Emeka Esogbue

 Celebrating the Legacy of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo: A True Statesman at 89 Emeka Esogbue Happy 89th birthday to Chief Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo, a man whose impact on Nigeria and Africa is immeasurable.  Although Baba Obasanjo himself has often said he doesn't know his exact date of birth, he recalls that he was born on a market day. His humble beginnings would eventually lead him to become one of Nigeria's most celebrated and influential leaders. Obasanjo was born to Amos Adigun Obaluaiyesanjo Bankole and Mrs. Asabi Bankole.  Interestingly, he chose to bear his father’s middle name, "Obasanjo," rather than the "Bankole" surname carried by his cousins. This small yet significant act reflects his deep connection to his roots and his sense of identity. His life journey is nothing short of remarkable. Obasanjo rose to the rank of General in the Nigerian Army, demonstrating exceptional leadership and bravery. But his achievements didn’t stop at military s...

A Glimpse into the Life of Gen. Godwin Alabi-Isama: An Anioma Patriot Shaped by War, Guided by Truth, and Devoted to Peace By Emeka Esogbue Few Nigerian military figures embody the paradox of war and peace as profoundly as Gen. Godwin Alabi-Isama (Retd.), an Anioma-born officer, historian, and patriot whose life bridges courage on the battlefield and truth in historical reflection. Born on December 24, 1940, in Ilorin, into a family of mixed Anioma and Yoruba heritage, the retired general rose to prominence during the Nigerian Civil War as Chief of Staff of the Third Marine Commando Division, where his tactical brilliance and unflinching discipline became legendary. Yet beyond the uniform, Alabi-Isama’s enduring legacy lies in his lifelong devotion to truth, peace, and the Anioma cause, values that later defined his service as President-General of Izu Anioma. He was born to Pa Alabi Isama of Ikilibi, Utagba-Unor (Ndokwa area of Anioma), who migrated to Ilorin, Kwara State, in search of...

A Justification for the National Anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee." - Emeka Esogbue It is a positive milestone that the Nigerian House of Representatives has decided to reinstate "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" and eliminate "Arise O' Compatriots."  Although we hear that this Bill sponsored by Hon Julius Ihonvbere has successfully passed the first and second reading and now awaits the third reading of Thursday plenary, the lawmakers should never hesitate to return the anthem to the nation. Evidently, the version that the Obasanjo administration gave the country in 1978 is not quite as expressive of the passionate spirit of nationalism as the one that preceded it.  Reasonably, the nation's former anthem, "Nigeria, we hail thee," penned by Lilian Jean Williams, encourages love, harmony, peace, and patriotism.  In addition, it evokes feelings of aspirational Nigerianness, which permeates the multiplicity of tribes, as well as pride, dignity, happiness...