Emeka Esogbue

Charles Okwali to Ibusa Leaders: Allow Our Youths to Flourish By Emeka Esogbue Hon. Charles Okwali, former Supervisory Counsellor for Works and Community Development, has urged Ibusa leaders to empower the community's youth to reach their full potential.  In a statement published on Ibusa online platforms on Monday and forwarded to PEN MASTER, Okwali highlighted several challenges facing the community and advised leaders to address these issues. "I have often reflected on the problems affecting our beloved town, Ibusa," Okwali said.  "Unfortunately, politics has infiltrated every aspect of our traditions and unity."  The one-time member of the Oshimili North Local Government Area Transition Committee also noted that youth have been affected, engaging in harmful activities that jeopardize their future. Okwali expressed concern that the Ibusa Youth Council's leadership tenure has expired without plans for new elections, blaming this on monopoly, monetization, ...

 ANIOMA In the news last week September, 2024 Check out the Anioma stories that made the news last week on Pen Masters' Blog * IBUSA - People of Ibusa call Onowu Victor Uchunor-led ICDU to honour Bose Omolayo, Paralympic silver medalist from the community. * Onicha-Olona - Anioma ace philanthropist and DAO initiator, Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei emerges the Septemberer edition of Anioma Watch Anioma Personality of the Month * Ubulu-Okiti - Contemporary Group MD/CEO, Arc Kester Ifeadi named Nigeria's Most Iconic Corporate Builder by Nigerian Institute of Architects  * Ibusa - Ibusa Community Development Union Worldwide sends a congratulatory message to Obi Dr Henry Ajudua 1 over Obiship completion  * Idumuje-Unor - Enyi  Echezona set for exhibition of Ekumeku painting in Asaba, the Delta State capital * Okpanam - Anioma stakeholders plan Omu Martha Dunkwu Annual Lecture series  * Issele-Uku - Issele-Uku community completes Ahor Festival  For your Anioma news and ot...

 Uncovered, The Asagba, Obi Prof Azinge, and Chief Fred Ajudua Relationship That Will Leave You Speechless - Emeka Esogbue Do you know that Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge and Chief Fred Ajudua have always shared a decade of bond that has stood the test of time through thick and thin together forever and a friendship that has weathered every storm? PEN MASTER can reveal that the friendship of the Ajuduas and Azinges has been a lifelong connection that only grows stronger. Overall, the shared relationships of the Anioma giants, one from Ahaba and the other from Igbuzo can best be described as inseparable hearts, connected for a lifetime. No sooner Ogbueshi Anthony Edozien, the Ochendo of Asaba, announced the unveiling of Obi Prof Epiphani Azinge's nomination as the 14th Asagba of Asaba after the demised HRM Obi Prof Chike Edozien than PEN MASTER went on a search mission. The result was an astonishing truth of a journey, an enduring bond, natured by an acknowledged depth of strength.  ...

 Six Decades of Excellence: Celebrating Zik Zulu Oka For 60th Birthday Journalist, Writer, Movie Producer and Director and Community Worker, Chief Zik Zulu Okafor is unarguably, one of Nigeria's biggest names in the movie industry. Hardly would this industry be mentioned without his personal mention. Thanks to his incaculable contributions. With hard work, fearless Zulu Okafor rose to prominence to occupy a place in Nigeria's entertainment industry, winning the Nigerian Media Merit Awards in Journalism, the first and only Ibusa to win this honour and many other distinctions in film and television.  Many of us are overjoyed that the Theatre Arts-trained movie giant is flying the Ibusa kite in the right direction, having taken our name very far with solid examples to the coming generation on the gains of hard work.  Today, the achievements of the pioneer President of Guild of Movie Producers and former President of Association of Movie appear to collectively dwarf his young...

 Enyi Echezona Jr. Set to Showcase "Ekumeku Painting" in Asaba Exhibition  By Emeka Esogbue Renowned painter Enyi Echezona Jr. is set to unveil his latest masterpiece, "The Spirit of Ekwumekwu," at an upcoming exhibition in Asaba, Delta State.  The 36 x 48-inch acrylic artwork, titled "A Dance of the Forest," captures the essence of the Anioma people's resistance against colonial rule. According to the artist, "I aimed to convey the tenacity and bravery of the Anioma man as he fought to defend his native land against foreign invaders." The Ekumeku Movement (1883-1914) was the longest resistance to colonial rule in Nigeria. The exhibition, scheduled for November, will showcase Enyi Echezona Jr.'s work, highlighting the artistic talent and resilience of the Anioma people. Although the exact date is yet to be confirmed, art enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the beauty and fortitude of the Anioma people through Enyi's remarkabl...

 Bose Omolayo Stands Firm on Her Ibusa Ancestry as Community Pressure Builds for a Hero's Welcome By Emeka Esogbue Paris Paralympic champion, Bose Omolayo, has responded to her fellow citizens in the Ibusa community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, following the outpouring of joyful surprise upon learning that she is an indigene of the area.  In a media interview with PEN MASTER on Wednesday, the paralympian legend expressed her pleasure and confidence in her Ibusa ancestry, saying that her Ibusa roots are deeply ingrained in her. She further asserted her ancestry, remarking that she never lost her Ibusa heritage at any time and had often affirmed it.  "The Ministry of Sports knows my hometown, officially documented and I speak my Enuani dialect eloquently."  "I sustain unwavering pride in Anioma and declare my Ibusa ancestry unshakably. My Ibusa roots run deep." Asked why her name changed, she said it was only a sporting name given to her...

 Ibusa's Daughter, Global Champion: How Bose Omolayo's Powerlifting Legacy Made Our People Proud  By Emeka Esogbue From Seme-border town hairdresser to Nigerian paralympic stardom, her story changed. From Ibusa to the world stage, Bose Omolayo, the Paralympic powerlifter, has put the Ibusa community on the global map once again. However, many from the community are unaware that she is one of their own. Omolayo's powerlifting success has announced the human capacity of Anioma to the world, showcasing the region's potential. Against all odds, she lifted Ibusa to the world stage at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, winning a silver medal in the women's 79kg powerlifting event. Her incredible lift of 145kg secured her country a place on the world medal table. Omolayo has a rich history of championships, having previously won two gold medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. She also won silver medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2022 women's heavyweight ev...

 Issele-Uku's Ine Festival: A Beacon of Anioma Cultural Identity By Emeka Esogbue The Issele-Uku Kingdom is gradually emerging as the cultural hub of the Anioma nation and the recently held Ine Festival of the community confirms it. While several Anioma communities are unable to ethno-culturally stand firm, the Issele-Uku, despite the ethno-historical distractions, has practically sustained their Anioma integrity, refusing to be swayed.  It seems that the kingdom's royal family, Obi Engr Nduka, the Obi of Issele-Uku, and traditional institutions have carved out a sense of belonging for the Anioma cultural community.  It is not surprising that the shared values, beliefs, customs and tradition of the people have become shaped. People's perceptions of themselves and their behaviour have also been formed individually.  The powerful feeling of Issele-Uku identity can be shown through an interactive encounter with the community known chiefs.  Understanding the ethno-c...

 ANIOMA WATCH ANIOMA PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH - SEPTEMBER, 2024 Soaring on the Wings of Philanthropy: A Biography of Dr. Mrs. Doris Ochei By Emeka Esogbue The title above captures the core of Dr. Doris Ochei's philanthropic work and legacy, emphasizing her selflessness and dedication to the Anioma nation, in a fitting and compelling biographical tone.  Making a big difference, Dr. Mrs. Doris Amaka Ochei, FCNA, FCTI, FCFCN, masterfully captures the essence of love, generosity, and compassion that fuels her philanthropic endeavors. She has undoubtedly had a good impact on Anioma society during her incredible journey. Born on February 10, 1971 to Nwaefulu family of Udo Quarters of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria Dr. Mrs. Doris Ochei, after completing her elementary school in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State attended Ezemu Girls Grammar School in the same community from 1981 to 1986.  After that, she continued on to the University of Lagos in Ak...