Emeka Esogbue

 Erosion of Ibusa's Traditional Naming System: A Casualty of Westernization By Emeka Esogbue The Ibusa people of Nigeria once cherished their vibrant festivals, which showcased music, dance, cultural exhibitions, and community gatherings beyond the present. These events brought the community together, commemorating significant occasions like harvests, cleansing, and the traditional New Year. Festivals like Iwu, Ulo, and Ine/Ichu Ekwensu were integral to Ibusa's cultural identity.  The festivals' vibrant celebrations have always been inclusive, welcoming women to participate freely alongside men. Historically, women have played a vital role in enriching the festivities with their energetic dance performances and joyful spirits. This tradition continues to thrive, as women still participate in large numbers in the Iwu Festival. Although their traditional roles may be limited, their presence is essential to the festival's completeness, adding depth and richness to the cult

 Nostalgic Reflections: The Meaningful Names I Bear By Emeka Esogbue As I reflect on my heritage, I am reminded of the beautiful names I have been given. Alongside Emeka, my first name, I am also known as Oguguamakwa (or Ogugua for short) and Olisemenke or Menke. These names evoke memories of my birth and the circumstances surrounding it. In Enuani culture, as in many African societies, children are named based on the events surrounding their birth or their parents' experiences. This meaningful tradition contrasts with Western naming conventions, where names like Stone, Sand, Hill, Lake or Rock are common. My parents' story is one of resilience. Having lost their only child, Chukwuka, to hunger and starvation during the Nigerian Civil War, my birth brought consolation. They swiftly named me Chukwuemeka, meaning "God has done well," as if to reaffirm their faith. My maternal grandmother, Omebe Okolie nee Dike, affectionately called me Olisemenke, emphasizing God's

 Remember Our Years of Lamentation, Repair Ebu Road, Sir Ulakatu Begs Gov Oborevwori of Delta State By Emeka Esogbue Reprief may well come the way of the people of Ebu as Sir Ulakatu Philip, a concerned indigene of the community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, is urging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to repair the long-neglected Ebu road. This road, built by Chief Denis Osadebey, the former Premier of the Midwestern Region, has been in disrepair for over a decade, despite its strategic importance to several communities, including Issele-Uku, Onicha-Olona, Ezi, Ukala, and Ebu  Sir Ulakatu Philip plea comes after Ossai Ovie Success shared a list of the Governor's projects in Aniomaland on the Anioma Watch Social Association forum, a socio-cultural organization of the Anioma people. He emphasized that the road's neglect has rendered local PDP politicians voiceless, despite the community's consistent voting support. Sir Ulakatu, a topmost retired Civil Serv

  Ibusa's Cherished Ine Festival Makes a Triumphant Return By Emeka Esogbue After two years of the last enactment, the Ine/Ichu Ekwensu Festival, a beloved tradition of the Ibusa people in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, is set to make a huge comeback to the delight of the people. His Eminence, Chief Engr. Celestine Okeibunor Okafor, the Ikwele of Ibusa, has unveiled plans for the bi-annual festival to take place. The community's Chief Priest recently revealed intention to newsmen in the community to celebrate the festival, a cornerstone of Ibusa's cultural heritage. A specially prepared video on the festival now being broadcast in media houses across the nation, also forwarded to PEN MASTER showcases the festival's significance and beauty. Significantly, the Ine Festival also called Ichu Ekwensu in some quarters, holds deep spiritual and cultural relevance to the people of the community, aiming to exorcise evil spirits, cleanse the community and pa

  The Ibusa Sense of Republicanism is in the Extreme - Kizito Ijeh, Politician and Initiator of People of Oshimili North Chief Kizito Ijeh, the Dike Di Oha Nma of Ute Ogbeje is a household name in Ibusa community. The ace politician, one of the founders of the APC in Delta State recently marked his birthday in the community and amid the friends and well-wishers that came to celebrate with him; PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE) found the opportunity to engage him in a media chat. In this interview, Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh makes mind-boggling revelations on his personality, upbringing, political gains and losses by the Ibusa community, why he decamped from APC to join PDP, the state of NGOS on youth development and the current Uwolo tussle. He identifies disunity as the major factor standing between the Ibusa community and its development and thinks that the pursuit of Anioma State in the Southeast is not only unnecessary but an impossible task in the present Nigerian composition. Excer

  There is something special About my Movies   - Nicki Moore, Ace Nollywood Producer   Nollywood Actress, Producer and Director, Nneka Mowete fondly called "Nicki Moore" in Nigerian movie industry is a leading female producer in the country. She has several prestigious awards and honours to her credit. In 2022, she was honoured with the Mount Moriah Organization "Producer of the Year." She was again nominated for the Best London Actress and Yankari Entertainment Award for Nollywood International Movie Producer of the Year, 2024. The height of the honour of the international actress appeared to be the Dr. Pauline Long certificate issued in the UK Parliament in recognition of her promotion of human love and for exemplary contributions in the society. In this interview with EMEKA ESOGBUE (PEN MASTER), the celebrated star opens up on a number of issues concerning her career with others touching on her Anioma people and the Nigerian movie industry as a whole. S