Emeka Esogbue

 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...