Interview: Osagie Wisdom Orukpe on leadership, innovation, and his 2027 ambition

By Peter Favour Onyioza 

As conversations around youth leadership and Nigeria’s future continue to gain momentum, Osagie Wisdom Orukpe sits down with The Lagos Voice to discuss his personal journey, philosophy of leadership, and the motivation behind his decision to seek a seat in the Federal House of Representatives in 2027. EXERCPT

The Lagos Voice: Can we meet you?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: My name is Osagie Wisdom Orukpe, a graduate of the University of Benin, where I studied Aquaculture and Fisheries Management. I am an entrepreneur, certified Project Manager, and young professional passionate about leadership, development, and system-building.

I am the CEO of D FUTURE Laundry and NEW ORDER Integrated Concepts, a brand focused on project management, event planning, and event hosting. Through these ventures, I have gained experience in managing people, building solutions, and creating value-driven systems. I am from ESAN central local government area, a committed Christian, and a member of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Currently, I am based in Abuja, where I manage my businesses while pursuing my broader vision for impact in enterprise and public service.

The Lagos Voice: Osagie, thanks for joining me this evening. For those hearing your name for the first time, who is Osagie Wisdom Orukpe beyond your political aspiration?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: Osagie Wisdom Orukpe is a vision-oriented young Nigerian passionate about innovation, leadership, and system-building. At 27, I have built experience across multiple fields as a media entrepreneur, certified project manager, event host, fisheries consultant, and business owner in the laundry industry.

I am the convener of The New Order System (T NOS), a movement focused on systemic thinking, youth engagement, leadership transformation, and nation-building through intentional participation and structured development. I am deeply people-oriented and believes leadership is about more than holding positions, it is about inspiring people, building functional systems, and creating lasting impact in society.

The Lagos Voice: What sparked your decision to run for the House of Representatives in 2027, and why Edo State specifically?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: I became tired of the recycled style of leadership in Nigeria, the same promises of road repairs, school rehabilitation, and temporary fixes without addressing the deeper structural problems. At some point, I asked myself: rather than constantly complaining from the outside, why not step into the corridors of power and see what can actually be changed? That mindset brought together a group of progressive minds who believe Nigeria needs more than “agents of change”; it needs systemic agents of change. People committed not just to occupying offices, but to rebuilding institutions and creating systems that work regardless of who is in power.

My political consciousness deepened around 2020 during the COVID period, although I had followed governance and national politics from a young age. Over time, I realized that meaningful change cannot happen only through protests or opposition voices. Real influence requires participation in the decision-making process. I was born in 1999, the same year Nigeria returned to democracy, yet many of my generation have never truly experienced the dividends of democracy. That reality shaped my conviction that Nigeria does not simply need new faces in government. We need stronger systems, accountability, and institutions that protect the people.

I am also concerned about the growing level of distraction and disengagement among young people. Serious national issues often trend briefly and disappear, while those in power continue operating without sustained accountability. That is why I believe we must move from passive frustration to active participation. For me, this journey is bigger than one election or one individual. THE NEW ORDER SYSTEM is not just about me. I simply see myself as the first test of an idea. By God’s grace, I hope that by 2031, more competent and like-minded young people will step forward to contest for offices and help reshape the future of this country from within.

The Lagos Voice: At your age, many are focused on business or careers abroad. What made you choose public service now?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: I think many young people, myself included, are becoming increasingly individualistic in a way that weakens empathy and our sense of collective responsibility. We are often less sensitive to national issues and people’s suffering, and as a result, when problems eventually escalate, we react as though they were unexpected. There is also a growing culture of distraction, where even serious issues are quickly reduced to short online reactions before attention moves on. Whether this is a local or global trend, it is something I find concerning based on what I observe around me.

At the same time, I strongly believe in personal growth. I am building my career, developing multiple skills, and pursuing long-term success. However, I have also come to realize that individual success alone is limited in a failing system. No matter how far you go personally, issues like poor infrastructure, unstable policies, and weak governance eventually affect your opportunities and outcomes. That is why the idea of separating personal success from politics is not realistic in the long term. For me, this is what led to my interest in public service, not a rejection of personal ambition, but a recognition “that sustainable success must be tied to collective progress”. My goal is to move beyond individual advancement and contribute to building systems that make success more stable, shared, and sustainable for everyone.

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The Lagos Voice: If elected, which federal constituency in Edo are you running to represent, and what are the 3 most pressing issues you see on the ground there?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: I am running to represent the Esan Central, Esan West, and Igueben Federal Constituency. The three most pressing issues in the constituency are insecurity, poor road infrastructure, and the low quality of education.

The Lagos Voice: Education, youth unemployment, and infrastructure seem to be a big challenge in Edo. What’s your practical plan to address at least one of these at the federal level?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: On education, my focus is not just building structures, but ensuring existing systems and institutions work effectively through proper coordination, transparency, and accountability. I would prioritize youth development and education-related policies while ensuring constituency funds are directed toward practical improvements. On unemployment, I believe we must move beyond temporary handouts and focus on sustainable empowerment through skills acquisition, technology, agriculture, sports development, and entrepreneurship. My goal is to create opportunities that help young people become self-sufficient.

I am particularly passionate about initiatives like sports academies with international scouting opportunities, alongside training and mentorship programs that encourage beneficiaries to empower others. The resources already exist within the government; the real challenge is proper implementation and accountability.

The Lagos Voice: The House of Reps makes laws and oversees budgets. What specific bills or oversight areas would you prioritize if you get into the chamber?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: Youth development, Education and tax reform.

The Lagos Voice: We will start from here. Young people make up a huge part of Edo’s population, but many feel disconnected from politics. How do you plan to earn their trust and turnout?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: I believe young people are becoming more politically conscious, especially after movements like the 2023 Obedient movement. The challenge is that many become discouraged when change does not happen immediately. For me, trust is earned through consistency, transparency, and accountability. I believe Nigeria needs strong systems, not just new personalities in government. Even during my time at the University of Benin, I was involved in promoting transparent student electoral processes, which reflected my commitment to openness and accountability.

I see myself as someone who values integrity, growth, and responsibility. My focus is not on unrealistic promises, but on practical systems that genuinely improve lives. For example, empowerment should go beyond sharing items for publicity. It should include proper structure, mentorship, monitoring, and accountability so beneficiaries can build sustainable futures. That is the kind of leadership I want young people to believe in, practical, transparent, and impact-driven.

The Lagos Voice: Politics in Nigeria often revolves around godfathers and structures. How are you building your campaign without relying solely on the old system?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: I cannot rely entirely on the old political system because excessive dependence on political godfathers often turns leaders into puppets. While I respect mentorship, experience, and collaboration, I believe there is a difference between receiving support and surrendering your independence.

My approach is people-centered rather than godfather-driven. I want to remain accountable primarily to the masses, not to a few individuals behind closed doors. Leadership should serve the people first, and that is the political culture I hope to promote, one built on integrity, independence, accountability, and responsible collaboration.

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The Lagos Voice: What’s your stance on the ‘Not Too Young To Run Act’ in practice? Do you think the system is truly opening up for young aspirants?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: They are slowly positioning their own children because they know the tide is changing. But for those of us without political godfathers, this is the time to rise. My progressive peers and I are not waiting for ‘one day’. We believe leadership starts now, today is day one.

The Lagos Voice: Edo has produced strong voices in the National Assembly before. What will make your representation different?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: Edo has had strong voices in the National Assembly, but for me, effective representation goes beyond speeches, it must translate into visible impact on the constituency. I understand that legislative work involves systems, strategy, and engagement within parliamentary, party, and committee structures where real decisions are made. My focus is to work strategically within those spaces to influence policy and development outcomes. Ultimately, I believe leadership must combine voice with results, not just speaking, but delivering measurable progress for the people.

The Lagos Voice: If you lose in 2027, what would you consider a win for you and the movement you’re building?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: I will win by God’s grace but, If the 2027 election doesn’t go as expected, I would still see it as a win for the courage to participate and for the movement we are building around the idea of a new order.

The New Order System is a long-term vision beyond one election, focused on structure, accountability, and a functional system of governance. So even in the absence of victory, the mission continues: to learn, regroup, strengthen the structure, and keep working toward a system that truly serves the people.

The Lagos Voice: How will you keep yourself accountable to the people if you win? Will you hold town halls, publish constituency project updates, etc.?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: If elected, I intend to build strong and continuous accountability systems. Representation, for me, goes beyond occasional engagement, it requires consistent interaction with the people. I plan to hold constituency town halls every three to four months, alongside informal community engagements that foster real connection. Beyond that, I will establish structured committees to monitor key areas like skills development, artisans, and tech empowerment programmes.

The focus will not just be on giving out opportunities, but ensuring proper follow-up, mentorship, and measurable progress for beneficiaries. With monitoring systems and local oversight, transparency and accountability will be strengthened. Ultimately, my goal is to shift from one-time empowerment to a continuous development system where people are guided, tracked, and supported to succeed sustainably.

The Lagos Voice: And finally, what message do you have for young Edo residents who are undecided about getting involved in politics?

Osagie Wisdom ORUKPE: Please get involved, family. You are more useful than being a Thug or just a Mass Supporter.