Maazị Ogbonnaya Okoro has authored over 60 books in Igbo language

Prior to producing Physics in Igbo language, Maazị Ogbonnaya Okoro has authored over 60 books in Igbo language.

He started writing from primary school and left secondary school with over 15 manuscripts in Igbo.

As a first year student at the University of Nigeria, Nsụka he published a book approved for third year students in the same department [his senior]; the same book: “Nwata Tichaa Akị Tụfuo Nkume…” was approved for undergraduate students from the following departments: Linguistics, Combined Arts, English and Literary Studies, Music, Education Arts, offering Igbo as elective. The book was also approved at Federal College of Education Eha-Amufu about 12 years ago.

Ogbonnaya published his debut novel: “Nwata Kpata Ego, Okenye Ejegbuo Onwe ya n’Ozi” and about 11 years ago, he and his classmates used the book for their exams in the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages. It means that Ogbonnaya used his own books to write exam during his university days. Questions would be set from his book.

In his third year, he also used another of his book to sit for exam. His books became popular in different universities and colleges of education in South East as they were used to set examination questions.

As an undergraduate in Nsụka, he co-authored a book with some of his lecturers. He co-authored a book with late Professor Inno Ụzọma Nwadike, the Igbo academic giant.

In his final year in the university, one of his books was approved for the Master’s and PhD students offering Igbo Literature.

Ogbonnaya focused on Igbo Language with determination to make Igbo proud and ensure the language is greeted with respect. For more than 13 years, his books have been used for secondary schools across the 5 Eastern state, including the Igbo speaking parts of Delta.

Ministries of education recommend his works all the season for junior waec, BECE and other secondary school classes.

He was the first BBC Igbo Translator, six months before BBC Igbo Service was launched. He translated the BBC academy and editorials for journalists with some grammatical rules of translation in Igbo language that could serve as guide for journalists.

He translated and subtitled documentary educational film from Soli and Nyanja Languages of Zambia into the Igbo language which earned him certification from the Newcastle University and the University of the West of Scotland, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, UK.

He was an American Sign Language interpreter for Talkhealth9ja, a health talkshow on AIT. He was the sign language interpreter for the African Economic Congress, 2020 that had in attendance, CBN governor, governor of Imo State, four ambassadors of African countries, two former African Head of states, Sterling Bank MD, etc. He interpreted 42 speeches in 3 days the congress held.

He has done research for the Irish Research Council and has translated the projects of World Bank, UNESCO, National Bureau of Statistics, etc into the Igbo Language.

Having translated works for different national and international experience, his experience cut across general translation, sciences, medicals, legal, business, politics, education, etc.

He interned with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center as Legislative Intern, posted to the National Assembly, House Committee on Financial Crime, Federal House of Representatives, sponsored by European Union and ECOWAS.

He founded Igbotic dot net where Igbo language is taught with sustainable curriculum for children and adults.

He has funded himself to research across Igbo land. Hé carried out research about the Igbo Kogi, the Ikwere , Benue and forceful displacement of the Igbo in the name of state creation. His research cut across language, anthropology, culture, people, literature and this led him to travel to 33 States of Federation plus FCT for proper research.

His novel “Nwamma” which was purely written in Igbo became a best seller on Amazon, 2018. The first of its kind to be widely gotten even by some white people despite the fact it’s purely written in Igbo .

His book: “Mụta Igbo Taa: Learn Igbo Today” was published in Canada by Griot Lounge Publishing and it became a bestselling within 24 hours upon release. The book is currently housed by Legislative Library Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada for research purposes.

He produced the first tech book for children in Igbo Language entitled: Eze Na Kọmputa. Tech mixed with culture.

He used American Sign Language in the award winning film which he translated as Agwaetiti Obiụtọ produced by Onyeka Nwelue featuring Harry B. Anyanwụ, Stephen Odimgbe (Flash Boy), etc. He also did the voice over throughout in the movie. He also featured in another Nollywood movie “Ghost Baby” featuring Ebube Obio.

He founded a fashion business called Dike Fashion World where he focuses on crafting dress using indigenous fabrics.

The journey was driven out of passion for Igbo studies, arts and language: both spoken and sign— a very rough and consistent one marked with uncertainty. The journey began from nowhere to somewhere.

It’s yet another morning…