A Report on the 9th Annual Conference and Lecture of Ibus
Theme: “Ife Umuaka Ibusa Som”
The Sub Theme: Promoting healthy relationships that may lead to marriage
among singles
Venue: Santa Maria Schools, 30 Owukori Crescent, Alaka Estate,
Surulere, Lagos.
Date: 16th November, 2019
Report by:
Tony Adigwe, Vivian Uchunor & Vincent
Okeleke
A
Report on the 9th Annual Conference and Lecture of Ibusa Singles’
Meet (ISM) under the distinguished Chairmanship of Sir Tony Oraegbu (Editor-in-Chief,
Agogo Ibusa Newspaper).
Preamble
The 9th Annual Conference and lecture of ISM tagged
“Ife Ibusa Som” was held on November 16th, 2019. It was a special
day in the life of Ibusa youths, resident in Lagos as the highly anticipated
2019 Igbuzo Singles Meet Conference took place. All hands had been on deck as
Lagos zone were hosting the debut event outside Ibusa and expectations were
heightened as to the level of readiness for the President and Convener as well
as members especially Lagos residents to have it outside the community.
The Chairman of the occasion was Sir Tony Oraegbu Editor-in-Chief,
Agogo Ibusa ably represented by his dear wife; Lady Euphemia Oraegbu, the Host
was Elder Emeka Esogbue ably supported by his wife; Mrs. Lilian Elochukwu
Esogbue. The Father of the Day was Mr Joseph Odibe while the Mother of the Day
was Mrs. Nneka Edith Obiechie. The keynote speakers were Mrs. Uche Uchidiunor
Amatokwu, Managing Director of Gibraltar Properties and Pastor Emmanuel Watson General
Overseer of The Overcomer Glorious Outreach Ministry.
The Conference commenced with registration of participants and
other special guests.
The stage was then graced by Mr. Patrick and Joyce Esedebe as the
Masters of Ceremony (MCs).
Breaking of Kola
The breaking of Kola was done by the Father of the Day, Mr. Joseph
Odibe.
Chairman’s Opening Remark.
The Chairman of the occasion who was ably represented by his wife,
Lady Euphemia Oraegbu, expressed excitement at the gathering of Ibusa Singles
with the essence of promoting healthy relationships that may lead to marriage
among singles, provide conducive environment to foster effective networking
among Ibusa singles as well as learn the customs and edicts of the Community.
The chairman further praised the association to have grown to be the most
exciting youth group in Ibusa following its achievements so far.
Welcome Address by the Host; Elder Emeka Esogbue
There was a brief profiling of the Host, Elder Emeka Esogbue an illustrious
son of Ibusa. He is a profound Historian and Author with several publications
on the history and culture of the Anioma people; he is a writer and the Editor-At-Large
of Integrity Watchdog International Magazine and also the Research Editor of
Anioma Essence Magazine.
He began his speech with a brief introduction about the
association and his goals and vision at birthing the group. He proceeded to
give the Welcome Address which saw him appeal to capable Ibusa men and women to
take Ibusa youth affairs with all seriousness. He noted that despite the big
names in the community, the people have not done enough to selflessly support
non-political groups that have to do with the community especially groups with
youth affiliation, warning that lack of empowerment of the youths can negatively
affect the future of the community.
The historian singled out Chief Amaechi Nwaenie, the Uwolo of
Ibusa as contributing to the hosting of this year's event. He noted that
responding to invitations to non-political gatherings of social importance to
the youths is now a major challenge to those working to enhance youth
development socially. He thanked Mr. Kelvin Njideaka who offered the use of the
venue for the conference.
Worthy of note in his address is;
- The vision to encourage and support Ibusa to Ibusa marriages which has recorded a few successful marriages between members of Ibusa Singles Meet.
1st
Lecture: Ibusa to Ibusa Marriage: A Testimony of our Cultural Strength and
Unity
Lecturer: Mrs. Uche Uchediunor Amatokwu
The Lecture was delivered exquisitely by the lecturer who was
graceful and comical in drilling the topic whilst relating it to her
experiences. The lecture covered the meaning of Marriage and its Origin in the
Bible. She listed the benefits of Intra-ethnic marriages which include:
- Promoting unity and harmony
- Strengthens relationship between two families
- Ensures better communication between the couple.
- Enhancing cultural transfer to offspring such as customs, language without any challenges
- Similarity of values and ideals aid in knowing integral details of the family from whence one makes a choice.
Additionally, intra-ethnic marriage is a win-win for the couple
and the community thus sustaining our cultural heritage and ideals.
Lecture 2: Going into marriage according to
God’s Laws and Command.
Lecturer: Pastor Emmanuel Watson of The Overcomer
Glorious Faith Outreach Ministry
Pastor Emmanuel quoted his reference Bible verse from Proverbs
18:22. His major points on the topic are as follows:
- Any relationship you manage can damage you
- A large percentage of your success is connected to whom you marry
- Seeking demands time, energy, patience and diligence
- Add prayer to the activities to settle the matter of seeking and seek Godly counsel
- A corrupt ear brings forth corrupt dreams
- A shattered home can lead to a shattered life
- Marriage is a fixed deposit
Stage Performance
Ayaya Mog, an illustrious son of Ibusa delivered an entertaining
live performance while ISM members filled the dance floor afterwards to dance
to Ibusa music.
Book Review
Book Title: A HISTORY OF IBUSA: ORIGIN, SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF A
PEOPLE LIVING ALONG THE ROAD.
AUTHOR: Elder Emeka Esogbue
This was gracefully handled by Dr. Olukayode Akinrolabu of the
Lagos State University who told the gathering that although he was unable to
predetermine his birth place, he found his missing rib in Ibusa.
According to him, History was fast becoming extinct with very
little attention given in schools and available channels of media. As a result,
it becomes a laudable feat when an Individual takes it upon himself to research
and verify historical facts about a people especially his own community.
He emphasised on the natural beauty of Ibusa being surrounded by
aquatic splendour namely Oboshi, Atakpo, Asiama and several others. He stated
that the history of Ibusans dates back to 4000BC with records of Anioma
movements whilst living amongst people different ethnic groups and fostering
healthy trade relationships.
In addition, Dr. Henry Obi Ajumeze, of the Theatre History, Centre
of African Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa praised the host for
his commitment and dexterity at delivering a laudable project through the Book.
He mentioned that the book was meticulously written to document facts about the
history of the Ibusa people coupled with current activities of the people. He
advised all Ibusa sons and daughters to have a copy of the book in their
libraries.
Unveiling of the Book
Amidst the excitement, the baton of responsibility for unveiling
the book was handed to the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Mrs. Rosemary Ikolodo
who attested to standing in for Professor Austin Uwandulu, a former Director
with the National Population Commission and a scholar. She unveiled it and
opened the floor amidst several other donations from the esteemed guests.
The book sales also occurred with many participants scouting to
have a copy of the rich work.
Awards
ISM conferred Distinguished Service Awards to the following
members:
- Francis Elueze – ISM PIONEERING MEMBER AWARD
- Marrie Odiwe - ISM PIONEERING MEMBER AWARD
- Florence Agokei – ISM SPECIAL AWARD
- Catherine Jacob-Mordi – ISM SPECIAL AWARD
- Anthony Morha – HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OPF THE YEAR
Crowning of Mr and Miss ISM 2019
Mr Kester Mejulu and Miss Anthonia Okeleke were crowned the Mr
& Miss ISM 2019.
These were followed by prayers for the duo by well-wishes.
Special Message from Professor Austin Uwandulu
delivered by Mrs. Rosemary Ikolodo
- He desires a graduate from every Ibusa home and encourages that they press on to become PhD holders
- He stands with and by the youths; pleads that they should not relax on their oars.
- Encourages that Ibusa natives should aspire to study and not relent even till the age of 80.
Appreciation
On behalf of the entire membership of Ibusa Singles’ Meet, the
president and coordinator of the 2019 ISM conference express their heartfelt
gratitude to all who found time out their busy schedule to grace the
occasion.
Conclusion
The conference was well attended by Ibusa participants and friends
of the community. It was rich with Ibusa songs, greetings and smiles from the
delighted guests and participants.
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