers and their Fair Ladies. Hi
s hobbies include travelling, watching football and observing nature. He is married with children.
Mathias Efeovbokhan holds a bachelor’s degree in Building and a postgraduate degree in Construction Management and Business Administration. He is a chartered builder, a fellow of the National War College and a seasoned combat engineer.
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