Emeka Esogbue

 Rebuilding Ibusa's Internal Governance in Obuzorship: A Revitalization Initiative By Emeka Esogbue The Ibusa community is becoming increasingly divisive, with multiple groups and organizations emerging every now and then, each with their own decision-making bodies that often override one another in a community that competition is high and interwoven among cultural organizations. This lack of accountability and centralized leadership is hindering progress. In my studies of various Anioma societies, I have never encountered one as decentralized as Ibusa. While republicanism which Ibusa claims, encourages citizen participation and prioritizes the common good, it relies on separation of powers among distinct branches of government. However, Ibusa's system has become overwhelmed by disparate voices, traditional gatherings, and powerful individuals, undermining the traditional arms of leadership.  The absence of a functional rule of law, hijacking of power by groups and individuals...

 Pen Master's Ibusa Personality of the Week: Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh, a shining example of determination and hard work, has earned the distinction of being Pen Master's Ibusa Personality of the Week. Born to Ibusa parents, Chief Odogwu Ijeh and Mrs. Francisca Omeba Ijeh, both from Ibusa in Delta State, Chief Kizito's remarkable journey bears the torch of unwavering commitment to excellence. Chief Ijeh's academic credentials are impressive. He attended St. Augustine's College, Ibusa, and later Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. He graduated with a First University Degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos and later obtained a Master's degree in International Diplomacy and Strategic Studies from Leads City, Ibadan. Additionally, he holds a Leadership Certificate from the Academy for Governance, an institution founded by Prof Austin Uwandulu. Chief Kizito has held various positions, showcasing his leadership prowess. He served...

 Anioma State Debate: Prince Onyema and Dr. Nwaezeigwe's Historical Perspectives  By Emeka Esogbue Not a few Anioma indigenes took the recent warning from the revered Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge against the location of the proposed Anioma State in the Southeast likely. The Asagba had advised against the relocation of the proposed Anioma State to the southeast, warning that the people have their historical and geographical place in the South-South where they have always existed. However, what tended to make more interest to students and enthusiasts of the Anioma history was the recent debate between Prince Onyema Okonjo from Ogwashi-Uku and renowned Nigerian historian and scholarly giant, Dr. Ntony Nwaezeigwe.  The debate was revealing to enthusiasts of Enuani history in particular with Dr. Nwaezeigwe towering with some historical establishments on the making of Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa and a few other Enuani communities in a single argument.  As a referen...

 Chris Nwadei: Anioma Prodigy Behind Nigeria's Weightlifting Success Meet Chris Nwadei, the Technical Director of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation, who hails from Umugbe, Ogbetiti Quarters of Isheagu in Aniocha South LGA, Delta State. As an Anioma native, Chris has made a name for himself in the world of weightlifting, leading the country to numerous victories in various championships. Under Chris Nwadei's leadership, Nigeria has won an impressive 40 medals in continental and international competitions. His remarkable accomplishments have been attributed to his dedication to mentorship, inspiring a new generation of weightlifters. Chris Nwadei joins the ranks of other notable Anioma sports personalities who have brought glory to Nigeria, including the late Stephen Keshi, Jay-Jay Okocha, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Sunday Oliseh, and Bose Omolayo, among others. His achievements speak of the Anioma region's rich sporting talent and its contribution to Nigeria's sporting success...

 My Admiration for Volodymyr Zelensky: A Leader of the Decade By Emeka Esogbue War is perceived differently based on one's background and expertise. For many, it is associated with human suffering and loss of lives.  However, students of diplomacy view war as a complex tool states use to achieve objectives in the international system.  States relate in the international system to achieve several objectives, which this author does not intend to delve into. War is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon  which has remained persistent in international relations throughout history. It is therefore an aspect of relationship between states in the international system.  War can be understood in several ways. For Russia and Ukraine, this is about power dynamics. Russia, a stronger power is potentially using the military force to impose its will on Ukraine while Ukraine is fighting to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence as it views Russia's act ...

 The Fractured Debate on Anioma State Creation Emeka Esogbue The ongoing discussion about creating Anioma State has become a source of division among the Anioma people, sparking heated debates and controversies the likes of which has remained unseen in the recorded history of the people. The politicization of this issue has widened the rift, with differing views and interests fueling daily rejoinders, communiques, claims, and disclaimers. The division has characterized Anioma as one of the leading regions with rejoinders, all geared towards the proposed Anioma State also with different names and groups.   The region's online platforms have become battlegrounds, with politicians and their media aides engaging in verbal sparring matches with other interested commentators. The question of whether the proposed state should be located in the Southeast or South-South region has been a major point of contention. Consequently, this author, a watcher of the development since it un...

 Odimbu, Beautiful Enuani Name with Significance Emeka Esogbue Do you know anyone who is Odimbu? She is likely from the Enuani area. The Enuani name "Odimbu" is beautiful, with its etymology rooted in "odi" (it existed) and "mbu" (before), translating to "this is not new" or "it is not strange." In the context of African naming traditions, where names often reflect circumstances surrounding birth or family experiences, "Odimbu" may have originated as a response to societal mockery or humiliation. In Enuani, "Odimbu" serves as a reminder that challenges and hardships are not unique to one family or individual, but rather a part of a broader historical context. The saying "odina adi na" or "odina adina" in Ibusa offers consolation, emphasizing that natural calamities can affect anyone. While "Odimbu" is typically borne by Enuani females in communities like Ibusa, Asaba, and Okpanam, it can...

 Happy Posthumous Birthday to a Pioneer: Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Njideaka Today, the people of Ibusa celebrate the life and legacy of Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Njideaka, a renowned educationist from our Ibusa, Delta State. Born on June 28, 1939, she left an indelible mark on Nigeria's educational space. As a philanthropist and advocate for education, she believed in empowering Nigerians through knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. In 1970, ten years after Nigeria's independence, Chief Mrs. Njideaka founded the Santa Maria School in Lagos, followed with multiple branches thereafter. Her vision for education as a key to unlocking opportunities and freedom engendered support with Oprah Winfrey's words: "Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom." Through her schools, she opened doors to job prospects, career advancement, and higher earning potential for countless Nigerians. Beyond education, Chief Mrs. Njideaka's philanthropi...

 Early Excellence: 9 Prominent Ibusa Personalities Who Achieved Greatness in their Youth Compiled By Emeka Esogbue This compendium speaks of the impressive accomplishments and significant contributions of individuals from Ibusa in Delta State, Nigeria, who achieved greatness at a relatively young age. *1. Prof Pat Utomi* Born in February 1956, Prof Pat Utomi became the youngest Ibusa indigene to hold the position of Special Assistant to the President at age 26 in 1982. He was appointed by former President Shehu Shagari and still holds this record. *2. Chikadibia Ofili* At just 12 years old, Chikadibia Ofili discovered a new mathematical formula, making global headlines and earning him the tag of the youngest mathematics scholar. *3. Prof Buchi Emecheta* Born in 1944, Prof Buchi Emecheta received global critical attention for her book "Second Class Citizens" at age 30. She went on to write several other notable books, including "Bride Price" and "The Joys of Mot...

  Dear Ibusa, Time to Think Community-Based Tourism Initiative (CBT) By Emeka Esogbue Since 2008, I have been in the advocacy of the establishment of tourism in Ibusa community using the Okpuzu Waterfall as a potential site for the initiative expecting that the Ibusa Community Development Union Worldwide (ICDU) would stay in the forefront in conjunction with the government at the state and local government levels to advance the cause. The community has the human resource capital to purse the initiative and the Ibusa Community Development Union Worldwide has the potential to rally around the people to plan the project. However, this only happens in the community where peace and unity exist with other necessary factors in place to make it a possibility. There must be development such that even in the absence of government support in the community, the Ibusa people should rally to strive to develop their town. One common feature noticeable in Ibusa is the tendency to develop b...

  Revisiting the Anioma Traditional Rulers Rejection of their Relocation to the East Central Region: History as a Repetition -        Emeka Esogbue Not many know that in history, the present Niger State, one of the nation’s 36 states in the North Central part of the country was originally intended for the Anioma people of Nigeria. In 1975, there was an agitation for the creation of more states in the country and a group started a rigorous campaign in which they sought to relocate the Anioma people from their Midwestern Region to the East Central to share a geographical space with other Igbo-speaking people but the Anioma traditional rulers rejected their relocation as well as a share of state with people who are not Anioma of the present Delta State. It was a firm decision taken by Anioma traditional rulers which eventually dissuaded the then Head of State, His Excellency Gen Yakubu Gowon from uniting the Anioma people with the Igbos of today’s S...