Emeka Esogbue

Asaba Set to Immortalize 1967 Massacre Victims with Monumental Memorial By Emeka Esogbue Pen Master Plans are underway in Asaba, the Delta State capital, to immortalize the victims of the October 1967 Asaba Massacre with a monumental memorial that will preserve their memory for generations to come. The initiative features prominently among the priorities of His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba, who has demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving the history, heritage and collective memory of the Asaba people. As part of the initiative, internationally acclaimed artist and sculptor Mr. Enyi Echezona Jr., a multi-talented painter and sculptor of Anioma origin, has been approached to develop the proposed memorial. Echezona has already presented a proposal for the construction of a gigantic symbolic monument dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during the tragic events of October 1967. The proposed monument is expected to serv...

 Enyi Echezona Jr. Set to Showcase "Ekumeku Painting" in Asaba Exhibition  By Emeka Esogbue Renowned painter Enyi Echezona Jr. is set to unveil his latest masterpiece, "The Spirit of Ekwumekwu," at an upcoming exhibition in Asaba, Delta State.  The 36 x 48-inch acrylic artwork, titled "A Dance of the Forest," captures the essence of the Anioma people's resistance against colonial rule. According to the artist, "I aimed to convey the tenacity and bravery of the Anioma man as he fought to defend his native land against foreign invaders." The Ekumeku Movement (1883-1914) was the longest resistance to colonial rule in Nigeria. The exhibition, scheduled for November, will showcase Enyi Echezona Jr.'s work, highlighting the artistic talent and resilience of the Anioma people. Although the exact date is yet to be confirmed, art enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the beauty and fortitude of the Anioma people through Enyi's remarkabl...

 Artwork: "Strength of the Anioma Man," Gathering Fame Among Artwork Lovers - Emeka Esogbue Recently, the painting "Strength of the Anioma Man" is becoming well-known, and PEN MASTER had the chance to see the paint job. The artist of Strength of the Anioma Man, Enyi Echezona Jr., is an Anioma man from Idumuje Unor in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. The painting was completed in oil on canvas.  The artwork shows a manly, forceful, and energetic Anioma "ogbu akpele," a native flute player, playing Enuani melodies on a trumpet, to which another Anioma man and an unidentified woman are depicted dancing.  Images within are ornamented with the rarely worn red cap, a mark of royalty, and Akwa-Ocha, the native cloth of the Anioma people.   Echezona Jr., the Painter, described the piece to the Pen Master, saying that it was motivated by the willpower a man has to achieve any goal.  "Be it blowing a trumpet to answering the call of a bat...