Meet Chijioke “Jagus” Nwajagu: Painter, Visual Artist and IT Consultant

Chijioke Franklyn Nwajagu better known as “Jagus” is an Information Technology Consultant and a SAGE Business Partner. Chijioke specializes in architecting and implementing transformative Enterprise Resource solutions. He also is a Partner & Head Technical at Consultingbord Limited.

Born in July in Ndiowu Anambra State, Jagus attended the prestigious National Grammar school Nike (NAGRAMS) in Enugu in 1980 and graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1994. He also is a certified Sage Technical Consultant. Before becoming a full-time IT consultant, Jagus was a painter/visual artist of repute.

In this interview, he talks to our reporter about his life, businesses, His love and passion for art.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell a bit about yourself? 

My name is Chijioke Nwajagu but everyone who knows me calls me by the shortened form of my surname “Jagus”. I am from Ndiowu, in Orumba North Local government area of Anambra state. I am a Cisco certified, Information Security & Project Management Specialist.

Asides from being an IT consultant, you are also a painter, a visual artist. What motivates you?

I have always been fascinated with zeros and ones and precisely technology and how it is shaping our world. Blending my skills and creativity to achieve a purpose is what motivates me.

Looking around I can see that you are an accomplished visual artist, so why did you choose to pursue a career in IT rather than in fine arts?

The tech industry often offers higher financial gratification and more job security than the art world, making it an attractive option. Again your brain is constantly challenged and subjected to different kinds of logic and reasoning. Technology allows you to innovate and extend yourself.

You prefer working in the background behind the scenes, is that on purpose?

Yes it is, I have always been a quiet person from childhood, and have been conscious of details. Working in the shadows, so to say, offers a broader spectrum. When I am working on a project I get better understanding because you listen better, you observe better, and you will always come up with a better output. I prefer keeping my private life private. I’d rather have my work be in the limelight than my personal life.

Where do you see yourself and your company in the next 10 years?

I reckon my company will be classified as one of the best in the time to come and the model we are adopting in our project will pay off. Once the company shoots up on the scale, it will definitely translate to my person.

How do you handle the pressure that comes with running an IT business given the challenging nature of the Nigerian business environment?

Understanding the local market and cultural dynamics and tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of clients is the key to surviving in the ever-changing business environment in Nigeria. Staying up to date with technological innovations and building the right team gives you edge to stay afloat and ahead of our competitors.

With all the artwork and paintings on display in your home studio/gallery, is there any chance of an exhibition in the future?

Maybe, someday but am focusing on the IT Business presently and the artistic side of my life, for now, is strictly as a hobby and for recreation and pleasure.

Do you still accept commissions? What’s your aim when you are painting a new project?

I currently don’t accept art commissions, IT takes all my time that if I am commissioned for a job I might not give it attention. So I only paint for pleasure and as a form of relaxation these days.

Which Nigerian artist inspires you? Do you read books, novels? Which Nigeria author are you reading at the moment?

There are so many good Nigerian artists making waves like Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy etc. they all have something to offer as they each bring their unique styles to their music. Yes I do read books a lot, the books on my shelf are not for decoration.. lol. I love Robert Ludlum & James Hadley Chase.

Is there anything you would want to change about your life given the chance?

Not at all, every decision, every challenge is what makes us who and what we are. Be it an advantage or disadvantage, good experience or a bad one. These experiences shape our individual destiny.

When was your IT firm founded? Why did you decide to work for yourself instead of working for others?

Having worked for about 13 years for someone, the words of my late dad kept resonating. He said to me  “Son, no one working for someone can grow beyond a certain level. No matter how hard you work, your salary will always be counted and it can never be complete”.
My dad never worked for anyone. So in 2010 I thought it was time to go solo per se and create my own, and PRIMESYMBOL was born.

Do you have any pieces of advice for upcoming/intending IT practioners?

My advice to upcoming or intending IT professionals is to constantly connect with other professionals, develop some soft skills – problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are crucial to being a successful IT Consultant.

Do you have other siblings? How many siblings do you have?

Yes, I do, I am the first of Six children, all boys.

As a painter, an artist, I want to believe you love music. Which two songs are always on your playlist?

I flow with all kinds of genre depending on the mood, Yanni – Rites of Passage and Turbulence – For me are always queued on my playlist*.

Which African/Nigerian artiste is your favorite?

I am kind of a traditional person, so Osita Osadebe is my favorite.

What puts you off about people?

People without a sense of purpose put me off.

What quality about Nigerians makes you proud to be a Nigerian?

Every Nigerian has this spirit to be a success wherever and in whatever niche they find themselves. It make me proud when I hear about Nigerians coming tops in many facets of life around the world.

It was a pleasure talking to you. We hope there is a chance you will hold an exhibition of your beautiful art pieces in the future.