Tears and Sorrow as Ibusa Novelist, Philip Ngozi Kwusike Goes Home

- Emeka Esogbue

What had started as an intense shock for the Ibusa community following the announcement of the death of Philip Ngozi Ifechukwude-Kwusike and kept the community in a sombre mood, became metamorphic of sorrow and tears as the community's prominent novelist and writer was laid to rest on Thursday morning.

The day before, was the heavily attended service of songs by the people of Ibusa which took place in his Umutaba, Nkpanyala home. This was followed by the ebiligwogwo rites, a funeral custom of the Ibusa people, which was observed in his honour after which the writer, the Ibusa best known since the Buchi Emecheta era, also from the community, was committed to the mother earth.

Philip Ngozi Ifechukwude Kwusike, author of four published books that include a collection of poetries and autobiography, named "Wild Ixora" was made popular by his last work, "Imagine Lagos and Other Stories" published in 2020, in the United States of America by SGNT Media, a subsidiary of Ben Collins Productions Nig. Ltd.

Meanwhile, prominent sons of daughters from the community have continued to react to the death of the late novelist, among who are Governor Okowa's Aide, Sir Onyeluka Igbonoba who described him as a "community servant." Canadian-based Xclusive Magazine publisher and journalist, Dr. Peter Anene-Nzekwue also in his mournful poem titled "Teardrops (Anya Nmili Akwa)," lamented the loss of his Ibusa colleague in the literary profession. This comes as another native of the community and public affairs analyst, Frank Isioma Okafor described the late author as a man of conscience, pointing to the political choices made by him in his lifetime in renderng services to pilotical figures from Anioma region. Radio presenter, Vivian Isioma Gbunnor while responding after the shocking news, expressed sadness at the departure at the writer, recalling that they once co-hosted the Uwa Anioma program on Bridge Radio, Asaba, in which he added flavour to the presentation with his Enuani linguistic prowess, bidding him farewell.

Some prominent Ibusa natives present at the funeral ceremony were Hon Innocent Esewezie, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Gov Okowa's Aide, Sir Onyeluka Igbonoba, Delta Hospitals Board head, Dr. Austin Obidi, His Eminence, Engr. Celestine Okafor, the Ikwele of Ibusa, HRH Obi Josephine Nwannabuogwu, the Omu of Ibusa, Chief Barr. Fred Ajudua, the Onwanetili Oha of Ibusa, Director of Communications to the Chief Whip of Delta State House of Assembly, Onowu Mark Nnabundo, People of Oshimili North Initiator, Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh, Treasurer of the newly founded Guild of Ibusa Writers and Authors (GIWA) and Secretary of Ibusa Women Professionals, Dr. Priscilla Okeleke and Mr. Dave Nwosisi among others too numerous to mention.

Philip Ngozi Ifechukwude Kwusike, publisher and journalist, was the publisher of Ibusa Voice and a former reporter with Frontline News. He was also a prominent member of the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU), honorary member of the Igbuzo Singles Meet (ISM), member of the National Association of Ibusa Students (NAIBS) and winner of People Oshimili North Man of the Year. He died at the age of 53 in a hospital in Asaba, Delta State on July 22, 2022. The thanksgiving service scheduled to mark the funeral, comes up inside the Winners Church, Ibusa, on August 14. He is survived by his parents, wife and children.

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