Emeka Esogbue

 VIO Foundation Plans to Empower Young Ibusa Widows By Emeka Esogbue The VIO Foundation, a registered non-profit organization, has announced an inspiring initiative to support young widows in Ibusa, Delta State. According to Vivian Halim Obodoechine, the foundation's founder and a widow herself who spoke to PEN MASTER on the development, the program aims to address the harsh realities faced by young widows in the community. Obodoechine, also from the community who has personal experience with the challenges of widowhood, emphasized that young widows are particularly vulnerable. To alleviate their struggles, VIO will provide guidance, assistance, and empowerment through a special program scheduled for April 17, 2025, at the Ogwugwu site in Umuodafe, Ibusa in the morning hours. The event will feature talks by professional speakers, focusing on self-sustainability and entrepreneurship. Participants will also receive special packages to support their economic independence. To ensure th...

 Pen Master's 9 Ibusa 'Girls' Who Do Amazing Things The Ibusa community is a vibrant hub of human capital, boasting an impressive array of successful individuals who have made their mark in various fields. Renowned figures like Pat Utomi, Fred Ajudua, Walter Akpani, Zik Zulu Okafor, Frank Atuche, Sebastian Adigwe, and Kingsley Obiekwu are just a few examples of the community's accomplished members. While the achievements of Ibusa's men are well-documented, the community's women, particularly its young and talented females, have remained largely under the radar. To shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes, we present a showcase of 9 amazing women from Ibusa who are making waves in their respective fields.    1. Beverly Naya: Beverly Naya is an amazing 'girl' from Ibusa. The Nollywood actress who has featured in several movies is about the most popular Ibusa female face in Nollywood.  2. Bose Omolayo: Not many know that Bose Ogomegbunem Omolayo hails from ...

 The Enduring Legacy of Ukwuani Highlife Music in Contemporary Anioma By Emeka Esogbue Ukwuani, a subgroup of the Anioma people, has made significant contributions to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The region has produced an impressive array of talented musicians who have popularized the highlife genre, showcasing the unique sounds and rhythms of Ukwuani. This article celebrates the achievements of these musical icons and highlights the enduring impact of Ukwuani highlife music on the Nigerian music scene. Rogana Ottah, a legendary musician from the Ndokwa region who passed away about 18 years ago, is renowned for his captivating highlife performances. With a career spanning decades, Ottah has remained a beloved figure in Ukwuani music, earning a reputation as one of Nigeria's top musicians. He is not only by far, the popular choice of any Ukwuani highlife lover, Chief Mike Onwugbolu once told Nigerians that Ubulu admired the musician whom they believed to have the best sin...

 The Iwu Festival: Leveraging Satire, Sarcasm, and Social Commentary to Address Societal Challenges in Anioma By Emeka Esogbue Beyond its vibrant dance and music, the Iwu Festival, celebrated by the Anioma communities of Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Ubulu-Uku, Ubulu-Unor, and Illah, employs satire, mockery, and social commentary to confront societal ills and promote positive change. This unique approach is not isolated to the Iwu Festival, as various African festivals, such as the Akan Festival of Ghana, Egungun Festival of the Yorubas, Kwagh-hir Festival of the Tiv, and Ovia Osese Festival of the neighbouring Urhobo in Delta State, Nigeria, also utilize satire, sarcasm, and mockery to address evil doers and societal ills. During the Iwu Festival, celebrants dance to traditional rhythms infused with satirical messages, using gestures, movements, and facial expressions to convey their message. The festival serves as a platform for community participation, encouraging individuals to join in r...

 My Family Believes in Giving Back to my Community, Vebron Carre Chief, Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua is a philanthropic name in Ibusa with his Vebron Carre, Foundation extending charitable services to his community. Over time, his profile rose, making him a cultural figure in the community. In 2024, he took up the revered Obi title of Ibusa in what was one of the most publicized traditional rites of the Enuani people. In this interview with PEN MASTER (Emeka Esogbue), Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua shares personal views on issues touching on the community, which  concerns his family, Obiship experience, philanthropy, cultural life and current state of the community. Excerpts: Pen Master: You are Obi Dr. Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, a USA-based medic from the Ibusa community. Obi, can you tell our readers more about yourself? Ajudua: Alright, thank you very much. To your question, I am Obi Dr. Henry Chukwumaonyenmenjo Ajudua, a USA-based Doctoral PhD holder in Pharmaceutical. Addi...

 Anioma Watch Association Takes Anti-Drug Campaign to Schools in Anioma In a bid to combat drug abuse among youths, the Anioma Watch Social Association recently embarked on a three-day anti-drug campaign in three schools across Delta North. The campaign, which took place from February 24 to 26, 2025, aimed to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle. The association, in collaboration with the Social Watch Anti-Drug Advocates (SWADAA), Delta State Command, visited Ogume Grammar School, Ogume, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State; Ihu-Iyase Secondary School, Agbor-Nta, Delta State; and Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School (PBGS), Issele-Uku, Delta State. The campaign was well-received by the school authorities and students. The resource persons, Miss Precious Onwueze and Frank Ogagbor, both from SWADAA, delivered engaging lectures that sparked curiosity and interest among the students. The students actively participated in the campaign, asking questions and ...

 Picture shows students of Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School, Issele-Uku, Delta State, pose for photography with Pen Master, Dr. Emeka Esogbue and others after the lecture on drug abuse held on Feb 26, 2025

 Amb. Jerry Ojei Set to Empower Widows and  Less Privileged Persons in Ibusa - Emeka Esogbue  In what has been termed "New Face, New Initiative," businessman and real estate practitioner, Amb. Jerry Ozioma Ojei is set to empower again, widows and less-privileged persons in his Ibusa community. Amb. Jerry who disclosed this to PEN MASTER in an interview stated that the initiative was born out of compassion and love for the community. Overall, the program as planned will convey a sense of excitement around him.  The Ibusa initiative, according to Amb. Jerry Ojei will establish several widows and less-privileged indigenes facing significant economic and social disadvantages with small scale businesses to foster economic growth and  self-reliance, conferring in them the capacity to rely on their own economic capacity and to manage their own affairs. While the details of the program are yet to be unveiled, Amb Jerry assured that every stakeholder will be carried alon...

 One Year Without Omu Anioma: Obi Martha Dunkwu Lived and Died for the Anioma Cause By Emeka Esogbue Today marks the one-year anniversary of Omu Martha Dunkwu's passing, a legendary figure who left an indelible mark on the Anioma people. As the Omu of Anioma, she was a trailblazer, breaking cultural barriers and paving the way for women's leadership in Anioma society. Since the days of modern Anioma, there was no female figure in history who enjoyed cultural and global fame as did Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Omu of Anioma; since the days of modern Anioma, there was no female traditional leader from Anioma who cut cultural influence as seen in Obi Martha Dunkwu, the Omu of Anioma. By January 26, 2002, when she was installed as the Omu of Okpanam, an Anioma female leader had been born in her. By January 15, 2019, when she became crowned as the Omu of Anioma, the people were becoming conversant with the female cultural leader, the like of which was never seen in the history of the peop...