Controversy Brews as Gov Nwifuru Snubs of Igbo Physics Author, Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro

Nigerian writer Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro, known for being the first person to translate a physics textbook into Igbo, has revealed that he has yet to receive an invitation from Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru. Despite his groundbreaking achievement, Okoro, who hails from Ebonyi State, has not received official recognition from the state government.

Okoro's work has garnered praise from across Nigeria and beyond, with many Nigerians urging Governor Nwifuru to acknowledge Okoro's contribution to education by inviting him for a formal recognition. This call for recognition has gained momentum, with journalists and writers emphasizing the importance of encouraging educational achievements, especially in local languages.

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Journalist Wisdom Nwedene, who works in Ebonyi State, has openly demanded that Governor Nwifuru extend an invitation to Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro. Nwedene referenced how Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu consistently supports youth achievements, highlighting his recent acts of encouragement, such as gifting a car and a house to the woman who drove from London to Lagos, and welcoming Coach Dreh, who swam across the Third Mainland Bridge to raise awareness on mental health.

Gov Nwifuru Francis of Ebonyi State

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Nwedene questioned, "What about our own from Ebonyi State, Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro II, who wrote the first Igbo physics textbook? How can we boost the confidence of our youth in education if we don't appreciate a young man who went the extra mile to translate a physics textbook into Igbo?"

Similarly, writer Friday Mbam urged Governor Nwifuru to recognize Okoro's achievement, noting that such recognition is vital for motivating young people to break new ground in other areas. He cited the example of Lagos, where groundbreaking youth achievements are often quickly acknowledged by the government. Mbam added, "A month or two ago, a young Ebonyian, Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro, set a new record by writing a physics textbook in Igbo. It's a significant achievement that should have attracted our governor's attention, yet nothing has been said apart from the social media buzz."

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Despite a statement by the Governor's Special Assistant on New Media, Mr. Leo Oketa, claiming that Maazi has been invited by the Governor, Okoro himself has denied this, saying, "That's not true; nobody sent any invitation."

This ongoing uncertainty has led to increased calls for clarity and action from the Ebonyi State government, with observers and writers alike demanding that Governor Nwifuru address the situation and recognize Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro's significant contribution to the educational sector.