At the Crossroads of History: A Visit to the Okpanam–Ibusa Intersectional Path

 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 still much more to discover.

Driven by curiosity, I ventured into the heart of the Hausa Quarters, a vibrant enclave within Ibusa that feels like a city within a town. The area was buzzing with activity, dominated by enterprising Hausa traders selling almost every essential commodity imaginable. ​One unique micro-economy I observed was a commercial charging hub, where phones and accessories are powered up for a flat fee of 200 Naira per full charge. Guided by a local I will call Ahmed, I explored the wider landscape of the quarters, passing busy barbershops, shoe cobblers, tricycle operators, suya spot, and POS dealers. However, despite my most affable approach, a wave of reservation met my inquiries; for reasons unknown, the local business owners were reluctant to engage in formal conversation or answer my questions.

Setting out at dawn the following day, I was quickly spotted by several Ibusa indigenes. Recognizing me as I made my way on foot, many reacted with sheer surprise, calling out, "Pen Master, what are you doing here?" I kept my mission discreet, simply responding with my usual refrain: "I am here to see someone."

The following evening, standing at the beautifully constructed intersectional path and facing Okpanam, the ancient Okpalani city of Uchi, I had Ibusa, the land of the Isu warriors, behind me. These two historic communities stood apart, separated only by a dual carriageway, almost as though nature and modernity had conspired to place them side by side. Both communities sat upon a hill, with Ibusa appearing slightly hillier. Okpanam glowed under electric light, prompting one to imagine how much more enchanting it would appear with even greater illumination.

Turning around offered an equally captivating view: a steadily developing landscape adorned with residential houses and other structures. Genagel Hotel, belonging to Sir Gilbert Okonji, was easily visible, beautifully parted by a smooth inland road, while a residential estate, imposing Emeco Estate, stood not far from the intersection, directly opposite the Hausa Quarters but on the left. Further ahead loomed an imposing edifice, originally proposed as the FCA Holiday Resort, a much talked about structure at the time. Though yet to be completed, the structure unmistakably bore the imprint of heavy investment, with millions of naira already committed to its realization. Its owner, the Ibusa-born businessman, Chief Fred Ajudua, is known for a refined taste and a keen sense of strategic location. True to form, this structure stands prominently, welcoming visitors navigating the bypass en route to Ogwashi-Uku.

Crossing over to the Ibusa side, a road branches off beside the residential estate earlier mentioned, facing another standalone house. Walking a little further reveals the palatial residence of Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua, a renowned medical practitioner and philanthropist from Ibusa. The massive structure, distinguished by its culturally inspired architectural design, exudes both grandeur and uniqueness. At the end of that road, adjacent to Obi Dr. Ajudua's home was another beautiful house whose owner I could not identify. 

Returning to the intersectional spot itself, one observes a trilateral base formed neatly on the ground. It is visually appealing, yet it invites further enhancement. One cannot help but imagine how much more meaningful the space would be if a monument were erected there, one that would serve as a historical marker and a physical expression of memory, identity, and cultural values. Such a monument would fittingly symbolize Ibusa and Okpanam: two sisterly communities lying side by side, bound by history, proximity, and shared destiny almost merging into one. Maybe too, positioning a bank in the area as someone told me, would be commercially ideal to the residents.