Posts

Showing posts from March, 2022

In the Beginning: From Ibusa Union to Ibusa Community Development Union

 In the Beginning: From Ibusa Union to Ibusa Community Development Union - By Emeka Esogbue As we have now seen, by 1951, the Ibusa Union, now Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) under J. C. K. Odia as President-General, was an employer of labour and in terms of remuneration, it was by far, a more well-paying job than the large Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) of the time. For instance, while young Nosike Ikpo (Obi Senator Nosike Ikpo), the newly employed "Under Secretary" by the Town Union, as reported, was paid £2 (two pounds) by Nigerian Railway Corporation, but he received £6 from Ibusa Union.  Indeed, Ibusa Union paid higher than Post and Telecommunication (P & T), and the Department of Marine, of the category, among others. The officers of the Town Union thrived on enhanced salaries.  Ibusa members of this Town Union paid their levies promptly as proud members and patriotism were very high. Love existed among them and every Ibusa indigene considered themselve

Nduka Eze: The Nigerian Nationalist from Asaba Who Lost His Wife to Asaba Massacre

  Nduka Eze: The Nigerian Nationalist from Asaba Who Lost His Wife to Asaba Massacre By Emeka Esogbue Only a few writers of history will recollect Nduka Eze of the blessed memory yet he was one of the most popular Nigerian nationalists, politician, writer, author and trade unionist of his time. As a nationalist, he contributed in several fronts towards the independence of the country from the British colonialists. Born Sylvester Nduka-Eze (familarly called Nduka Eze) in Asaba to Asaba parents from Umuaji Quarters of the community on February 25, 1925, he was one of the most influential and popular Anioma natives that ever lived. Nduka Eze as he was simply called was a freedom fighter, a founding member of the Zikist Movement who also worked with the United African Company where he rose to become the National President of the union. He was a student, believer, follower and propagator of the nationalist ideas and philosophies of Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe before eventually switching

Luke Ashinze Tasks Oshimli North Council Boss on Consideration of a Cemetery in Ibusa

Image
 Luke Ashinze Tasks Oshimli North Council Boss on Consideration of a Cemetery in Ibusa By Emeka Esogbue Prominent Ibusa indigene, Mr. Luke Ashinze has tasked Hon Innocent Esewezie, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area with the consideration of a policy that would birth for use, a tract of land where the dead in the community would be buried.  Mr. Ashinze who disclosed this in Umejei Descendants, a macro WhatsApp blog created to unite the people of the community, in a post submitted by him, also asked that enabling laws be made to ensure the implementation of the use of the cemetery in the community.  "Sincerely, I have just realized that our focused Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area is on (sic) this platform. May I politely ask him and his administration to critically consider having a policy in Ibusa that will establish a central cemetery? It could be a cultural change difficult to effect," Ashinze pleaded.  "Success of

I Hardly Sleep because I Want to Meet My People’s Demand - Hon Hilary Okobi

Image
I Hardly Sleep because I Want to Meet My People’s Demand -        Hon Hilary Okobi   About five months after his election unopposed, he rebuilt a market under his constituency much to the amazement of his community. In this interview with PEN MASTER (Emeka Esogbue), a media personality, Hilary Ifechukwude Okobi, the Counselor representing Ward 5 of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State speaks on his counsellorship feats so far, evaluates the Oshimili North Local Government and answers other pressing questions. Excerpts:   Pen Media: I agree that a lot of people in your locality and beyond have now heard of your name. To others, who might not have known you, who is "Hilary Okobi?”   Okobi: (Smiling) Okay, well, thank you very much Pen Master. Hilary Ifechukwude Okobi, as I am fully known is a grassroots politician who started his politics with student unionism in University of Benin where I obtained my Diploma and later University of Port Harcou