Emeka Esogbue

 Hon. Patrick Ashikodi and the Ibusa Tradition of Political Surprise By Emeka Esogbue Since Pen Master broke the news of the Abuja declaration by Hon. Patrick Ashikodi, popularly known as “The Political Messiah,” of his intention to contest for Nigeria’s presidency under the auspices of the NDC, reactions have remained mixed. The declaration has generated a barrage of praise and reservations, commendations and doubts, from Nigerians both at home and across the globe. Indeed, the announcement comes as a challenge to Mr. Peter Obi, a globally recognized figure in Nigerian politics. Interestingly, the declaration is coming from the relatively little-known “Political Messiah” from Ibusa, a community in Delta State. Although Hon. Ashikodi may not yet command the influence, popularity, and political stature of Peter Obi, the Ibusa community is certainly no stranger to producing political surprises. Presidential ambition itself is not new within the nation’s political landscape, nor is it...

 Goodbye to an Anioma Political Powerhouse: Ibusa Bleeds as Senator Peter Nwaoboshi Passes On By Emeka Esogbue The Ibusa community was on Friday evening thrown into deep mourning following the reported death of Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, a prominent Nigerian politician and illustrious son of the community. According to a family source, the senator passed away after a period of illness during which he had been battling health challenges. Senator Nwaoboshi, who hailed from Isieke, Umuekea quarters in Ibusa, served as the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023. A towering figure in Anioma and Delta State politics, he began his political journey in the late 1970s as an aide to the then Governor of the old Bendel State, a role that marked the foundation of a long and influential political career. He later served as Chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, among other strategic national appointments. Beyond this, Nwaoboshi was a political...

 Delta State Went to Bed as PDP and Woke Up As APC, Labour Party Internally Divided; ADC Steadfast, Politician and Diaspora Leader, Hon Dr. Kenneth Gbandi - Part One Hon Dr. Kenneth Gbandi is a politician, businessman, Nigerian leader in the diaspora, and media in publisher. He is the founder of African Heritage Magazine and the Executive Producer of Radio/TV programs. Gbandi with long-standing diaspora leadership, has served Nigeria in different capacities and is also actively driven in several positions. In this interview with media influencer, PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE), Hon Dr. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi in this thought-provoking interview makes several startling revelations about Nigerian and international politics. He believes that the Anioma region needs long-term initiatives in skill development, job creation, housing and other tangible community-level results. Gbandi also bares his mind on the difficulty of returnee-Nigerians to win elections in the country, rising travel co...

 Leo Nkeaka, an Ibusa Politician, Donates N2 Million to Constituents - Emeka Esogbue  In a recent act of altruism, prominent Ibusa Politician, Businessman, and Estate Realtor, Hon. Leo Nkeaka, on Tuesday, gave away money to 100 people in Ward 8 of the Umueze Quarters of the Ibusa community, totaling approximately two million naira. When PEN MASTER contacted Hon. Nkeaka, also referred to as "Ohamadike" in the community, he stated, "The move is to support our people and alleviate the level of suffering in our society." "I still give back to the underprivileged members of our society, widows, the impoverished, the needy, and my people," he said. It was further learnt that the philanthropic initiative started as far back as 2007 when he contested and won the councilorship election in the community, a position he held until 2011, with the initiative lasting for about 17 years now.  Hon Leo Nkeaka, one of the most popular youth figures in politics from the commu...

I Hardly Sleep because I Want to Meet My People’s Demand -        Hon Hilary Okobi   About five months after his election unopposed, he rebuilt a market under his constituency much to the amazement of his community. In this interview with PEN MASTER (Emeka Esogbue), a media personality, Hilary Ifechukwude Okobi, the Counselor representing Ward 5 of Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State speaks on his counsellorship feats so far, evaluates the Oshimili North Local Government and answers other pressing questions. Excerpts:   Pen Media: I agree that a lot of people in your locality and beyond have now heard of your name. To others, who might not have known you, who is "Hilary Okobi?”   Okobi: (Smiling) Okay, well, thank you very much Pen Master. Hilary Ifechukwude Okobi, as I am fully known is a grassroots politician who started his politics with student unionism in University of Benin where I obtained my Dipl...