Guild of Ibusa Writers and Authors Honours Ngozi Kwusike, Lavishes Tributes on the Late Ibusa Novelist

 Guild of Ibusa Writers and Authors Honours Ngozi Kwusike, Lavishes Tributes on the Late Ibusa Novelist

- He Sacrificed for Ibusa Education and Unionism, Oshimili North SLG, Austin Ajufo

- Ibusa People Must Assist themselves, Frontline News Publisher, Dr. Awana

- He was visible for Ibusa Community Development Union, Sir Victor Asianah

- Ngozi Struggled for Omu Boys Primary School, Patrick Adigwe, Umuigbuzor Creator

Story By Emeka Esogbue

Prominent Ibusa personalities gathered in the agrarian community of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday to honour the late Philip Ngozi Ifechikwude Kwusike, one of their own at the Guild of Ibusa Writers and Authors- organized "Night of Tributes." Kwusike, a poet and novelist died in Asaba in July 2022.

Poems were recited from, "Croaks," the poetic work of the late Poet by his children, Kansi Ifechukwude-Kwusike and Adaora Ifechukwude-Kwusike who presented "Tell me," and "I belong to the Academy," respectively but there were other various renditions from other reciters. 

They included Sir Victor Asianah, a former Deputy President-General of the Ibusa Community Development Union who came from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Frank Okafor, President of Ibusa Community Development Union, Abuja Branch whose poem was received, Dr. Peter Anene-Nzekwue, the Publisher of Xclusive Magazine whose poem was contained in the program brochure, and Radio Broadcaster, Isioma Gbunnor, all of who are members of the Guild. 

Sir Asianah, a noted novelist who did a brilliant delivery of his tribute to the ovation of the audience, said that Kwusike made history by all standards.

It was not all about members of the Guild though as other individuals, groups and institutions were also represented.

Family member, Christy Bendu Achakpo from Nkpanyala, Umuekea, read the poem, "Hollow Pestle," and Gloria Idegwu, a poetess mentored by the late Kwusike, recited "My Heroic Son," both poems, authored by Ngozi Kwusike.

Ogbo Aya Mbido Biafra Age Grade represented by Mike Ogbolu Ofili, Emmanuel Nweke, Ogom Ofili, Ogom Esedike, and Philip Ojei. The tribute from the Age Grade was read to the audience by Mr. Mike Ogbolu Ofili in which Kwusike was described as a rare gem, the loyal and peace-loving person who was not only intelligently mobile but a pillar and strong voice of the Age Grade, Ibusa Community Development Union, and other Ibusa organizations. There was also the Betta People of Oshimili North whose tribute was read by Emmanuel Igbosua, National Association of Ibusa Students, read by Henry Chike and the tribute from Igbuzo Singles Meet read by the Anioma Coordinator, Benedicta Monyei while Mrs. Edith Onwordi presented a tribute on behalf of the Kwusike family. 

A poem was also received from Chukwunedum Paul Oranye, a close friend and university colleague of the departed Kwusike, from the Oko community in Delta State

As usual, the Hon Innocent Esewezie team, now ubiquitously noted as the best government identifier with events at the grassroots level within the Oshimili axis was present. The Secretary to the Oshimili North Local Government, Hon Austin Eloka Ajufo with his dear wife, Mrs. Uju Ajufo was present at the event. Hon Ajufo, himself, a novelist and poet, not only read a poem titled "And the Earth shall Bear Witness" to honour Ngozi Kwusike but praised his scholarly contributions to the earth. He eulogized his sacrifice for Ibusa education and unionism. 

A poem was also read by prominent Ibusa crusader and founder of Umuigbuzor Forum, Mr. Patrick Adigwe. The Ogbeowele-born Adigwe later took to the floor to address the audience. 

"I was lucky to have met Ngozi Kwusike," the Akwa-Ocha promoter said. 

He also said that Kwusike's poems were relevant and that some pointed out his death. He went memory lane to recall how Kwusike struggled to see to the establishment of classrooms for Omu Boys Primary School and how he, Pat Adigwe, and Emmanuel 'Kwasa' Amatokwu voluntarily elected to renovate the Delta State Library, Ibusa in honour of Philip Kwusike who in his lifetime, labored to renovate it. He called on Hon Innocent Esewezie to work towards renaming the institution after Ngozi Kwusike. 

The program did not see its end without the call by Dr. Dike Awana for the Ibusa people to always assist themselves. The Pastor attached to the Redeemed Christian Church of God pointed out that if Philip Ngozi Kwusike was cared for in his lifetime, he would have gone far in life, a quality the Ibusa people lack, according to him. He emphasized that those who work selflessly for the community should be taken care of by the community.

The highlight of the event was a warlike 'Okanga' rendition, performed by Mr. Awele Onokwai. The 'battle song' in honor of Kwusike moved the audience emotionally to mourning once again, 'agonizing' and nearly returning tears. 

A surprise visit was made by Prof Chimalum Nwankwo, a Professor of English, Creative Writing, Dramatic Arts, and World Literature invited by Maxwell Ajufo. Also in attendance were Mrs. Nwaka Ifechukwude Kwusike, the wife and the children of the late Philip Ngozi Ifechukwude- Kwusike.

In her vote of thanks, Dr. Priscilla Okeleke thanked the guests, the president of the Guild of Ibusa Writers, and the Author, Dr. Henry Ajumeze. She also expressed appreciation to the Convener of the Group, Elder Emeka Esogbue, and the Kwusike family for honouring the event. The program was anchored by Austin Nwulia, another member of the Guild. 

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