IBUSA SINGLES MEET IN IBUSA • Esogbue Elege, Nyemike Nkadi, Priscilla Okeleke others reiterate call for promotion of Ibusa inter-marriage

The saying of William Shakespeare that ‘many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage’ came to light recently when Ibusa, a community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State stood still for single-youths of the town on January 2, 2016. Participants numbering about 200 met at the Ogbeowele Community Hall under the auspices of Ibusa Singles Meet, a group committed to the promotion of inter-marriage among Ibusa people. The event, fourth in series of the annual conferences, so far, put together by the group flagged off with participants introducing themselves. Shortly afterwards, the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Esogbue Elege popularly known as E-Mac Elege represented by Rotarian Kingsley Obi Adinkpaya, JP delivered his opening speech in which he reinstated the need for the people of Ibusa to ensure that Ibusa marriage is encouraged. He frowned at the situation Ibusa parents dictate who their children should marry while placing priority on materialism and cautioned against such acts rather than the happiness of their children.

In his welcome address, the President of Ibusa Singles Meet and historian of note, Mr. Emeka Esogbue emphasized that Ibusa Singles Meet was making progress in its major objective of promotion of Ibusa to Ibusa marriage but pointed out that there was still the need for Ibusa parents to fulfill their own part of promises. This he said they could be achieved by putting the future of their children before their own interest since they have lived their own lives to the fullest. He questioned the situation parents now impose high fees on their children before marriage which tends to dishearten suitors. He also stressed that Ibusa Singles Meet has recorded some Ibusa marriages among its members, a testimony that the group is meeting with its set goals. He was quick to point out that it was not all about marriage for the group as it now fosters unity among the youths of the community and also serves as a platform to bring the youths together.

The Career Counselor of Ibusa Singles Meet, Dr. Mrs. Priscilla Okeleke who was represented by literary icon, Mr. Austin Eloka Ajufo delivered a goodwill message in which she related her determination that the dream of Ibusa Singles Meet would not die. She praised Emeka Esogbue for his humility and intelligence which according to her has ascended the group to the level it is today. Mrs. Okeleke noted that the major objective of the group became necessary as a result of Ibusa youths now increasingly choosing their spouses from other ethnic groups. She said ‘I have always advised that there is no perfect man or woman. Many factors add up to a successful marriage. These factors include trust, finance, health, religion, sex, communication, extended family among others’. The career Counselor sent a clarion call to Ibusa parents to encourage their children to look inwards and marry from Ibusa while also appealing to them to look beyond class, wealth and family names and focus more on avenues that should foster peace and unity. Ibusa inter-marriage she stated has the tendency to make Ibusa one big family as it will restore peace and unity which have eluded the community in the recent past.

Evangelist Felix Nyemike Nkadi who delivered keynote speech at the event called on Ibusa people to promote Ibusa inter-marriage. The Minister of God enumerated many factors that favour Ibusa inter-marriage, accentuating them as promotion of unity among the people of Ibusa, continuation of cultural practices of the people, better understanding of the people’s culture and familiarization of Ibusa environment and family members. He advised the singles to always ensure a good understanding of the journey they are embarking on with a view to knowing the family, community and cultural practices of their host communities before giving their hand in marriage to avoid regret in the end. He acknowledged that money was a necessity without which marriage may become impossible but counselled candidates of marriage especially the women not to exhibit priority for wealth as that could affect them seriously in the end. Evangelist Nkadi urged them to remember to put God before anything else and prayed for the participants.

Questions were entertained by dignitaries present at the occasion. Highlights of the event included preparation of oseani delicacy of the Anioma people by Mr. Hilary Ifechukwude Okobi and Miss Ifeyinwa Ageh. There was also the decoration of Chief Ifeanyichukwu Daddi Okeleke, JP, Mgboko Isiga of Ibusa represented by his son; Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh, Dike Di Oha Nma; Mr. Emmanuel Kwasa Amatokwu, Coordinator of Ibusa Football Tournament; Mr. Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, PR Person and Strategist of the Organization For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) and Mr. Philip Ngozi Ifechukwude, author of Wild Ixora, as honourary members of Ibusa Singles Meet. They were admitted into the honourary membership of the group for associating with the group since the existence of the group. They were further urged by Emeka Esogbue to continue to associate themselves with Ibusa Singles Meet and be role models to the youths of the community.

The event which started with red carpet formalities for the members of Ibusa Singles Meet had in attendance important dignitaries that included USA-based Sir Esogbue Elege, represented by Rotarian Kingsley Obi Adinkpaya, JP, Hon Felicia Okwali a former counselor, Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh, Dike Di Oha Nma, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Daddi Okeleke, Mgboko Isiga of Ibusa represented by his son, Mr. Ekene Okeleke, Chief Austin Uwaonye Ndinwa represented by Hon Joseph Ijeh, popularly called Sir Joe, a former counselor and Secretary to Oshimili North Local Government Area, Mr. Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, PR and Strategist of the Organization For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), Ms. Christie Bendu Achakpo and others.

The Chairman of the occasion, Sir Esogbue Elege announced the donation of N40,000 to Ibusa Singles Meet and another N5,000 each for two awardees. Mr. Hilary Ifechukwude Okobi and Miss Rosemary Akaeze emerged as Mr. and Miss ISM while Patrick Adigwe and Miss Kobindi Ofili were both honoured for their roles in pioneering the group. Mr. Godfrey Chukwudi Osakwe announced his intention to institute a prize for Ibusa Singles Meet but promised to unveil details of the prize to the President of the group, Emeka Esogbue in due course. Members were entertained by Egwu Oma Dance Troupe of Ibusa while music was supplied by Ibusa Brothers Band. The Welfare Department of the group led by Miss Josephine Nwannabuogwu, the Head of the Department had earlier the day before visited an orphanage home in Ibusa to celebrate and present some items to orphans.