Being an Excellent Student and an Excellent Person: THE JOURNEY, By DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

Someone walked up to me today and said "all the Excellent Students in my school then are now nothing to write home about", but here I am today, as an average student back then".

Smiles! Being an Excellent Student is one thing, and being an Excellent Person is another.

The two have their separate rules and must be followed accordingly.

There are so many Excellent Students turned Excellent Persons because they got informed and applied the rules.

One can choose to be one or both of them. The choice is yours.

Get a copy of THE JOURNEY to see how the Protagonist gets to be an Excellent Student and an Excellent Person and how he changed he world, positively.

thejourney017@yahoo.com
+2348066849095

EXCERPTS FROM THE JOURNEY written by DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK: BEST SELLING NOVEL

THE JOURNEY, Written by DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

The rounds of applause may well have informed him that his tunnel had seen the long awaited night. The tears behind his glasses-rimmed eyes could be likened to those of a long lost slave upon the gift of freedom. They were tears of joy...

THE JOURNEY  tells the sizzling tale of a young man whose very first breath of air came with challenges but as the classic poem goes, the one who sat and watched his infant head  (his mother) always showered him with love despite these ominous tragedies.  All hell broke loose when his beloved mother dies fives years later, Life's bitter pill which he had no choice but to swallow.

What is more?  At the hands of a cruel stepmother, his once tender and adored infant head saw hell. He was maltreated and victimized by his stepmother. His father, his only succour (he thought)  kicked the storms against him.

A helpless and frustrated young lad found himself at the at the "desert of life."

He had nothing to offer to the world, but hope. Not hope in the world, but hope that seemed from a strong conviction that he was created by a God and that his mother would always sit and watch over him wherever she was.

The young Professor, who stood before a crowd of people applauding and cheering him on, knew nothing of profound joy until that very moment.

Now, his desire to change the world must take its course. His name, Olewu (meaning a wise warrior).

Find out how Olewu takes the world by surprise with stunning success, despite danger, deadlock exploits and high tensed challenges.

Gyan Kwame Cash
Ghana

Email: thejourney017@yahoo.com
Mobile: 08066849095

A MEDICAL DOCTOR; DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK, AUTHORS A GREAT NOVEL

A MEDICAL DOCTOR AUTHORS A GREAT NOVEL: THE JOURNEY 

DR OGBODO A. C. MARK is a Medical Doctor and an Author per excellence. He is a simple, humble, intelligent, goal getter with exemplary leadership skills. He has a magnanimous heart, a loving spirit and a cheerful smile. He is a positive thinker, orator and writer per excellence.

In acknowledgement of his outstanding merits as a leader, writer and as a medical doctor, he has received several awards of: excellence, meritorious services, outstanding leadership, hardwork and dedication to duty, punctuality and regularity.  

As an Author of such a great novel, he deserves to meet with the PMB for a handshake, for he must be promoted and supported. 

THE JOURNEY:

"THE JOURNEY is an original literary masterpiece that is inspiring, didactic and expository. It bears message for all status quo and types of human relationship. It is thrilling and 'A MUST READ' for all who love DIGNIFIED ACHIEVEMENT that sprung out of courage, determination and faithfulness..."

What the book reviewer, Professor Abimbola Shittu, the H. O. D. of English, Benue State University, has to say:

"THE JOURNEY, written by Ogbodo A. C. Mark, holds the attention of the reader from the first to the last page. It is instructive that Ogbodo A. C. Mark is a medical doctor by profession, and yet is an author we cannot ignore. In THE JOURNEY, Dr Mark displays an uncanny and uncommon muse that should belong to the literary artist rather than the medical scientist. This is a testimony to the author's intellect and industry... What Ogbodo A. C. Mark does in this novel is to use THE JOURNEY motif to reflect the story of Olewu. Mark reflects the story of the life of Olewu as a JOURNEY. This is akin to the rites of passage where the birth, growth, and adulthood of a character, in this case, Olewu, is reflected with all the obstacles, difficulties, rituals and triumphs. I am not sure whether Mark does this consciously or unconsciously; it is enough that we are able to deduce this motif, which is a plus for THE JOURNEY... THE JOURNEY remains a must read."

Get to meet the Author 

Tell us about yourself 

I am DR OGBODO A. C. MARK. I hail from Obi Local Government Area, Benue State (Igede by tribe). I had my primary education at Holy Family Primary School, Kanshio; my secondary education at Unique Secondary School, New G. R. A., both in Makurdi, Benue State. Thereafter, I proceeded to Nigeria's Premier Private University, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, where I bagged Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

About THE JOURNEY 

Smiles... THE JOURNEY is a Legendary tale... 

Your ambition

1. To bring about a great change the world would least expect 

2. To take affordable and easily accessible healthcare to the doorstep of the people at the grassroots.

3. To write more and greater books. 

Challenges as a Medical Doctor and Writer 

Really not easy, but determination, hardwork and adequate planning saw me through. 

Mode of publication 

The 1st edition was self-published. The 2nd edition is anticipated to be published by an international publisher. 

Your favorite quote

When life forces you to rest at a particular spot on THE JOURNEY called life, look around the spot; there is a hidden treasure for you there; find it.

Likes

putting smile on the faces of the sick... Making people happy, generally. 

Hobby

The art of Medicine and writing and making people greater

Favorite music: Stand up for the Champions by Right Fred. 

Appreciation: To God Almighty, my lovely wife,  Sen. Gabriel T. Suswam, and all those who offered me a "cup of water" when I needed it the most.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156869050448937&id=297115308936

Your contact: Email: thejourney017@yahoo.com  Phone: 08066849095

UNIQUE SECONDARY SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION MAKURDI

LEADERSHIP OF UNIQUE SECONDARY SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION 

(UNISECOSA) 

NATIONAL  EXECUTIVE

1. PRESIDENT: DR OGBODO. ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK (2006 TO 2017)

2. VICE PRESIDENT: JENNIFER OJOTULE ONUCHE-BEKWELE (2006 TO 2017).

3. GENERAL SECRETARY: AKUNDA FATER PAUL: (2011 TO 2017)

4. ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY: STELLA PATIENCE IOR (2011 TO 2017.

5. TREASURER: ADONGO EMMANUEL TERKURA (2006 TO 2017)

6. FINANCIAL SECRETARY: OGWUCHE ONYIMOWO PHILOMENA (2006 TO 2017

7. PRO I: EDACHE SUNDAY FRANCIS (2006 TO 2017)

8. PRO II: MNENGA KPAMOR JEROME (2011 TO 2017)

The above executive handed over successfully to their successors on the 30th December, 2017, viz:

1. PRESIDENT: IDAJO OGA HENDRICK (2017 TO....)

2. VICE PRESIDENT: STELLA PATIENCE IOR (2017 TO...)

3. GENERAL SECRETARY: KEGH MARCUS TERKIMBIR (2017 TO...)

4. ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY: DENEN FRANCIS (2017 TO...)

5. TREASURER: EDACHE CLEMENT (2017 TO...)

6. FINANCIAL SECRETARY: OGWUCHE OSENIA GRACE (2017 TO...)

7. PRO I: BABALE BITRUS PETER (2017 TO...)

8. PRO II: NYEBE BENEDICT (2017 TO...)

9. PRO III: ORSEER A. IORHAGHER (2017 TO...)

MOTTO: DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

NIGERIA THE LAND OF MY BIRTH BY DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

NIGERIA: THE LAND OF MY BIRTH
 (by Ogbodo A. C. Mark)

Oh! My Motherland; 
The land of my birth, 
The land of peace, unity and prosperity, 
The land rich in culture and heritage, 
The land of wealth, 
The land that has no equal. 

Oh! My Motherland,
Shining like the bright morning star, 
Radiating your light to all ends of the world. 
Providing us with immeasurable blessings: 
I would have wept bitterly, if I you had not begot me. 

Beauty, there is. 
Everything good, you symbolise. 
Amused, I was, when I took a tour round my Motherland. 
Oh! Motherland, you are known as Beacon of peace, 
Fountain of wealth: adorned with abundance of natural resources, agriculture and conducive environment for animal rearing, 
Making you centre of world's attraction, 
A giant, 
Evergreen land, 
A land of no lack, 
The light of Africa, 
Mother of the best, My Nigeria. 

Oh! My Nigeria When I attempted to threaten the peace of my Motherland, You cautioned me, living me with every reason to uphold peace and unity. 

Amidst diversity, you breed peace, unity and harmony. We remain the best wherever we find ourselves, 
Even when all efforts are exercised to suppress our glory, 
Forth, we shine. 

Indeed, you are a mother of: 
Heroes, 
Industrous men, 
Great Scientists, 
Political tycoons, 
Great Teachers, 
Great Merchants/Business tycoons, 
Great Kings and Warriors. ... 

Oh! Foreigner, take a tour to my Motherland and have a feel of the welcoming, the unique weather and the rich cultures. We are true, loving, kind, caring and noble. We will help you and live with you. See us as your brothers and sisters, for so, we see you. 

I salute: 
»The Heroes who fought tirelessly and librated my Motherland from the shakles of colonialism, making "freedom" the song on my lips. Your memories will forever live in our hearts. 

» All Nigerian leaders from conception till date. » The Nigerian Army: Indeed, you are the best. 

» All the ethnic groups. 

» The Teachers, who have equiped us with knowledge, thus, Power. 

»My Lords: Spiritual and Temporal 

» Every Nigerian (home and in diaspora); for without you, there will be no one to be called my brothers and sisters. 

I pledge 

To be loyal, 

To be a good ambassador of my Motherland, 

To be my brother's keeper, 

To uphold the honour and glory of my Motherland, 

To herald peace, 

To contribute my quota, as an individual, to Nation building. 

My Nigeria, 
The land of my birth, 
I salute you, 
I love you, 
I am proud to be a black Man, 
I am proud to be a Nigerian.

A TRIBUTE TO MY TEACHERS BY DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

 A TRIBUTE TO MY TEACHERS

Teacher! O my Teacher!
You taught me the lessons of life,
You got me informed,
You equipped me with knowledge;
Thus, power.
 You showed me the way to greatness.

O Teacher, my mentor!
How you never spared the rod when I derailed;
Very bad I felt then,
But now I know it was for my good.
Thank you!
Had you spared the rod,
I wouldn't have thanked you today,
Because, I won't be what I am now.

I will forever treasure:
Your kind words,
Your amazing smile,
Your enthusiasm,
Your great charisma,
And
your encouraging words.

At my adolescent stage,
When I was at my most vulnerable state,
Struggling to reconcile myself to the adult World;
You stood by me and helped me
through my moments of uncertainty.

O my Teacher!
In the days of my adolescence when the friends I was making were likely to be the friends I will keep;
It was you who guided me on my path.
When I fell often,
It was you, who picked me up,
Dusted me up
And got me back on my feet.

When the World came hard on me,
And all who surrounded me could offer no solace;
It was you who lent me a shoulder to cry on.
At one point or the other,
You helped me willingly from the little you had;
You comforted me in my distress;
You listened to my problems and counselled me;
You always forgave me;
You never failed me in anyway;
You taught me good from wrong;
Always inspiring me to be strong.
You never begrudged me with your grey hair.
Indeed, you are wonderful.

O my esteemed Teacher!
You are more than an educator:
You played the roles of a
friend, Counsellor and mentor,
In my life.

You were a guiding force in my life,
Even when I passed through the portals of my schools
And stepped into the World that lay ahead of me
To be conquered...
And I conquered it through your guiding force.

O Teacher: my Hero!
I wouldn't have been who I am
And what I am today,
If I didn't pass through you.
Indeed,
You are irreplaceable and have no equal.
Your memories are immortal.

All glory to you for:
I am powerful today; because you equipped me with knowledge.
I am great today; because you showed me the way and guided me through.
I am a good leader today; because you instilled in me the good qualities of a leader.
I live right today; because you taught me good morals.
Indeed,
You have been all things to me.

I cannot pay your debt which I owe,
But I promise to use the wisdom you provided me
And the morale you gave me,
As my power to illuminate tomorrow.

I really just want to say
Thank you For being my:
Counsellor,
Mentor,
Helper,
Guardian,
And
Teacher.

A TRIBUTE TO MY LOVELY MUM, LYDIA ADIE OGBODO: BY OGBODO A. C. MARK

A Tribute To My Late Mum: Lydia Adie Ogbodo (by OGBODO A. C. Mark) Oh! My lovely and beautiful mother. The first woman I came in contact with. The first woman that smiled at me and blessed me. The first woman that cared for and showed me love. Oh! Sweet mother. Oh! Lovely mother. 

My Heroine. I remember your gorgeous smile, Your tender loving care, Your carefully selected and prepared delicacies, Your enduring ability, And above all, your overwhelming motherly care. Indeed, you were a woman of substance and honour. 

A mother whose character was worthy of emulation; A heroine, A home manager. I can remember that cold winter night when I woke up in the middle of the night and penned down my rewards for you when I become a grown up man. I wrote thus: "Sweet mother! I will make you the envy of all mothers; you will be called 'mamma doctor' ; I will bring before you my missing rib and say 'mum, this is my missing rib, I have found it' ; you will be treated like a Queen mother..." all these and many more I wrote down. 

Moody, I was, unusually paying less attention in class, and it was four days left to the commencement of my 1st terminal exams in JSS 2. Little did I know that the unexpected had happened. Demise had extended her tentacles to my territory. It all happened on that windy and sunny day, 1st December, 1999. Mum, the news of your demise got to me unexpectedly and left me speechless, in a shocking and unbelievable state. 

But on getting to your little village, Ikwokwu, I was left with no option than believing, as palm fronds were strategically positioned. The plants swayed sorrowfully, Guns were shot, The birds sang sorrowfully, Cries were heard, And there was great mourning.

 Elevated about 70cm above see level was a golden casket: "mum! Mum!! Mum!!!... "all the louder I called out, kneeling by the casket, but to no avail. 

Not even the word 'good-bye' came out of your mouth... rather, silently, you bade us 'farewell', leaving my dreams for you shattered, and us, MOTHERLESS. 

Indeed, you had no option than answering God's call; You couldn't substitute staying behind and caring for us, for God's bossom. Your memories are immortal. I wish there could be a second chance, if not for all, but for only you. 

I miss and love you dearly. Rest on in God's bossom, till me meet to part no more. 

Adieu! Best mum

TRIBUTE TO MY LOVELY WIFE BY OGBODO A. C. MARK

TRIBUTE TO MY LOVELY WIFE: MARK GRACE OSENIA 


O! my lovely wife, the man who finds you finds a treasure and receives unmerited favours (GRACE) from the Lord. The day I found you, I, indeed, found a treasure, and God's favours have located me in abundance. From that first day until today, you have always greeted me with a pure smile on your face, and a pure note in your voice. 

I can remember the first hug; how we grabbed each other tightly and never wanted to let go. 

My beautiful Queen, you have been and will always be my greatest delight.

Your name (GRACE) is English and means Unmerited Favours, Goodness, Generosity, Beauty, Blossom and Joy. For a man that has struggled more than he would admit, you have been my greatest source of strength and encouragement. 

My Heroine, after God our Creator, you have been my greatest: Helper, Push force and pillar. Mummy: My Pure, Priceless Queen; Thank you for your: 1. LOVE and RESPECT, 2. FRIENDSHIP, 3. ENCOURAGEMENT, 4. BELIEF IN ME and, 5. FAITHFULNESS. 

You have been to me a mentor, an example, a teacher, a comforter, a place to turn to for insight and wisdom, a friend, a role model, a light, and one in whom I can trust. 

You have made me secure in your love and pointed me to the Almighty God. Indeed, it is a dream come true, as my prayers before I found you, had been to find a wife who will be my friend, lover and mother. And you are all these and much more. 

Thank you! Grace, you make me smile and laugh. You are forgiving, patient, kind, gracious and understanding. You are my greatest listener. 

You pick me up when I am down. You follow me all around! I am so glad we are on this JOURNEY together. 

You are the highlight of each and every day of my life. And so I say to you My Pure, Priceless Queen: You are the BEST of all women. 

You are Beautiful and Priceless. You shall not only rise above your equals, but above all humans and powers. 

Our children shall gather round your table and they shall be blessings onto you. Amen I promise to take you round the world and make you the envy of other women. I love and will forever love you. 

HAPPY NATAL DAY MY QUEEN! 

YOUR HUSBAND (DR O. A. C. MARK)

UNTOLD BY DR OGBODO A. C. MARK

UNTOLD

Heartbroken, she was, as her parents wouldn't allow her to marry the man she loved. She cried all day and night; she emptied her ocean of tears. She starved and isolated herself from everyone else. She lost a reasonable weight. She had promised to take her life if she was not allowed to marry the man she loved: Romeo. All efforts by her parents to convince her not to marry Romeo but someone else, were to no avail. It was a tug of war between her and her parents. She was called Juliette. At the end, the parents gave in, gave them their blessings and they got married: Romeo and Juliette.

Years later, they gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. She grew into adulthood. One day, as I stopped by a pharmacy to get some drugs, my eyes caught up with a lady, who was nothing but a fountain of beauty. When she ordered for her drug, she was told that the price had gone up by 120%. She was astounded and cried out aloud saying "I have been living in pains all my life; something I never bargained for...." Hearing this, I turned and looked into her eyes, and I sensed sitted deep within her heart, enormous pains. I felt her pains but I didn't say a word. I just paid her bills and left silently.

Weeks later, while I was on call at the emergency room, a patient was rushed in on a couch, and walking behind was Juliette, crying and saying "Doctor, please help me... Save my daughter, I never meant this for her... Oh! God, why did you allow this to happen to me..." I quickly got up and rushed to attend to the patient: Lo and behold, it was same lady I met at the pharmacy. On getting to her, she opened her eyes and said "doctor please save me. I don't want to die... I have something to tell you when I get back on my feet again." And she breathed her last. Juliette couldn't believe her eyes, likewise Romeo.

What we both had to tell each other remain UNTOLD.

The following morning, I mounted the podium, to present the cases I had during my call hours at the breakfast meeting. And the first file I took was hers. She was called GIFT. Immediately, her memories, beginning from the first encounter to the last, flashed on my mind, and tears were let loose as everyone watched me quietly. After a while, I then pulled through and I could speak... "I lost her... I lost her... To..."

OGBODO A. C. MARK

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO A. C. MARK

"In the book 'THE JOURNEY', every life's action begins with birth. Life spans activities characterized by lots of successes and challenges... I liken the book focus on educational development which begins with the first day a child enters school to start his/her academic JOURNEY with series of character transformations... Each of the segments exists not without challenges which are part and parcel of the tedious preparations for the needed JOURNEY...

The government is at the forefront of the JOURNEY, moving quietly towards excellence... All are expected to reach the apogee, working in various capacities on earth as we shall settle someday to reflect on our achievements and failures."

- Kanyi Nicholas T.

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

"The journey is an insightful piece of art which captures from a beautiful perspective triggers that can inspire ones zeal in the pursuit of his or her dream. It is an impactful volume of experience that must be read by all!"

- Dr S. K. Yeba

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

"The journey of life is a basket full of the even and the odds, which indeed leads to an unpredictable end. The paths which we do not know could lead to so many directions, but it takes the brave to find and walk through the path to success. Life is beautiful and the struggles there in are what make it so; you have to live in that thought to see it.

In the ‘JOURNEY’ you'll find a fundamental story of life and how significant it is to our everyday living. 'No pain, no gain' the wise man says, therefore, challenges are essential part of this journey, it's our ability to overcome them that matters. The quest to succeed is becoming a course of concern because, today's generation are carried away by the luxury of the world. That is why the author (OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK) made clear some qualities of a champion and the experiences that refine a warrior, which is where this book comes in.

Moreso, it elaborates the life of Olewu who was stormed by misfortune, took the test of life and eventually got results. The 'JOURNEY' gives you the tool you need in your own journey to greatness, you never know what you might find. The world needs you!"

                                 - Damian Ashinjo

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO A. C. MARK

"THE JOURNEY is a book borne out of years of experience; a perfect piece for those who still have greater heights to attain to relate with. The author has taken time to discuss salient issues that are related to our everyday lives. Indeed the saying 'destiny can only be delayed but never denied,' is a fact. Enjoy this thought striking piece by a brother, friend and wonderful colleague."

- Dr Terhemba Ajie Junior

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO A. C. MARK

"Years back as a young teacher, I met a young promising student, dedicated in his academics and the leadership bestowed on him: this is no other than the author of this master-piece...

THE JOURNEY is no doubt an interesting story to be read by all. I therefore encourage everyone to read this master-piece with keen interest."

- Aule Emmanuel

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO A. C. MARK

"THE JOURNEY is an original literary masterpiece that is inspiring, didactic and expository. It bears message for all status quo and types of human relationship. It is thrilling and 'A MUST READ' for all who love DIGNIFIED ACHIEVEMENT that sprung out of courage, determination and faithfulness."

- Mrs Patience U. Nwabufoh

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

THE JOURNEY: "An inspiring and motivational book made for all and to be read by all. This book makes us realise that no matter the dart life throws at us, with God, determination and focus, the sky is the starting point. Be encouraged!!!"

- Dr Olusegun O. Otusanya

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO A. C. MARK

THE JOURNEY

"The protagonist is an inspiring young man who wears the look of hope perfectly, never minding the scorn of his peers, has his eyes set on his goals; he would reach them regardless of what life throws his way... THE JOURNEY is a must read."

- Dr Fagbohun Ayobanji Oluwasayo

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

THE JOURNEY

"The rounds of applause may well have informed him that his tunnel had seen the long awaited light. The tears behind his glasses-rimmed eyes could be likened to those of a long lost slave upon the gift of freedom. They were tears of joy. 

THE JOURNEY tells the sizzling tale of a young man whose very first breath of air came with challenges but as the classic poem goes, the one who sat and watched his infant head (his mother) always showered him with love despite these ominous tragedies.  All hell broke loose when his beloved mother dies fives years later, Life's bitter pill which he had no choice but to swallow.

What is more?  At the hands of a cruel stepmother, his once tender and adored infant head saw hell. He was maltreated and victimized by his stepmother. His father, his only succour (he thought) kicked the storms against him. 

A helpless and frustrated young lad found himself at the............... one misty November morning at the........................

He had nothing to offer to the world, but hope. Not hope in the world, but hope that seemed from a strong conviction that he was created by a God and that his mother would always sit and watch over him wherever she was. 

The young Professor, who stood before a crowd of people applauding and cheering him on, knew nothing of profound joy until that very moment. Now, his desire to change the world must take its course. His name, Olewu (meaning a wise warrior) who hails from a minority group in Epweji State, Itolia. 

Find out how Olewu takes the world by surprise with stunning success, despite danger, deadlock exploits and high tensed challenges."

- Gyan Kwame Cash

Ghana

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO A. C. MARK

"THE JOURNEY...the volume is invaluable for all Medical Doctors, students, researchers, professionals and all who are in search of all surpassing wisdom. It explores...The mystery unveiled in this book."

- The Prime News
Nigeria

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO A. C. MARK

THE JOURNEY, written by DR OGBODO A. C. MARK, is a thirty-nine chapter, 265 page novel that holds the attention of the reader from the first to the last page. It is instructive that Dr Ogbodo A. C. Mark is a medical doctor by profession, and yet is an author we cannot ignore.

In THE JOURNEY, Dr Mark displays an uncanny and uncommon muse that should belong to the literary artist rather than the medical scientist. This is a testimony to the author's intellect and industry.....

         Professor Abimbola Shittu.

THE JOURNEY BY DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

BOOK REVIEW

TITLE: THE JOURNEY; A Flight to Greatness After a Long Walk

AUTHOR: OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK

PUBLISHER: ADEDOX PRINTERS

PLACE OF PUBLICATION: BENIN

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 2017

PAGES: 265

BOOK REVIEWER: PROFESSOR ABIMBOLA SHITTU

Life is a JOURNEY; everyone taking his own path. To some, it is smooth; to others, it is rough; to others, it is delayed and to others, it is earlier than planned. Some divert and don't arrive at there planned destinations. Until one embarks on the JOURNEY, he arrives nowhere.

THE JOURNEY is a beautiful story of a HERO called OLEWU. His JOURNEY started when over a million spermatozoa saw a vibrant ovum from afar and competitively rushed after it. They all put in their best, but spermatozoan Olw's  best out shone all, as it made it to the first place. Victory! At last, he screamed. After nine months, he saw the light of this world and gave his first cry as he was born to the father, Ochiwu and the mother, Onahi. Oh! It was a bittersweet day. His JOURNEY continued and at a very tender age, away to the west, the sun was sinking into a violet sea of light. There lay the mighty desert of life, brown, barren and desolate. Years had passed and it was morning, still on the desert of life. The huge golden sun rose over the edge of the barren world and its rays fell on a lonely traveller called Olewu.

The cruel sun beat down, it was one malevolent eye unblinking and the sky was its co-conspirator with not even a wisp of cloud to soften the harsh rays. The lizards took shelter in the shadows of the rocks where the sand was not hot enough to roast them, but there was no shade large enough for him, a lonely traveller. Each step sank into the searing sand, the air was thick and hazy, each breath like drowning in larva. And Olewu longed for crystal, cold water, but he couldn't get. He looked forward, sideways and backward, but he saw no one. He was a lonely traveller. Then he wished there were grasses so that he could cut and eat for he was ravenously hungry and thirsty; but not even a grass was sighted. He was propelled in the forward direction by DETERMINATION as "giving up" was not an option, and after a long walk, he then met at strategic positions, some persons who offered him a cup of water each. But the JOURNEY has not ended; so, he JOURNEYED against the tides; mighty tides, and overcame all the obstacles he encountered and became a Medical Doctor and subsequently, a Professor of Psychiatry, a Minister of Health and finally, the President of his country, Itolia.
At this juncture, he rewarded all that gave him a cup of water when he needed it most and then re-wrote every wrong that he encountered on his path to greatness.

Therefore, everyone is encouraged to rush to the nearest bookshop and gets his/her copy and see the obstacles Olewu encountered, how he overcame them and how he re-wrote the wrongs he encountered on THE JOURNEY.

On his part, the book reviewer, Professor Abimbola Shittu, the H. O. D. of English, Benue State University, said "THE JOURNEY, written by Ogbodo A. C. Mark, holds the attention of the reader from the first to the last page. It is instructive that Ogbodo A. C. Mark is a medical doctor by profession, and yet is an author we cannot ignore. In THE JOURNEY, Dr Mark displays an uncanny and uncommon muse that should belong to the literary artist rather than the medical scientist. This is a testimony to the author's intellect and industry............

What Ogbodo A. C. Mark does in this novel is to use THE JOURNEY motif to reflect the story of Olewu. Mark reflects the story of the life of Olewu as a JOURNEY. This is akin to the rites of passage where the birth, growth, and adulthood of a character, in this case, Olewu, is reflected with all the obstacles, difficulties, rituals and triumphs. I am not sure whether Mark does this consciously or unconsciously; it is enough that we are able to deduce this motif, which is a plus for THE JOURNEY......... THE JOURNEY remains a must read."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DR OGBODO ADIGWU CYPRIAN MARK hails from Abikpom, Ogore-Ito, Obi Local Government Area, Benue State (Igede by tribe). He had his primary education at Holy Family Primary School, Kanshio; his secondary education at Unique Secondary School, New G. R. A., both in Makurdi, Benue State. Thereafter, he proceeded to Nigeria's Premier Private University, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, where he bagged Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

He is a simple, humble, intelligent, goal getter with exemplary leadership skills. He has a magnanimous heart, a loving spirit and a cheerful smile. He is a positive thinker, orator and writer per excellence.

In acknowledgement of his outstanding merits as a leader, writer and as a medical doctor, he has received several awards of: excellence, meritorious services, outstanding leadership, hardwork and dedication to duty, punctuality and regularity.


thejourney017@yahoo.com