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 commitment raises an interesting question: how has Issele-Uku developed such a deep-rooted love and loyalty for Anioma’s causes? The answer lies, I believe, in the unique cultural pride and unity of the Issele-Uku people.

Issele-Uku itself is a place where culture is not just respected, but lived and celebrated. The indigenes are firm believers in the distinctiveness of Anioma, and their love for Anioma’s cultural heritage is visible in every facet of their lives. While other communities may be grappling with identity crises or divisions, Issele-Uku stands proudly united in its rich cultural heritage. The pride the people take in their identity is something that every visitor to the community can feel. What truly distinguishes the Issele-Uku people, starting with their traditional leaders, is the pride with which they present themselves. The average Issele-Uku indigene is not caught off guard by his or her heritage.

They wear their identity with pride and are always ready to educate others on their deep-rooted traditions and cultural significance. This pride is not just in their words, but in their actions and the warmth they extend to visitors. When you visit the traditional ruler of Issele-Uku, you are not met by a solitary figure in the palace. More often than not, you will find the entire council of chiefs, and on occasion, the Umuobi (princes and princesses) present to receive you in the spirit of hospitality and cultural integrity.

In contrast, in some communities, you might find that repeated visits to the traditional ruler’s palace yield only the presence of the ruler, without much indication of a broader cultural support system. Issele-Uku, however, is an exception. The Issele-Uku palace is not just a symbol of leadership but a hub of cultural organization. The presence of the palace chiefs and Umuobi speaks to a well-structured, highly organized society, where tradition is upheld not just in ceremony but in daily life.

While some Anioma communities struggle with cultural fragmentation or lack of unity, Issele-Uku has positioned itself as one of the most culturally organized. This is further exemplified by its leadership structure, where the Obi (traditional ruler) reigns alongside his council of chiefs, a feature that it shares with the Asaba community.

Despite the modernization of Asaba as a state capital, it remains an epitome of cultural preservation, with its traditional palace a beacon of pride and unity. The Asagba and his palace chiefs consistently embody the values of respect and cultural integrity, a practice that is equally embraced by Issele-Uku. In this regard, Illah also stands out for its commitment to preserving tradition in the face of modernity.

Issele-Uku’s commitment to preserving and promoting its culture is truly commendable. The Oligbo Issele-Uku community deserves recognition for the meticulous efforts they make to ensure that their rich cultural heritage is not only protected but also celebrated. This passion for culture and tradition is a testament to the community’s deep love for Anioma and its initiatives, and it serves as an inspiration for all who are fortunate enough to witness it.

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

A SHORT HISTORY OF OBOLLO CLAN IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA By Emeka Esogbue Introduction Not many historical literatures on the Obollo people exist for the usual reasons associated with our people who prefer to write the history of mighty and populous peoples already enriched with volumes of historical accounts and records. Thus while there are historical documents on other peoples of Igbo, for Obollo, it is the story of dearth of documents. However, it is within my historical concern that the rich history of this part of Igboland be adequately researched into, documented and preserved for the future generation. I do not hail from this part of Igboland but my historical background, interest and curiosity propelled me towards the acquisition of both oral and written information to put this material together. Geography The various Obollo communities comprising of Obollo Afor, Obollo Etiti, Obollo Eke, Obollo Orie and Obollo Nkwo are strategically situated at the regional bou...

DIAMOND JUBILEE AGE: 20 THINGS THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT FRED AJUDUA

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SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE

SEE HOW ANIOMA PEOPLE DRESS ON THEIR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE THE ERA OF USING OUR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE TO PROMOTE ATTIRES OF OTHER GROUPS IN NIGERIA IS GONE Today is Saturday, conventionally set aside for marriage ceremonies. Awareness on how our Anioma brides and grooms attire themselves during their traditional marriage has fast spread and entrenched. We no longer promote other group's cultural attires because we want them to promote our own instead. I say many thanks to our Anioma cultural advocates on this day because our labours to preserve as well as promote the good cultures of our Anioma society have never been in vain. Noticeable now is that in time of our traditional marriages, we costume ourselves in Akwa-Ocha which brings out our god-given beauty. A few moments after her traditional marriage in Umuodafe, Ibusa on December 28, inside the Agokei palatial home, I visited former Miss Amaka Thelma Agokei, the bride. I was rather late; but I met this beautiful bride t...

Emeka Esogbue

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