Emeka Esogbue

 PEN MASTER'S TOP 21 FIGURES WHO DOMINATED THE ANIOMA NATION IN 2024 As the year 2024 comes to a close, Pen Master is proud to present his annual list of individuals who made significant impacts on the Anioma region and vibrancy on the Anioma region, making it a memorable year. The list showcases individuals from diverse professions, including military, business, monarchy, philanthropy, sports and medicine who made significant contributions to the region. It also features individuals across the various age groups and there 5 female figures on the list, highlighting the significant impact women have had on the Anioma nation in 2024. The list highlights the importance of leadership community development and youth empowerment, while also demonstrating the impact of individuals from various sectors and professions.  Please note that this list represents Pen Master's perspective and not your opinions. Nonetheless, you are invited to enjoy this compilation. The list comes in no part...

 Our Festivals Can Exist Side By Side Christianity, Ikwele Celestine Okafor Speaks Ahead of Ibusa People's Ine Festival His Royal Eminence, Chief Engr. Celestine Okafor is the Ikwele of Ibusa and also the Ibusa community's Chief Priest. The Ikwele, by his traditional office, is the custodian of the Ine Festival which the community is preparing to celebrate. In this interview with Ibusa Community Advocate, PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE), His Eminence shares his experience of the festival with other forms of culture with readers. He also speaks on the expected role of the government toward social-cultural growth and development of the community, using the instrument festivals and offers historical opinion on the cultural relationships shared by Umejei and Ikenga. More interestingly, he also renders an oral historical narrative on the role of the Ikwele in Ibusa wars with other communities and how he also prepares the warlords to defend the community. Excerpts: Pen Master: You have be...

Augustine Anonyai Ojei, Seasoned Accountant Shares Insightful Recollections of Historical Bond Between Ibusa and Issele-Azagba - Emeka Esogbue Chief Augustine Anonyai Ojei, a Lagos-based Chartered Accountant (ICAN) and Economist from Issele-Azagba community in Delta State has shared with Pen Master, the healthy relationship shared between Ibusa and his Issele-Azagba, community. According to him, Issele-Azagba and Ibusa share relationships in diverse ways and have related in different socio-cultural means including marriage and trade. He pointed out that the paternal grandmother of the immediate past traditional ruler of the community, Agbogidi Obi Francis Jidouwa Ijei II, was from the Ibusa community specifically from Ezukwu. The Ibusa-Issele-Azagba is also a cemented link of marriages between the people of both communities - linking Aniocha South and Oshimili North, two local government areas. The Ugbome lineage, Obi Ijei Nwaegbune, Nwabudike, Ubabudike-Arinze, all from Issele-...

 Anioma Watch Congratulates Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala On Her WTO Reappointment: A Shinning Inspiration to Many Anioma Watch Social Association, the socio-cultural Organization of the Anioma people at home and in the Diaspora, congratulates Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As an Anioma daughter, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has made the Anioma people proud with her exceptional leadership and economic expertise. Her reappointment is a testament to her hard work and dedication to promoting global trade and economic growth. As the first woman and African to lead the WTO, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has broken barriers and inspired countless individuals around the world. The Anioma Watch Social Association acknowledges Dr. Okonjo-Iweala's outstanding achievements, including her role in Nigeria's debt payment as the nation's Finance Minister and Coordinating Economic Minister. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping ...

 Top Seven Ancient Powerful Societies that Shaped Nigeria’s History Compiled By Emeka Esogbue There were several ancient societies that shaped today’s Nigerian history. Here are the top most powerful ancient societies in what became Nigeria: 1. Kanem-Bornu Empire – Located in present-day Chad, Nigeria, Cameroun and Libya, the Kanem-Bornu Empire was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Africa and perhaps, Nigeria’s most powerful and influential kingdom. The Empire was founded by the Kanuri people, a Saharan ethnic group. It had two capitals located in Kanem and Borno. At its peak, it controlled trade routes and built impressive cities. The Kanem-Bornu Empire was known for its powerful military with which it expanded and also protected its trade interest, an extensive trade networks it had already built.  2. Benin Empire – This is one of the most powerful and influential ancient societies in Africa. At its peak, it extended to Lagos and parts of Ondo State and also covering almo...

 Old Students Association Leads Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign at Agboju Senior Secondary School Story By Emeka Esogbue Agboju Senior Secondary School in Lagos, on Wednesday, hosted, an anti-drug awareness campaign organized by its Old Students Association, specifically the '83/88 Set. The event, which drew over a hundred students, began at 11.00 am and was a delight to all. Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Helen Omotehinse had warmly welcomed the alumni and introduced them to the teaching staff. Pastor Femi Odejimi led the opening prayer, followed by the Principal's welcome address. She emphasized the importance of education and encouraged students to take the awareness campaign seriously. Engr. Michael Aboiralor, the Chairman of alumni, delivered the opening address, advising students to focus on their careers and avoid obstacles. The school's cultural troupe entertained the guests, prompting some to join in the dancing. The highlight of the campaign was Olukayode...

 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. E...