Emeka Esogbue

 The Legacy of Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Njideaka: A Pioneer in Education By Emeka Esogbue In the heart of Ibusa, a community in Delta State, Nigeria, a legendary figure emerged, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals especially the youngsters. Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Njideaka, a path-breaking educator, philanthropist, and community leader, is remembered for her tireless efforts to uplift the Nigerian child and empower her community. Born on June 28, 1939, to Mr. and Mrs. Ejoh, Elizabeth Nneka Njideaka was one of the first educated elites from Ibusa who not only pursued her dreams but ensured the educational training of many. She pursued her passion for education, earning a T.C. II and Associate Degree in Education from the University of Lagos. Her academic journey continued at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, USA, where she obtained a certificate in Clinical Supervision. In January 1970, Chief Mrs. Njideaka founded the Santa Maria School in...

The Story Behind "Ezigbonmadu Nwa Okoasia": Uncovering the Legacy of an Ibusa Woman By Emeka Esogbue Did you ever listen to your parents make the sarcastic phrase of "Ezigbonmadu Nwa Okoasia as some of us did while growing up?" I grew up fo become familiar with the phrase "Ezigbonmadu Nwa Okoasia," a sarcastic expression that conveyed irony or mocking humour. My mother and other Ibusa parents would often use this phrase, followed by a stern reprimand or even a beating because it was a common reaction to misbehaviour, like disobeying rules and other offences. As a little boy, the phrase piqued my curiosity, and I recently had a conversation with a lady from Ibusa who mentioned "Ezigbonmadu Nwa Okoasia." To my surprise, she revealed that it was the name of a real person, an Ibusa woman who lived in the past. Although I was familiar with the Okoasia family of Ogboli, the prefixed Ezigbonmadu often puzzled me. Researching further into the lady's ...

 A Forgotten Beauty: The Bittersweet Story of Helen Anyamaefuna, Miss Nigeria 1958 from Anioma By Emeka Esogbue The poignant story of Helen Anyaemeluna, Anioma's Miss Nigeria 1958, continues to resonate with many. Her life's journey was a rollercoaster of triumph and lack of help. Crowned Miss Nigeria at just 21, the second Nigerian to be so recognized after Miss Grace Oyelude in 1957. Helen's elegance and beauty captivated the nation.  As a symbol of Anioma's rich human capital, Helen Anyamaefuna who hailed from the Anioma community of Ugbodu, was a motivation to many with her pet projects and dedication to service after her emergence. However, life took a dramatic turn when illness struck, confining her to a wheelchair and stripping her of her radiance. Despite her past contributions, Helen was left to struggle, seeking help from the nation she once served and NGOs. Sadly, her pleas were met with indifference, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion in 2012 when she gav...

 Facts About Rev Fr Carlo Zappa and His Christianization of the Enuani Area  - Emeka Esogbue Perhaps, no Christian missionary played a greater role in the evangelization of the Enuani Region of Anioma as did Rev Fr. Carlo Zappa. Fr. Zappa played a significant role in Christianizing the Enuani area of Anioma. * He was born in Milan, Italy on December 23, 1861 and was ordained a priest on June 8, 1884.  * Fr Zappa was sent to Asaba by the Poirier because Sir Robert Marshal, an official of the Royal Niger Company with its headquarters in Asaba insisted that he was needed. * He served in the Society of African Missions.  * He was later appointed the Prefect of the Upper Niger * He established the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, the first church in Asaba in 1888. * Rev Fr Zappa moved the Roman Catholic mission headquarters from Lokoja to Asaba * The Asaba site was purchased for the missionaries by Sir James Marshal. * He was in Issele-Uku, Ibusa, Illah, Ogwashi-Uku, Okpanam...

  Ibusa Youths Face Neglect and Disillusionment  By Emeka Esogbue As the Ibusa journey furthers to modern decades, the youths of the community appear to suffer neglect and disillusionment, highlighting great struggles and concerns of the community's youngsters and emphasizing the need for attention and support from the leaders and other stakeholders in the community.  Many factors have combined to make the Ibusa youths form a marginalized population, and facing limited opportunities and representation and the population is crying out silently maybe too, because the community is yet to commit desired energy required to raise and nurture the future of the future leaders.  While the Ibusa youths are expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of the community, the community itself is refusing to prepare them for the task ahead. Again, several factors speak in favour of this argument. With the lack of government presence in the community which lies only about 6 m...

 Uche Montana: Where Talent Meets Timeless Elegance By Emeka Esogbue Uche Nwaefuna, affectionately known as Uche Montana in Nollywood, is steadily etching her name in the annals of cinematic history. This talented actress, screenwriter, and film producer has captivated audiences with her compelling performances in various movies and TV series, but it's her innate sense of style that truly sets her apart. Born on May 8, 1997, in Lagos and raised in Festac Town, Uche Montana's diverse upbringing has enriched her acting roles with a unique depth. Her rise to fame began with the TV drama series "Hush," which aired on African Magic and GOtv Africa. However, it was her role in "The Fake Life of Abuja Housewives" that brought her closer to her fans, showcasing her talent and versatility. Movies like "Hire a Woman" further solidified her status as a young star full of promise. Beyond her cinematic achievements, Uche Montana's passion for fashion has ea...

 A Memorable Visit to Ibusa: Pope Leo XIV's Connection to St. Augustine's Catholic Church - Emeka Esogbue In 2016, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, visited Nigeria as the Prior General of the Augustinians, specifically stopping at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Ibusa. Established in 1898 during the Ekumeku War, this historic church holds a special place in the community.  The church's founding story is fascinating to Anioma historians. After Ibusa chiefs opposed British missionaries, Obi Egbune, the Obi of Issele-Uku accepted the British offer in his community, leading to Ibusa's eventual surrender because Ibusa mercenaries had the intention to fight on the side of Issele-Uku. Rev Fr Carlo Zappa's appeal to establish a mission in the community, paved the way for St. Augustine's, the community's first and largest church which though has been knocked down and severally restructured to give it a look outside the original form. Given this history and im...

 Ohanaeze: Anioma Man, Patrick Nwanze, Appointed Chairman of Lagos Igbo Day Committee By Emeka Esogbue Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo Apex socio-cultural organization, Lagos Chapter has appointed Apostle Patrick Nwanze as the Chairman of the Igbo Day Committee, an upcoming event in Lagos State. In a letter dated April 25, 2025, signed by Chief Sunday Ossai, President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, Apostle Nwanze was tasked with planning and organizing the cultural event with other committee members and ensuring and promoting Igbo culture and traditions, among other terms of references.  The date of the event was not explicitly stated in the letter, a copy also forwarded PEN MASTER but it was stated that Ohanaeze had faith in Nwanze's capability to make the event a huge success.  Apostle Patrick Nwanze is a member of Ibusa community in Delta State.

 Ethnic Nationality Not Forcefully Imposed, Igbanke is Ika, INPA Initiator, Gloria Adagbon Asserts - Emeka Esogbue Barr. Gloria Adagbon, a prominent Igbanke leader and initiator of the Igbanke Nationals Progressive Association (INPA), has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the suspension of six Igbanke monarchs by the Benin Palace.  In a statement posted on her Facebook page, she asserted that Igbanke is an Ika community with a distinct culture and language, emphasizing that ethnic identity cannot be imposed. Adagbon pointed out that despite being located in Edo State, Igbanke people speak the Ika language and maintain Ika traditions. She noted that having Bini names doesn't necessarily mean they are Bini, just like an American with English names is not English. She highlighted that most Igbanke people don't speak or understand the Bini language, further emphasizing their Ika heritage.  "Majority of our people who were born and brought up in Igbanke do not speak or...