A Nigerian man, Ogbonnaya Mark, succeeded in life despite the huge opposition he faced when he decided to study Igbo language in school – After much tribulations, Ogbonnaya’s love for the language placed him among those higher than him – While in the university, his books written in Igbo were made as compulsory texts for his senior
Ogbonnaya Mark, on Monday, March 29, took to Twitter to narrate how he stuck by his passion for the Igbo language and made a success out of it despite the challenges stacked against him
He said he perfected his plan to study the language at the university level and never informed friends and families who thought studying law was the best for him.
Ogbonnaya revealed that even before he got admission at the age of 17, he already had over 15 manuscripts written in his name. To register for his JAMB, the man disclosed that he had to move away from his vicinity to a place where no one knew him. Even the computer operator who assisted in registering him for the exams was surprised that anybody would want to study such in school. After he was admitted, friends who heard the course he would be studying made fun of him. When Ogbonnaya approached his parents for money, they denied him also.
The man has been praised on social media for sticking by what he believes in. Photo source: @ogbonnaya_mark Source: Facebook To survive, the man turned to self-publishing after he was turned back by publishers who never believed in his works. His first book, Nwata Tichaa Akị Tụfuo Nkume… met strict criticism from those he marketed it to. His big break came when professors honoured his Igbo writing at a conference.
From there, his fame grew. Second-year students adopted his book for reading. Another one titled Nwata Kpata Ego Okenye Ejegbuo Onwe Ya n’Ozi became a recommended reading for third-year students. While still an undergraduate, his pieces also became compulsory texts for PhD and masters students studying Igbo literature. The ministry of education in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Delta, Imo and Enugu states approved his books for secondary school students.
I wanted to read Igbo language in the university. I knew I was going to be discouraged by family and friends who thought I should be studying law, I hid the plans to myself. I was in SS3 and decided to write JAMB as well. I had to do some work for people, get paid and saved up.
— Maazị Ogbonnaya (@ogbonnaya_mark) March 29, 2021
The idea was, asking for money from anyone for JAMB form would result into question of the course I was going to study in the university. In that case, I must do it myself. My age was 17. The passion I had for Igbo language was burning like fire. I had written over 15
— Maazị Ogbonnaya (@ogbonnaya_mark) March 29, 2021
Below are some of the reactions to his post: @DanOhaneho said: “Kudos for believing in yourself and for telling this inspirational story of yours.” @ogaparrot said: “I have said this times without number, no matter where my kids are born, they must learn igbo first.” @akenn007 said: “I intend to do something after my studies with all language literature from Africa. Someday!!! It’s a plan in progress. Good job and good work.”
Source : https://www.legit.ng/