He was born on March 17, 1948. He attended Primary School at St Paul’s Catholic School, Ebute- Metta, Lagos, Secondary School at Fatima College, IKire in Osun State where he was the Senior Prefect. He attended Igbogbi College, Yaba for the HSC, and was a regular member of the school football team. He was also a Chairman of the Class Set 63-67/69.
He read Mechanical Engineering and graduated from the University OF Lagos, Akoka with B. Sc honours in 1972. Engr. Mark Obu has worked in several companies such as Nigerian Technical Co. Lagos, Texaco Nigeria PLC., Acorn Petroleum Nig Ltd, Lagos where he was the Founder and Chairman/CEO.
He has rendered services to communities as a past president, Rotary Club of Idimu (1990-91), Double Chief in Idimu & Umukwata, Vice Chairman, PPC, St. Francis Catholic Church , Idimu, Lagos (1994-98), PTA Chairman, Federal Government College , Ijakin, Lagos(1994-98), Chairman Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Lagos (1997-2003), Past Vice President of Lagos Country Club , Ikeja, Lagos and Past Chairman & Patron of Tennis Section , Lagos Country Club. He is married to Lady Theresa Omolara Obu, LSM and blessed with children and grandchildren.