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Showing posts from June, 2025

Ibusa Community Unites Against Kidnappers and Other Criminals, Declares Spiritual War

 Ibusa Community Unites Against Kidnappers and Other Criminals, Declares Spiritual War Story By Emeka Esogbue In a show of unity and determination, hundreds of Ibusa community members in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State gathered at the sacred Ihu Ani ground to lay curses on kidnappers and other criminal elements disrupting the community's peace. The spiritual ceremony, led by the Ikwele of Ibusa, Chief Engr Celestine Okafor, aimed to invoke generational curses on wrongdoers and their collaborators. PEN MASTER learnt that participants had started to gather at the sacred site as early as 7.00am, eagerly awaiting the much anticipated ceremony to commence. The community's traditional heads and spiritual custodians, some of whom dressed in Akwa-Ocha traditional attire and red war garments were also sighted invoking the isu ofor curses. Participants held objects, and chanted "enough is enough" as they pleaded with criminals to leave the community.  The ce...

Oguguamakwa: A Name of Consolation

 Oguguamakwa: A Name of Consolation Emeka Esogbue My name is Oguguamakwa, a beautiful and meaningful name that few people know me by. Given to me by my great aunt, Nwunye Okafor, this name holds significant importance in my life. It reminds me of the story of my birth often narrated to me by my parents. My mother especially, would take time to conversationally compare the situations of loss and gain from experience. Oguguamakwa translates to "consolation," reflecting the circumstances surrounding my birth.  My parents had previously lost a child, Chukwuka, during the Nigerian Civil War due to hunger caused by the blockade and were saddened. Perhaps, the situation at the time constrained them to believe the possibility of another child but I came. My arrival became a source of comfort and solace, a divine replacement in a time of great loss. As Africans would say, God brought me to them as a gift. No word could have adequately described joy. Emotions were high with the atmosph...

Ezechime Traditional Headship: A Clan of Competing Claims

 Ezechime Traditional Headship: A Clan of Competing Claims Emeka Esogbue The Ezechime clan's origin story is indeed one of the most debated topics in Anioma history, with diverse accounts fueling the controversy. The patriarchal origin is a hotly debated topic, with nearly everyone, including non-Anioma indigenes, weighing in on the history of the people. The accounts are varied and complex, making it a fascinating yet challenging aspect of Anioma history to unravel. However, this writer is interested in the claim of traditional headship by some of its notable communities. Three notable communities within the Ezechime clan claim traditional headship, each with its own justification: - Issele-Uku: Claims to be the traditional head based on Oligbo, the last son of Ezechime, who allegedly took care of him in his old age. - Onicha-Ugbo: Asserts its claim based on being founded by the eldest son of Ezechime. Indeed, in Anioma society, diokpaship is a recognizable practice in which the e...

Erec Communications Wishes Emeka Esogbue Happy Birthday

From Ubulu Ezemu HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AN ERUDITE SCHOLAR, DR ESOGBUE  Management and Staff of Erec Communications Limited, publishers of Ubulu Ezemu wish our Anioma intellectual, prolific writer and great Historian, Dr Emeka Esogbue a Happy Birthday.  We send this Birthday Wishes to Emeka who is seen as the most innovative person in Anioma history coupled with lots of intellectual works done so far, to put the region in world map.  You have earned your place in history, not just because you are a Historian but for the fact that you have been leading the way for all others to follow. Esogbue, an author, historian and community leader is from Ibusa but is versatile when it comes to the history and cultures of virtually all the communities in Enuani and beyond. He has also written several books, which have become a reference point for upcoming scholars in Delta State and others parts of the world.  Keep your good works up and enjoy your birthday.

Anioma Pride: Emmanuella Edozien Sets Massachusetts Record in the USA

Anioma Pride: Emmanuella Edozien Sets Massachusetts Record in the USA - Emeka Esogbue The Anioma Nation continues to shine globally, showcasing its exceptional human resource talent. Emmanuella Edozien, a 16-year-old from Asaba, has made her mark in track and field. As a student at Natick High School in Massachusetts, USA, Edozien has been making impressive strides. Recently, she broke a 10-year-old Massachusetts record in the 55m hurdles with a remarkable time of 7.96 seconds, winning the MIAA Division 1 state title. She later equaled this record at the New England Championships. Edozien also set a new school record in long jump with a leap of 19' 4". Her achievements have earned her national recognition: Ranked 13th in the US in the 55m hurdle, 5th among junior athletes and 23rd in the long jump nationally, Edozien was named MSTCA Girls Winter Track and Field Athlete of the Year, a testament to her outstanding performances and record-breaking feats.  As the new Massachusetts...

Prof Utomi and His Murky Years of Activism in Nigerian Political Landscape

 Prof Pat Utomi and His Murky Years of Activism in Nigerian Political Landscape By Emeka Esogbue As it appears, not many, not even in his Ibusa hometown in Delta State are aware of his practice of activism but indeed, Prof Pat Utomi does not only share the belief of an activist but has a long history of activism in his political journey.  Prof Pat Utomi, a renowned Nigerian Professor of Political Economy and management expert highlights key moments in the nation's years of activism since his political involvement with his enlistment by Chief Alex Ekwueme, the nation's former Vice President to provide consultancy services on public policy papers. Brilliant Utomi would later rise to serve as Special Assistant to President Shehu Shagari.  Beyond politics, Prof Pat Okedinachi Utomi is one of Nigeria's social crusaders whose contributions have had a significant impact on the country's civil society and political landscape. It is to his credit, that he has coordinated the est...