State Support: Manager Petitions Enugu Governor Over Mr Ibu’s Children

Dominic Nwuzor, the longtime manager of the late Nollywood legend John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Enugu State Government to secure the educational future of the actor’s children. Nwuzor, who steered the career of the “Man Who Made Africa Laugh” for over two decades, is advocating for a state-backed scholarship to ensure the comic icon’s offspring are not left behind.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, January 19, 2026, Nwuzor emphasized that such a gesture would be a fitting tribute to a man who hailed from Nkanu West and spent his life projecting a positive image of Enugu State and Nigeria to the world. He noted that while the actor brought immense joy to millions, his passing in March 2024 left a void that only collective social support can help bridge for his young family.

Nwuzor’s appeal is strategically directed at Governor Peter Mbah, whose administration has gained significant traction for its aggressive focus on human capital development. Since taking office, Mbah has allocated a historic 30% of the state’s budget to the education sector and has a documented history of intervening in the lives of vulnerable children. The former manager expressed confidence that the Governor’s “large heart” would recognize Mr Ibu’s status as a cultural ambassador who deserved a lasting state legacy.

The push for a scholarship is rooted in the philosophy of self-reliance. Nwuzor argued that providing quality education for the children is the most sustainable way to honor their father’s memory. He noted that without their primary breadwinner, the children face a steep climb to achieve the dreams their father envisioned for them. “We have appealed for scholarship opportunities… so that something can be done,” Nwuzor stated, signaling a persistent advocacy effort.

Mr Ibu’s impact on African cinema was unparalleled. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and rubber-faced expressions, he became a symbol of Nigerian resilience and humor in countries as far-reaching as Botswana, Ghana, and South Africa. Nwuzor reminisced about how the actor often waved the Nigerian flag upon landing at international airports, consciously working to counteract negative narratives about his homeland.

The call comes at a time when the Enugu State Government is already expanding its educational safety nets. Recently, the administration launched its updated scholarship scheme, offering over 1,600 slots for indigenes. Nwuzor’s plea suggests a more personalized intervention, similar to previous instances where the state has stepped in to support the families of prominent citizens or vulnerable minors in crisis.

Beyond the immediate financial relief, the proposed scholarship is seen as a way to “immortalize” a man who reconciled communities through the universal language of laughter. By ensuring his children are educated, the state would be preserving the lineage of a man who was once conferred the title of “peacemaker” in foreign lands, yet always remained a proud son of the Enugu soil.

As the public reacts to this appeal, the conversation has shifted toward how Nigeria treats its cultural icons after they are gone. Nwuzor’s advocacy serves as a reminder that the stars who light up our screens often leave behind families who need the society’s light when their own stars go dim. For the fans of Mr Ibu, a state scholarship for his children would be the final, standing ovation for a man who gave everything to make the world smile.