Uchechukwu Obiajulu Sakar (Maazi Dibia)

Uchechukwu Obiajulu Sakar, popularly known as Maazi Dibia, is a multifaceted Nigerian personality—a chemical engineer, theologian, historian, researcher, and advocate for marginalized groups. As the CEO of Sakar’s Foundation International, he has championed the empowerment of physically challenged individuals and other marginalized groups. He is also a founder of the Maazi Dibia Foundation, focusing on preserving Igbo history and culture. Known for his intellectual versatility and cultural advocacy, Sakar has navigated a career spanning theology, engineering, and cultural preservation, while embracing and promoting traditional Igbo spirituality.

Early Life and Family Background

Uchechukwu Obiajulu Sakar was born on March 28, 1986, in Nkwo, a community in Nnado, Anambra State, Nigeria. He hails from a family of seven as the first son and second child of his parents. His upbringing in a culturally rich Igbo environment deeply influenced his passion for history and culture.

His parents, Mr & Mrs Obiajulu Sakar , were devout Christians who balanced traditional values with modern education. Sakar’s siblings include Udochukwu, with whom he shares a close relationship.

Education and Theological Pursuits

Sakar’s academic journey began in Nkwo, where he excelled in the sciences and humanities. He later pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering, where his intellectual rigor earned him recognition. However, his spiritual curiosity led him to Catholic seminary training, where he attained qualifications in theology. He later left the seminary, citing a desire to explore broader spiritual truths.

In 2010, Sakar converted to Judaism and attained the rank of Rabbi, symbolizing his deep study of Abrahamic traditions. Eventually, he transitioned to traditional Igbo spirituality, advocating for a blend of indigenous wisdom and modern religious practices.

Career Highlights

• Chemical Engineer: Before transitioning fully into humanitarian work, Sakar worked briefly in the chemical engineering sector, contributing to renewable energy research.
• Historian and Author: Sakar is a renowned Igbo historian, having written extensively on Igbo migration, traditional governance, and oral literature. His works remain unpublished but are highly regarded in cultural forums.
• Humanitarian Work: Through Sakar’s Foundation International, founded in [insert year], he supports individuals living with conditions such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and tuberculosis. His foundation is particularly noted for empowering physically challenged individuals in southeastern Nigeria.

Marriage and Family

Sakar married his wife, [insert name], on September 8, 2013. The couple is blessed with two children. Their first son was born on July 11, 2014, and turned ten in 2024. Sakar has often credited his family as his source of strength and motivation.

Controversies and Rumors

Sakar’s shift from Christianity to Judaism and later to traditional Igbo spirituality attracted public scrutiny and divided opinions. While some celebrated his commitment to preserving Igbo spirituality, others criticized his abandonment of Abrahamic faiths.

In 2022, a public dispute arose between Sakar and Chukwuma Nwokorie, a fellow Igbo historian, over the authenticity of certain migration theories. This controversy played out on social media platforms, with Nwokorie accusing Sakar of historical revisionism. Sakar defended his research, citing oral traditions and archeological findings.

His Views

Uchechukwu Obiajulu Sakar has extensively discussed his views on traditional religion and Christianity through various platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.

Views on Traditional Religion:

Maazi Dibia emphasizes the significance of Odinani, the indigenous spiritual and cultural practices of the Igbo people. He advocates for a revival and deeper understanding of these traditions, asserting that they are essential for the identity and continuity of the Igbo heritage. In his teachings, he explains concepts such as Chi, which he describes as the personal spiritual force or guardian inherent in every individual. He states, “Chi is your life force, the energy that flows through you and through everything. It is that which gives you life.” Facebook

Through his foundation, Maazi Dibia organizes educational sessions and discussions aimed at debunking colonial misconceptions about African traditional religions. He believes that reclaiming these indigenous beliefs is crucial for the empowerment and enlightenment of contemporary Igbo society. He has stated that his objective includes “Awakening the consciousness of 21st century IGBOS/Africans to the great achievement of their ancestors by debunking the ill Colonial lies of Religion through Factual teachings.” Facebook

Views on Christianity:

Maazi Dibia critically examines the impact of Christianity on Igbo culture and spirituality. He argues that the introduction of Christianity during the colonial era led to the suppression and misrepresentation of indigenous practices. In his discussions, he often highlights how certain Christian doctrines have alienated Igbo people from their ancestral roots. He encourages a re-evaluation of religious beliefs, urging individuals to explore and embrace their indigenous spirituality. He has engaged in debates and discussions to expose what he considers the “lies of religion,” aiming to provide a more authentic understanding of Igbo heritage. Facebook

Public Engagements:

Maazi Dibia utilizes social media platforms to disseminate his teachings. On his YouTube channel, he shares videos discussing various aspects of Igbo culture, spirituality, and history. His content often includes live discussions, educational series, and debates aimed at enlightening his audience about the richness of Igbo traditions and the importance of cultural preservation.

Through his active online presence and community engagements, Maazi Dibia continues to influence discussions on the interplay between traditional Igbo religion and Christianity, advocating for a renaissance of indigenous spirituality and cultural pride among the Igbo people.

For more insights into his teachings, you can visit his YouTube channel:

Awards and Recognitions

• Igbo Cultural Ambassador Award, 2020
• Humanitarian of the Year, 2021, awarded by [insert organization].
• Recognized by the Ohaneze Ndigbo in 2023 for contributions to Igbo cultural heritage.

Collaborations and Associations

Sakar has worked with notable Igbo personalities, including:

• Prof. Chinwe Achebe, an anthropologist, on cultural preservation projects.
• Chinasa Okafor, a philanthropist and advocate for disabled persons.
• Chigozie Anyanwu, a poet and historian.

Legacy

Uchechukwu Obiajulu Sakar, through his foundations and advocacy, has established himself as a custodian of Igbo culture and a champion of marginalized groups. His contributions to cultural and humanitarian causes continue to inspire younger generations of Igbo people.

References

1. Achebe, Chinwe. Igbo Migration and Traditions. Enugu: Nsukka Press, 2019.
2. Nwokorie, Chukwuma. “Debating Igbo History: A Critique of Maazi Dibia.” Nigerian Historical Journal, vol. 34, no. 2, 2022, pp. 45–67.
3. Sakar’s Foundation International. Annual Reports, 2020–2023.
4. “Uchechukwu Sakar Honored as Igbo Cultural Ambassador.” The Guardian Nigeria, June 15, 2020.

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