Emeka Esogbue

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The Iwu Festival: Leveraging Satire, Sarcasm, and Social Commentary to Address Societal Challenges in Anioma

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

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

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 ...

Anti-Drug Lecture: Students of Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School, Pose for Lecture

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

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

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...

Nigerian Rugby Star, Freddie Henry-Ajudua, Awards N240,000 Scholarship to Two Exceptional Grassroots Players

Nigerian Rugby Star, Freddie Henry-Ajudua, Awards N240,000 Scholarship to Two Exceptional Grassroots Players - Emeka Esogbue In a remarkable display of philanthropy, Nigerian rugby international, Freddie Henry-Ajudua, has announced the recipients of his inaugural rugby talent scholarship. Thadeus Victor Ikechukwu from Delta State and Kilani Mujidat from Kano State will each receive N120,000 to cover their tuition fees. The two outstanding players were selected based on their exceptional performance in the recent inter-state games. Thadeus Ikechukwu, a member of the Delta State U-15 team, and Kilani Mujidat, who plays for the Kano State U-15 team, demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication to the sport. Freddie Henry-Ajudua, who auctioned one of his game jerseys to fund the scholarship, expressed his commitment to supporting upcoming rugby players in Nigeria. He hopes to make the scholarship an annual or bi-annual event, promoting the growth of rugby in the country. The General M...

Ike Ofuokwu, Other Legal Experts Call for Comprehensive Reform of Nigerian Justice System in 2025

Ike Ofuokwu, Other Legal Experts Call for Comprehensive Reform of Nigerian Justice System in 2025 By Emeka Esogbue Legal Luminary, Ike Ofuokwu, Esq. has expressed disappointment with the current state of Nigeria’s judiciary, citing lack of trust and political influence. According to the Nation Newspaper, Ofuokwu, a governance professional, reported his loss of hope in the judiciary while lamenting the increasing political influence over court decisions, which results in delay in justice delivery. The Legal Titan advised on merit-based appointments instead of connection or political expediency and also suggested that the Chief Justice of Nigeria and other judicial leaders take actions to root out corruption from the bench without waiting for litigants to petition them. Others who spoke on ways to reposition the judiciary according to The Nation include Chief Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, who called on the judicial leadership to address widespread negative perception of the judiciary by the...

Walter Akpani, Managing Director of Providus Bank, Wins Prestigious Banker of the Year Award

Walter Akpani, Managing Director of Providus Bank, Wins Prestigious Banker of the Year Award * Emeka Esogbue Renowned Nigerian banker, Walter Akpani, has been named the 2024 Nigerian Banker of the Year by This Day/Arise. Akpani, who serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Providus Bank, was announced as the winner of this esteemed award. A native of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Akpani has garnered widespread recognition for his achievements, with congratulatory messages pouring in from around the globe. With over three decades of experience in the financial sector, Akpani's illustrious career began as a pioneer staff member of ICON Stockbrokers. Akpani holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. His expertise in bank start-ups and restructuring has contributed significantly to the growth of several financial institutions, including Standard Trust Bank (now United Bank for Africa) and Platinum Bank Ltd...