Emeka Esogbue

 My Mother's Presence Encouraged Me, Merylin Ajidua, Ibusa Girl Who Won the Miss Earth Nigeria 2026 Model of the Year  *She contested in Miss Earth Nigeria and won the first Model of the Year Prize. She is grateful to all that supported her. Ibusa-born MISS MERYLIN IFESINACHI AJIDUA, in this interview with PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE), shares her experience of the pageant in this interview. Excerpts:*   *Pen Master: Miss Merylin Ajudua, you just competed in Miss Earth Nigeria and returned with 2026 Model of the Year. Congratulations to you. Anyway, our readers will like to know you.*  Ajidua: My name is Merylin Ifesinachi Ajidua. I am a humanitarian, environmental advocate, social entrepreneur, model, and the founder of the Merylin Ajidua Foundation, an NGO focused on youth empowerment, education, and community development. I am currently studying Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling at the University of Port Harcourt. I am passionate about using my vo...

 Ibusa: Umuafene Clan Celebrates New Yam Festival in Grand Style as Prof. Emeritus Esogbue Sends Goodwill Message By Emeka Esogbue Members of the Umuafene Clan in Umueakea Quarters, Ibusa, Delta State, gathered in the community on Thursday to celebrate the New Yam Festival, known locally as Iwa Ji. Joined by friends and well-wishers of the clan, the elated sons and daughters of Umuafene performed the traditional Iwa Ji rites in grand style. Members of the clan, including youths, were seen rejoicing, singing, dancing and exchanging felicitations as they celebrated the annual festival. The impressive turnout was commended by the Diokpa of the clan, Prof. Emeritus Augustine Onwuyali Esogbue, NNOM, who told Pen Master in a telephone conversation that he was deeply impressed by the celebration. Prof. Emeritus Esogbue, a retired long-serving NASA scientist and Safety Advisory Board Medal recipient, is also the first Black person to be promoted to full professor at the Georgia Institute o...

 5 Energetic Dances of the Nigerian People By Emeka Esogbue Nigeria is a country richly blessed with diverse ethnic groups, each with its own distinctive cultural heritage, traditions, music, and dance forms. Across the country, traditional dances serve as powerful expressions of identity, communal life, history, celebration, and social values. Many of these dances are energetic, colourful, and captivating, combining rhythmic footwork, expressive body movements, coordinated gestures, traditional music, and elaborate costumes. Performed during festivals, weddings, traditional ceremonies, title-taking ceremonies, cultural gatherings, and other important occasions, these dances provide entertainment while also preserving cultural knowledge and strengthening community bonds. They offer a window into the character, creativity, and social life of the communities that perform them. This compilation highlights five energetic dances associated with different Nigerian ethnic communities, sho...

 Lost to Time: The Day Ibusa Celebrated Miss Ibusa By Emeka Esogbue On Friday, June 23, 2017, a youth event brought the people of Ibusa together in a remarkable way. It was the Miss Ibusa Pageant, organised by the National Association of Ibusa Students in conjunction with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Youth Development. Former Miss Kate Ifeyinwa Igbodo, CEO of Yinkee Entertainment and organiser of Miss Teen Anioma, served as the consultant for the event. Ibusa was rarely known to come together in such a manner for youth-oriented events, apart from the annual Ibusa Football Tournament. The pageant, however, appeared to break that jinx. The Nkata venue, also known as the Diokpa Palace, was filled to capacity, with prominent sons and daughters of the community in attendance. One after another, the contestants filed out, displaying beauty, poise and confidence as they faced the audience, their smiles betraying a mixture of excitement and anti...

 Meet Onome Ezeka, the Young Akwa-Ocha Fabric Weaver By Emeka Esogbue Locating Onocity City, her weaving mill around the Ite-Ego axis within the Ibusa community felt like finding a living home of Akwa-Ocha, the cherished cultural fabric of the Anioma people. Inside the modest weaving space, the rhythmic sounds of the looms filled the air. Young trainees, eager to master the craft, moved about with enthusiasm, smiling, welcoming customers and visitors, and attending to orders. It was more than a weaving mill; it was a place where culture was being preserved, one thread at a time. At the centre of it all is Onome Ezeka, a young, vibrant woman who has turned her passion for Akwa-Ocha into a growing enterprise and a platform for teaching others. I first met Onome in 2016 when she contested for Miss Teen Anioma, during my time as the Publicity Person. I celebrated with her when she emerged as the first runner-up. Years later, I would meet her again but this time, in a completely differe...

 PEN MASTER BELIEVES IN IBUSA PEOPLE FROM THE VERY BEGINNING: SEE PHOTOS OF MERYLN Pen Master has a way of believing in Ibusa people and their capacity from the very beginning—not only when they have made it and are already at the top of the ladder. Encouragement, motivation, and support matter greatly in helping people climb that ladder. The eyes of the Ibusa community are always watching, cheering, and supporting every son and daughter who dares to break new ground. Take a look at these beautiful photos of Marilyn Ifesinachi Ajidua, the proud Anioma daughter from Ibusa, at the pageant camp of Miss Earth Nigeria. Beautiful Marilyn Ajidua is once again proving that Anioma people are never missing in action. We show up, we stand tall, and we make our presence felt wherever excellence calls. Ibusa is watching. Anioma is proud. Keep shining, Marilyn!

 A Son of Anioma Answers the Call: Rev. Morris Chukwunonso Mordi to Be Ordained Here, in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, priestly and diaconate ordinations are taking place, and I trust you know that Anioma can never be missing—not with the abundance of human capital and vocations God has blessed us with. Yes, there must always be an Anioma! Among those to be ordained is Rev. Morris Chukwunonso Mordi, a proud son of our Issele-Uku community. Born on April 7, 1998, into the devout Catholic family of Mr. and Mrs. George Mordi, Morris initially planned to study Banking and Finance at Delta State University, Abraka. He sat for and passed the university’s Post-UTME examination and was subsequently offered admission. However, as the date of resumption drew near, Morris received another admission letter, this time from the seminary through the Lagos Archdiocese. As he contemplated which path to follow, something remarkable happened: the admission letter from Abraka mysteriously disappe...

 Anioma Watch Association Inaugurates Executive Officers as BoT Chairman, Emeka Esogbue, Urges Them to Lead with Integrity and Remain Accessible By Peter Oshagwu Anioma Watch Association on Tuesday inaugurated its newly appointed executive officers, formally presenting them to members of the Anioma nation at a ceremony held on Ezenei Avenue, Asaba, Delta State. The event, which was described as historic by some attendees, marked a significant milestone in the development of the association, which was founded in 2022. In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Emeka Esogbue, said the association had grown from a modest beginning into a vibrant platform united by a shared aspiration for a more cohesive Anioma. Esogbue, who described Anioma Watch Association as more than an organisation of words and aspirations, said the group was committed to action, service and the advancement of the Anioma people. He charged the newly inaugurated officers to lead with integr...

 WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ANIOMA WATCH ASSOCIATION, DR. EMEKA ESOGBUE, AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION   Date: September 1, 2026  Venue: Asaba, Delta State   Protocols duly observed.   Distinguished guests, members of the Board of Trustees, esteemed leaders and stakeholders of Anioma, our newly inaugurated Executive Officers, members of the Anioma Watch Association at home and in the diaspora, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great joy, humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this historic occasion. Today, September 1, 2026, marks another significant milestone in the journey of Anioma Watch Association, an organisation founded in 2022 with a clear commitment to projecting the interests of Anioma people, promoting our rich culture and heritage, and fostering unity among our people.  Over the years, the Association has grown from its modest beginnings into a vib...

 August 31, 2026  *PRESS RELEASE*  Anioma Watch Association Commends Onicha-Olona on the  Successful Enthronement of the Omu Institution  The Anioma Watch Association, a socio-cultural organisation of the Anioma people at home and in the Diaspora, warmly congratulates the people of Onicha-Olona on the  successful enthronement of the Omu institution in the community. The Association considers this significant development a welcome reaffirmation of Onicha-Olona’s rich cultural heritage, traditional values, and enduring commitment to preserving institutions that promote unity, identity, and continuity for present and future generations. We are particularly delighted that Onicha-Olona, one of Anioma’s foremost communities renowned for its rich cultural practices and one of the earliest Enuani communities in which the Omu institution was traditionally practised, has collectively chosen to revive this important cultural institution. This remarkable development un...

  Pen Master was in Ibusa, Issele-Uku, Onicha-Olona, Agbor and Amai to present new-life starter packs to expectant women in the communities. It was nice staying close to them and listening to them

 Anioma Watch Association’s Antenatal Giveaway Draws Mammoth Turnout in Agbor By Emeka Esogbue A mammoth turnout of expectant mothers was recorded in Agbor as the Anioma Watch Association distributed essential antenatal items to pregnant women as part of its efforts to support maternal health and ease the financial burden associated with pregnancy. The Anioma Watch Association team, on Thursday, took its antenatal outreach programme to Central Hospital, Agbor, in Delta State, where expectant mothers from the community received new-life packs containing essential items to support them during pregnancy and prepare them for childbirth. The Anioma Watch team was warmly received by the Zonal Director of Central Hospital, Agbor, Dr. Grace Eseka, and Mrs. Okwudihu Patricia, Matron of the hospital. Dr. Eseka thanked the organisation for choosing the hospital as the venue for the outreach. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Anioma Watch Association, Dr. Emeka Es...

 Emeka Esogbue: Historian, Journalist, and Voice of Anioma Culture By Roseline Uche Iwendi Chukwuemeka Jerry Esogbue, widely recognized as “The Pen Master,” is a Nigerian historian, researcher, journalist, research editor, and cultural advocate whose work has contributed significantly to the documentation and preservation of Anioma history and cultural heritage. Born on June 6, 1970, in Ibusa (Igbuzo), Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Esogbue has devoted decades to researching and documenting the history, identity, traditions, and experiences of the Anioma people. Bridging Oral Tradition and Written History One of the defining features of Esogbue’s work is his effort to bridge the gap between oral tradition and documented history. His research explores a wide range of subjects, including Anioma and Igbo origins, migrations, colonial encounters, traditional institutions, diplomacy, cultural practices, and the biographies of notable individuals. His approach is di...

 ANIOMA WATCH TAKES MATERNAL CARE OUTREACH TO AMAI, AS EVANGELIST DORIS ABOH, HON. GABRIEL OSEH JOIN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT  By Emeka Esogbue The Anioma Watch Association has taken its five-day maternal and child healthcare outreach to Amai in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, providing new-life starter packs and health education to expectant mothers at the community’s Primary Health Centre. The outreach, held on Friday, brought together expectant mothers, healthcare workers, community representatives and members of the Anioma Watch Association, with prominent Amai personalities, including Evangelist Doris Aboh and Hon. Gabriel Oseh, among those who graced the event. The programme commenced with an opening prayer by Miss Joy Ozeh, followed by the introduction of the Anioma Watch team by the association’s President, Engr. Abela Emuebie Ihienkaegho. Welcoming the delegation, the Matron of the Primary Health Care Centre, Amai, Mrs. Benedicta Egwuenu, expressed delight o...

 Anioma Watch Extends Maternal Support to Expectant Mothers in Onicha-Olona By Emeka Esogbue The Anioma Watch Association has extended its community-based maternal support initiative to Onicha-Olo na, Delta State, with the distribution of maternal starter packs to expectant mothers at the Onicha-Olona Primary Health Centre. The outreach, which brought together expectant mothers and community leaders, was designed to provide essential items to women preparing for childbirth and the early care of their newborns. The initiative underscores Anioma Watch’s commitment to promoting maternal and child wellbeing and supporting families within Anioma communities. The programme commenced early in the morning, with expectant mothers arriving at the health centre from about 7:00 a.m. The Matron of the facility, Mrs. Okoh Ewere, welcomed the Anioma Watch delegation and expressed appreciation to the association for selecting the health centre as a beneficiary of the intervention. Welcoming the An...

 Evangelist Doris Aboh Named Special Guest of Honour for Anioma Watch Maternal Care Outreach in Amai By Emeka Esogbue Evangelist Doris Aboh, a prominent indigene of Amai Kingdom and Nigerian Christian evangelist, has been named Special Guest of Honour for the Anioma Watch Association’s maternal care and antenatal outreach programme in Amai, Delta State. The announcement was contained in a statement made available in Asaba by the President of Anioma Watch Association, Chief Abela Emuebie Ihienkaeghor, alongside other prominent community leaders involved in the initiative. The Anioma Watch Association, a registered socio-cultural organisation representing Anioma people at home and in the Diaspora, is currently implementing a maternal care programme aimed at supporting expectant mothers across selected Anioma communities. Aboh’s appointment adds a notable community dimension to the Amai leg of the programme, as she is expected to attend the outreach and support the Association’s effor...

 Pilgrim Baptist Hospital Trustees Applaud Anioma Watch for Maternal Care Outreach in Issele-Uku By Peter Oshagwu The Board of Trustees of Pilgrim Baptist Hospital, Issele-Uku, has commended the Anioma Watch Association for presenting mother-and-child starter packs to expectant women in the community as part of its ongoing antenatal outreach programme. The initiative, held on Tuesday at the hospital, provided essential new-life care items to expectant mothers and marked the second community to benefit from the organisation’s latest outreach programme. The Anioma Watch team, led by members of its Board of Trustees, had on Monday visited Ibusa, where expectant women from different ethnic and religious backgrounds also received similar support. The Issele-Uku event opened with a prayer led by the Moderator of Pilgrim Baptist Hospital, Rev. Gabriel Ojji Okpala. Rev. Samuel Ugbaja, who welcomed the Anioma Watch delegation, provided an overview of the institution and introduced members o...