Emeka Esogbue

 At the Crossroads of History: A Visit to the Okpanam–Ibusa Intersectional Path By Emeka Esogbue On the night of December 18, 2025, I embarked on a brief sightseeing journey to behold the newly completed Okpanam Road by the Ibusa Bypass. Boarding a commercial tricycle, I alighted at the Ibusa end of the road, the final bus stop. The trip lasted no more than five minutes, yet it delivered me into a space rich in scenery, movement, and meaning. Upon dismounting, curiosity compelled me to ask the tricycle rider what the place was called. The driver who instantly transformed into my impromptu tour guide was eager to explain. Judging by his accent, I sensed he was Hausa, a fact that soon proved useful. He informed me that the spot lay close to the Hausa Quarters and promptly pointed in their direction. Turning to my right, I was greeted by a lively, crowded area bustling with activity, a market-like setting alive with commerce and human interaction. Yet, beyond this vibrancy, there was ...