Emeka Esogbue

 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...

 The Rare Picture of HRH Justina Okuakeleke Ntorka, the Last Omu of Onicha-Olona From the Pen Master Archives Here is a rare picture of HRH Justina Okuakeleke Ntorka, the last Omu of Onicha-Olona, a woman whose name remains etched in the history and memory of the community. Born Justina Monyei, she ceased to be known by that name following her coronation as the Omu of Onicha-Olona, assuming the royal identity and responsibilities that came with the revered stool. Historically, Omu Ntorka succeeded HRH Ada Ifesimehone Amambiwemdi-Okoh, one of the most remembered Omus in the modern history of Onicha-Olona. Born in 1906 at Idumugbe, Ogbe-Obi, Omu Amambiwemdi-Okoh occupies a special place in the community's history, particularly for the role attributed to her during the Nigerian Civil War, an episode preserved not only in historical accounts but also in the enduring oral traditions and legends of the people. With the planned installation of Cynthia Nwamaka Jibunoh, the recent history o...

 Expectant Mothers in Ibusa Receive Essential Newborn Care Packs from Anioma Watch Association By Peter Oshagwu Nearly 100 expectant mothers at the Ibusa Primary Health Care Centre, opposite St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, on Monday received essential mother-and-baby care packs donated by the Anioma Watch Association as part of its antenatal outreach programme. The initiative, which brought excitement to the beneficiaries, was designed to support expectant mothers with basic supplies ahead of childbirth and promote responsible motherhood in the Ibusa community. The event, which commenced at 11:00 a.m. with an opening prayer led by Miss Joy Ozeh, featured the introduction of members of the Anioma Watch Association, led by its President, Engr. Abela Emuebie. Welcoming participants, the Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Emeka Esogbue, explained that the New Life Care Pack was conceived to provide practical support to mothers preparing for childbirth. Esogbue expressed ...

 Omu Josephine Urges Ibusa Expectant Mothers to Raise Responsible Children By Emeka Esogbue The Omu of Ibusa, HRH Obi Josephine Isioma Nwannabuogwu, has urged expectant mothers in the community to embrace the responsibility of raising children who will grow into responsible, productive and valuable members of Ibusa society. Obi Josephine made the call while serving as Special Guest of Honour at an antenatal outreach programme organised by the Anioma Watch Association, a registered socio-cultural organisation of Anioma people, in Ibusa. Speaking to the expectant mothers, the Omu acknowledged the biological and physical challenges that accompany pregnancy, noting that such changes are normal aspects of the journey to motherhood. She, however, stressed the importance of proper upbringing, training and guidance in shaping children into responsible members of society. She encouraged the women to see motherhood as a major responsibility and to prepare themselves for the task of nurturing...

 Pen Master Unveils Photos of Cynthia Nwamaka Jibunoh, Set to Emerge as New Omu of Onicha-Olona For the first time, Pen Master is unveiling photographs of Cynthia Nwamaka Jibunoh, the woman widely favoured to succeed the late Omu Ntoka, the former Omu of Onicha-Olona, and assume the revered traditional leadership position of the community’s female institution. The development follows recent efforts by the Onicha-Olona community to revive its female traditional institution after a six-year interregnum. In the course of the process, Cynthia Nwamaka Jibunoh, an indigene of Idumu-Ozolumuna in the Ogbe-Obi axis of Onicha-Olona, has emerged as the leading candidate for the prestigious position. Her anticipated emergence is significant, as the installation will restore continuity to an institution that has remained without an Omu for six years. If installed as expected, Jibunoh will become the latest Omu in the Anioma region, further underscoring the cultural importance of the occasion. P...

 When the Living Must Not Dance: The Sacred Dance of Ibusa's Ulor By Emeka Esogbue During the Ulor Festival celebrated by the Umueze Quarters of the Ibusa community, there comes a solemn and mysterious moment when a particular dance is performed, one to which the living, even those gathered within the festival arena, must never surrender their bodies. At this sacred hour, the drummers sit or stand with their drums firmly secured between their legs, beating the resonant instruments with their bare hands. Elderly men and other ritual characters summon from the drums a deep, solemn rhythm, while sonorous male voices carry a hauntingly beautiful chant into the air. Yet, beautiful as the music may be, the living must not dance to it. This is a sacred dance offered to the ancestors, many of whom, while they walked the earth, once participated in the very festival now being celebrated in their honour. The music seems to belong to another realm: its melody is soulful, its rhythm hypnotic, ...

 Onicha-Olona to Install Nwamaka Jibunoh as the New Omu of the Community By Emeka Esogbue All is set for the people of Onicha-Olona, an ancient Anioma community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, to install Nwamaka Cynthia Jibunoh as the new Omu of the community. The installation ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 28, 2026, at Umuozolumuna, Ogbe-Obi Quarters, Onicha-Olona. In a message to the Ogbe-Obi family and the general public, the community called for collective prayers for the new Omu and expressed hope that her reign would usher in blessings, peace and greater development for Onicha-Olona. The message also charged the incoming female traditional leader to deploy her leadership to advance the fortunes of the community and take Onicha-Olona to greater heights. The installation will mark a new beginning since the passing of Omu Ntoka, the last Omu of the community. Before Omu Ntoka was Her Royal Highness Omu Ada Ifesimehone Amambiwemdi-Okoh. Onich...