Emeka Esogbue

 Follow Me on a Tour to Our Onicha-Olona  The Pen Master recently embarked on a physical visit to the ancient Onicha-Olona, the ancestral settlement founded by Ugbe, Ogbele, Orhogbua, and Olo, to see things firsthand. Not much is documented about the land of the great warriors who bravely confronted the British during the Ekumeku War.  Guided by local experts, the Pen Master set out on a journey to explore the rich history and heritage of one of the famous Enuani communities, west of the Niger. It was an enriching visit to the people and places of the community. The people of Onicha-Olona are welcoming and eager to share their stories.  In their report to Her Majesty, the British cited Chika and Obolu (Ogbolu) as the reasons they attacked and burned down the community, though not without fierce resistance from the people. From its ancient roots to the present day, Onicha-Olona has been blessed with remarkable men and women such as beauty queen Rosemary Anieze, reggae...

 The Ibusa Obiship Controversy: Tradition vs. the Right to Associate ​By Emeka Esogbue As an ardent follower of Ibusa culture, I was mortified to read several published opinions disregarding the right of the Obis to form an association for their common purpose. The current state of the Ibusa Obiship summarizes the declining state of our culture, a decline that has persisted due to the apparent indifference of the community’s traditional class.  Until recently, Ibusa was one of the most culturally vibrant  Anioma communities; today, the totality of our way of life faces a steady erosion. ​A Golden Era of Tradition ​By the early 1990s, Ibusa’s cultural richness was nearing its peak. During this period, the warlords being the Odogwu, Uwolo, and Iyase gained renewed popularity and respect with the fame of the holders spreading far and wide. Alongside the Ikwele, the Chief Priest, the community council-in-chief was complete and deeply enriched thus, a traditionally thriving an...

 Ibusa Community Set to Install Chief Charles Okonkwo as Odogwu of Ibusa By Emeka Esogbue All is now set in the ancient Ibusa community, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, as it prepares for the momentous final conferment rites of one of its highest traditional honors on Chief Charles Ositadinma Okonkwo. The noted industrialist and philanthropist will receive the prestigious title of Odogwu of Ibusa. According to a statement signed by Onowu (Sir) Ossy Nwadei, Chairman of the Odogwu Conferment Committee, the installation rites will be conducted by the community's traditional ruler, HRM Obi Prof. Louis Nwoboshi, the Obuzo of Ibusa. The event is scheduled for February 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. inside the Obuzo's palace, followed by a reception at Ibusa Girls Grammar School, Umueze Farm Road, Umueze, Ibusa. The Odogwu title—one of the community's three traditional warlord honors—recognizes exceptional courage, leadership, and service. The ceremony will unite sons...

 The Enduring Passion of Issele-Uku Kingdom for Anioma Initiatives: A Personal Reflection By Emeka Esogbue My journey with the Umu Anioma Foundation Worldwide has introduced me to many remarkable individuals from Issele-Uku, a place that has deeply impressed me with its unwavering commitment to Anioma’s regional initiatives. Among the most notable members I’ve had the privilege of meeting are Esther Nwaise, Patrick Ochei, Dr. Anthony Ezeagbor, Chief (Prof.) Josephine Mokwunyei, and Prince Mike Akeh, to name just a few.  Through my interactions within the foundation, it became abundantly clear to me just how much love and passion the people of Issele-Uku hold for Anioma, and how committed they are to contributing to its growth and progress. What struck me the most is the consistency with which Issele-Uku indigenes are involved in every major Anioma initiative or project. It’s almost as if their participation is a natural extension of their identity. This overwhelming sense of c...

 Agbalanze Dance: A Sacred Bond Between Father and First Daughter in Onitsha Culture By Emeka Esogbue The Agbalanze dance stands as one of the most moving ceremonial traditions in Onicha Ado (Onitsha) culture, wherein the Ada—the first daughter dances with and embraces her father in a profound expression of their unique bond. This ritual captures the essence of familial love, honour, and cultural continuity that defines that society. Onitsha tends to be one of the richest Nigerian societies in terms of culture, all of which brighten the people's way of life. This is not surprising since it is due to the unique identity of the people having enriched themselves with what was acquired from different societies. While Igbo culture broadly holds the first daughter in high esteem, distinguishing her from other daughters, the Anioma communities, including Onicha Ado, place particular emphasis on this honoured position. The Ada is set apart through specific rites and ceremonial privileges t...

 OFAAC Unveils Anioma Culture and Heritage Project By Patrick Ochei The Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) has officially unveiled the Anioma Culture and Heritage Project, a landmark initiative aimed at preserving, documenting, and projecting the rich cultural heritage of the Anioma people. The unveiling, which took place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Orchid Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, was conducted by OFAAC in partnership with Anioma traditional rulers, underscoring the collective commitment of Anioma leadership to safeguarding their history and identity. Speaking at the event, the President of OFAAC, Kester Ifeadi, announced the inauguration of a high-powered eight -member Steering Committee, alongside thirty (30) zonal sub-committees, to drive the successful implementation of the project across Anioma Nation. Steering Committee Members The Steering Committee is chaired by Prof. (Chief) Mrs. Josephine Mokwunyei, with Dr. Emeka Esogbue serving as Ge...

 My Father Did His Best to Document Onicha-Olona History and I Have Taken Over, Felix Nwabuokei, Historical Researcher and SWADAA Regional Commander – Part One Rev Felix Ifeanyi Nwabuokei is a historical researcher, clergy and Regional Commander of the Social Watch Anti-Drug Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA). Nwabuokei has remained in the forefront of the documentation of his people’s history and has been heavily relied on by other researchers. Recently, he authored the book, “A Historical Account on Onicha-Olona Kingdom,” now one of the widely sought-after books in the community. In this interview with media personality, EMEKA ESOGBUE (PEN MASTER), Rev Felix Nwabuokei tells readers the history and origin of Onicha-Olona settlement with names of the founders, why the community is of Ezechime Clan even though it did not originate from the Ezechime ancestry, and why the people of the community have hardly documented the community’s history in books. Nwabuokei further explains the reasons behin...

 Oshue Agbambu, the Forgotten Ibusa Symbol of Colonial Struggle By Emeka Esogbue Oshue Agbambu is a name deeply intertwined with the colonial history of Anioma, yet it is one that remains largely overlooked by many, particularly in his place of birth, Ibusa. Agbambu, a formidable leader of the Ibusa Ekumeku resistance, stands as one of the most widely reported figures in the history of Anioma’s resistance against British colonialism.  The Agbambu family of Ogboli is arguably the most frequently mentioned in Anioma colonial history and more widely documented in Ekumeku accounts, given the pivotal role they played in the region’s early military conflicts. Agbambu’s story is deeply embedded in the first major military clash between the Anioma people and the British forces. When the Royal Niger Company sought to extend its trade empire into Ibusa, the people resisted vehemently. This resistance began with the refusal of Ibusa's chiefs and elders to accept the introduction of Chris...

 Coming Soon! An Interview with Felix Ifeanyi Nwabuokei of Onicha-Olona Pen Master has a way interviewing them after they publish a book on Anioma history. In 2025, Ifenna Azomani of the Issele-Uku Kingdom published the book, The History of Ogboli Community in Issele-Uku, and he was interviewed. The year 2026 is beginning with Felix Nwabuokei, a renowned Onicha-Olona historical researcher who jas published the book, A Historical Account of Onicha-Olona.  Upon learning of this book, Pen Master immediately arranged an interview with him. In this conversation, Nwabuokei demonstrates exceptional knowledge of Onicha-Olona, the hometown of military legend Col. Conrad Nwawo, Nigerian beauty queen Rosemary Anieze, and international reggae star Ras Kimono, among other notable figures. What to Expect: Nwabuokei provides a detailed account of Onicha-Olona's foundation and discusses the community's migration history. He explains why the community belongs to the Ezechime Clan but is not Ez...

 Among Nigeria’s ethnicities, none possess a spirit of resistance as formidable as the Anioma people - Enuani, Ika and Ndokwa. Though they may appear modest in number or varied in origin, their capacity for defiance is unparalleled. History bears this out: in Ekumeku, the British colonial forces famously felt the weight of this resolve, eventually fleeing Asaba to establish Calabar as their Royal Niger Company headquarters. Proud and unyielding, the Anioma cannot be subsumed; they possess a unique ability to unite and defend their core ideological beliefs against any odds. Hence, "Ndi Anioma adia kwe ekwe." - Emeka Esogbue

 Ibusa Community Leader, Austin Ukete, Honoured by Pioneer Club By Emeka Esogbue A prominent Ibusa community leader and former President of the Pioneer Club of Ibusa, Onowu Austin Ukete, has been honoured for his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the club and the wider Ibusa community. The honour was conferred during the ceremony marking the installation of Mrs. Rosemary Moji Ikolodo, Managing Director of Patovilki Industrial Cleaners, as National Matron of the Pioneer Club of Ibusa. The event, held in Lagos on Sunday, attracted distinguished guests from within and outside the Ibusa community. Presenting the award, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Hope Oghenerukevbe Eghagha, described Ukete as “a man whose commitment to community service speaks louder than words.” “Onowu Austin Ukete has consistently demonstrated selfless service and integrity,” Prof. Eghagha said. “The Pioneer Club of Ibusa has benefited immensely from his leadership, vision, and dedication over...

 Patovilki Chief, Rosemary Ikolodo, Named National Matron of Pioneer Club of Ibusa By Emeka Esogbue The Managing Director of Patovilki Industrial Planners Limited, Mrs. Rosemary Moji Ikolodo, was on Sunday conferred with the title of National Matron of the Pioneer Club of Ibusa. The colourful ceremony, held at her Uwolo Ibusa House residence in Lagos, attracted notable dignitaries from within and outside the Ibusa community. The event commenced with the rendition of the Pioneer Club anthem by members, after which a kola nut was presented to the Guest of Honour, Prof. Hope Oghenerukevbe Eghagha, a distinguished playwright and poet, for the traditional breaking. Prof. Eghagha, an Urhobo public servant, symbolically wedged the kola nut with the sum of ₦50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) and passed it to Onowu Ojiso Modebe, the eldest man present, who performed the traditional breaking rites. In his opening remarks, Prof. Eghagha welcomed guests and expressed his honour at being part of the...

 Godfrey Osakwe, NIPR Delta Chairman’s Mother-in-Law Laid to Rest in Onicha-Ugbo By Emeka Esogbue The Onicha-Ugbo community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State was enveloped in deep emotion on Friday as the remains of Mrs. Cecilia Ndidibuokwuenu Osemeke (née Osakwe) were laid to rest amid tributes, prayers, and an outpouring of love from family members, friends, and well-wishers. The requiem Mass was held at All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha-Ugbo. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Malachy Okonkwo, who officiated the mass, in his homily, urged the congregation to reflect on a life well spent, emphasizing the virtues of kindness, love and service to humanity, qualities many described as hallmarks of the late matriarch’s life. Mrs. Osemeke was fondly remembered as a strong woman whose life of compassion and selflessness left an indelible mark on her family and the wider community. Mourners from far and near gathered to pay their final respects to the nonagenarian, whose l...

 When History Becomes a Tool of Division in Nigeria One striking feature of Nigerian public discourse is its fixation on the past. While many societies focus on the future, debating proposals, policies, agendas, and forecasts, Nigerian conversations are often dominated by historical grievances. Discussions frequently return to Lord Lugard’s amalgamation, the civil war, the Zik–Awo rivalry, claims of ethnic superiority, or ancient inter-tribal conflicts. At times, one might think Nigeria is the only country ever amalgamated or the only nation to have experienced a civil war. Curiously, almost every Nigerian becomes an ethnic or tribal historian, including those who would never have deemed history valuable enough to study formally. Yet this selective engagement with history is rarely aimed at understanding or reconciliation; instead, it is often used as a tool for division and mutual suspicion. In this sense, history in Nigeria is frequently deployed not to build, but to fragment....

 Enuani Identity: Understanding Aniocha and Oshimili in Context By Emeka Esogbue Abstract This paper examines the meanings, origins, and proper usage of the terms Enuani, Aniocha, and Oshimili within the Anioma area of present-day Delta State, Nigeria. Drawing on oral traditions, communal memory, geographical analysis, and selected historical sources, it argues that Enuani rather than Aniocha-Oshimili constitutes the authentic collective cultural identity of the people occupying the Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South local government areas. The study demonstrates that Aniocha and Oshimili emerged primarily as administrative designations whose boundaries and meanings have shifted over time due to colonial and post-colonial governance structures. In contrast, Enuani predates these administrative frameworks and derives from the region’s upland geography, serving as a stable marker of peoplehood rooted in land, settlement patterns, and oral historical cons...

 Umu Oshimili Social Group Embarks on Charity Outreach to Ibusa Healthcare Centre, Donates Relief Materials to Patients By Emeka Esogbue The Port Harcourt Branch of the Umu Oshimili Social Group on Monday carried out a humanitarian outreach to Okponta Healthcare Centre in Ibusa, Delta State, where it made donations to support patients receiving treatment at the facility. The outreach team, led by Mrs. Justina Nneamaka Okwuoma, a prominent member of the Port Harcourt Branch, visited the centre to encourage patients and demonstrate solidarity with those facing health challenges. During the visit, members of the group also commended the healthcare workers for their commitment and diligence in providing care despite the challenges confronting the sector. As part of the charity exercise, the group donated several bedspreads and sanitary pads for the use of patients. According to the group, the items were carefully selected to help improve hygiene and comfort within the healthcare facili...

 Face to Face TV Takes Major (Dr) Albert Okonkwo to the Research World  Pen Master (Emeka Esogbue) has a way of documenting and spotlighting Anioma figures, a major contribution to the human capital development of the people of the area.  It goes beyond storytelling also providing the younger generation with intellectual mirrors and historical blueprint to foster a sense of pride and professional aspiration within the Anioma community. The recent focuses on Major (Dr.) Albert Onweazu Okonkwo which serves as a bridge between localized memory and global historical scholarship. Major Okonkwo is a figure of immense historical consequence. Despite his significant military exploits and leadership during the Nigerian Civil War, his contributions have often remained on the periphery of public discourse whereas, he represents a complex chapter of the Anioma legacy one defined by resilience, strategic intellect, and the heavy burden of wartime leadership. Here, Face to Face TV, a g...

 Umuodafe Community in Ibusa Honours Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua for Exceptional Philanthropy By Emeka Esogbue The Umuodafe Community in Ibusa, Delta State, recently played host to a colourful and well-attended ceremony held to honour outstanding sons and daughters of the community for their remarkable contributions to its growth and development. Among the award recipients was Obi Dr. Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, whose recognition stood out as a highlight of the event.  The honour was bestowed on him in appreciation of his exceptional selfless service, strong dedication, and relentless commitment to the development of Umuodafe Quarter and the Ibusa community at large. The atmosphere was one of celebration and gratitude, as speakers took turns to commend individuals whose efforts have continued to positively shape the social and humanitarian landscape of the community. Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua was widely described by attendees as a symbol of unity, generosity, and progressive leadership. Obi Dr...

 Issele-Uku Community Reviews Burial Rites, Restricts Elders from Attending Funerals of Young Persons By Emeka Esogbue The Issele-Uku community in Delta State has reviewed its traditional burial rites, introducing a regulation that restricts elders from attending the funeral ceremonies of young persons within the community. According to Anthony Nwakogo-Kogos, a media personality from the town, the regulation is part of efforts to preserve the community’s cultural heritage, reinforce age-long customs, and restore order to burial practices that, according to traditional authorities, have increasingly been abused. Findings revealed that the resolution was reached by Izu Ani, the community’s parliament, and was subsequently ratified on Friday by His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi (Engr) Nduka MNSE, JP, the Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom. The review followed extensive consultations among community leaders, elders, and custodians of tradition over the growing disregard for established burial nor...

 Age Grade System is a Brotherhood Binding the Ibusa Community in Loyalty, Responsibility and Cultural Identity Emeka Esogbue Protocol I stand before you today with deep humility, reverence for history, and a heartfelt commitment to the preservation of our cherished Ibusa culture and traditions. Today, we gather not merely to mark a date on the calendar or to celebrate an age grade. We gather to honour a generation. A generation born during a season of turmoil, yet shaped by resilience and destined for purpose. Introduction The age grade system in Ibusa remains one of the oldest and most significant socio-cultural institutions in our community. Beyond being a structure of organization, it is a collective identity shaped by shared birth years, experiences, duties, and destinies. Our age grade system evolved organically, rooted in kinship, unity, survival, and defined responsibility. It ensured order, instilled discipline, fostered cooperation, and strengthened a communal way of life...

 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 ...