Emeka Esogbue

 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...

 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...

 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...

 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...

 Aunty Rosemary Adams, Miss Independence 1960, is 85 years today. God has indeed blessed this Nigerian beauty. Since my childhood, I have loved and followed Aunty Rosemary as an enthusiast, journalist, and advocate of the Enuani people even when she was completely unaware of my existence. I first encountered her through her character, “Ngozi,” in Adio Family, a family social drama broadcast by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). My father would always point at her on the screen and exclaim, “She is our Enuani sister!” I would watch her with fascination, over and over again. A few years ago, as part of the team of the Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture, our crew visited her home to interview her. That memorable interview was subsequently published in Anioma Essence Magazine. A few weeks ago, while in Onicha-Olona, I specifically appealed to my guide to take me to her family home. I was shown an upstairs building belonging to the family, a modest but deeply meani...

 Joy and Jubilation as Chief Uzoamaka Anyah is Coronated as the Isama of Onicha-Olona By Emeka Esogbue The ancient and historically rich kingdom of Onicha-Olona in Anioma came alive with resonant drumbeats, vibrant colour, and deep cultural celebration as Chief Uzoamaka Anyah was traditionally installed as the Isama of Onicha-Olona in the early hours of the day. The grand ceremony marked the triumphant conclusion of a deeply revered rite cycle, which commenced with the mandatory traditional vigil, a night of spiritual reflection, invocation of ancestral blessings, and rites of passage. By daybreak, the ancient drums of the kingdom echoed across the town, drawing together elders, titled chiefs, women groups, and energetic youths to witness the climax of this historic enthronement. A visually stunning highlight of the final rites saw the newly crowned Isama, his body ritually adorned with Nzu, the sacred white chalk symbolizing purity, nobility, and ancestral approval, hoisted should...

 How the Onicha-Olona People Retained the Indigenous “Onicha” but Lost “Olomina” to “Olona” By Emeka Esogbue Colonial rule left a durable imprint upon the nomenclature of many Anioma communities. In the course of British administration, missionary activity, and cartographic documentation, indigenous place-names were frequently rendered into English orthography in ways that reflected phonetic approximation and administrative convenience rather than indigenous linguistic form. In this process, Ọnicha was recorded as Onitsha in official usage, while numerous other local names underwent similar transformations. Yet the people of Onicha-Olona achieved a notable reversal in part of this colonial legacy. In the post-colonial period, the community successfully reasserted the indigenous form Onicha, displacing the anglicized Onitsha from its local identity. The second element of the name, however, followed a different trajectory: while Onicha was recovered, Olomina gradually gave way to Olo...

 Famous People from Anioma in Delta State (Third Edition in Series) May 19, 2026 Elder Paddy Ugboh   *Date of Birth:*  May 17, 1961  *Hometown* : Onicha-Olona  *Profession* : Community Leader, Cultural Administrator, and Executive in a Cultural Organization  *Marital Status:* Married to Henrietta Ndo Ugboh nee Njote-Isiakpona  *Profile*  Elder Paddy Ugboh is a distinguished cultural administrator, respected community leader, and one of the pioneering figures in the promotion of Anioma heritage and identity. He serves as the pioneer Vice President of the Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), an organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the rich traditions, language, and cultural values of the Anioma people. Through his leadership and commitment, Elder Ugboh has played a significant role in strengthening Anioma cultural consciousness and promoting unity among Anioma communities within Nigeria and beyond.  *Cultura...

 Pen Master's 8 Givers from Anioma with Foundations Compiled By Emeka Esogbue The Anioma region boasts countless renowned philanthropists—far too many to list exhaustively. Yet, I have randomly selected eight exemplary givers to humanity for your inspiration. One of life's toughest challenges is giving generously. Whether wealth comes easily or through hard labour, parting with it selflessly is a rare gift. Here are those eight standout givers from Anioma: CHIEF EMMANUEL MBULU  Chief Mbulu is a prominent Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader from Igbodo Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. He founded the Chief Emmanuel Mbulu Family Foundation in 2004 alongside his wife, Chief Mrs. Annia Mbulu (Odozi-Aku of Igbodo Kingdom). Born to the late Chief Egobudike Mbulu, a former schoolteacher, he holds the title Akulue Unor of Igbodo and is celebrated for his wide-ranging charitable impacts. DR. DORIS AMAKA  Dr. Doris Oche...

 Clash of Calendars: How British Colonialism "Shaved" 20 Years Off an Anioma Legend from Onicha-Olona ​By Emeka Esogbue ​This tale from Onicha-Olona, a vibrant Anioma community in Delta State, is more than a quirky historical footnote. It is a stark revelation of colonial arrogance—a time when British officials viewed their culture, and even their clocks, as inherently superior to African reality. ​In pre-colonial Onicha-Olona, few figures loomed as large as Isama Omesiete Ogodia. A revered warchief from Ogbe-Obi Village and a senior member of the Onotu (the traditional council of warlords), Ogodia was the final word on land disputes in his Ogbe-Obi Quarters. He wielded his wisdom like a sharpened machete, precise, authoritative, and final. ​Even in his twilight years, Ogodia was a striking figure. Silver hair framed a face etched with a century of experience, yet his body refused to betray him. He remained vigorous, moving with the unyielding grace of a warrior who had watch...

 Anioma Nation Mourns Chief Israel Ogbue: Former UBA Chairman and Towering Community Leader ​By Emeka Esogbue ​The Anioma people of Onicha-Olona, alongside the Board of Directors, Management, and Staff of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, have formally announced the transition of Chief Israel C. Ogbue. ​A distinguished statesman of the boardroom, Chief Ogbue served as a former Chairman of UBA. He was also the beloved father of Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and father-in-law to the renowned billionaire philanthropist, Mr. Tony Elumelu. ​Born on February 18, 1927, in Umuolo Village, Onicha-Olona, Delta State, Chief Ogbue’s life was defined by a commitment to service and intellectual rigor.  ​ He began his professional journey in the Federal Civil Service before traveling to the United Kingdom for advanced studies. ​He built an illustrious career at the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NIC...

 Usurpation Shifted Our Onicha-Olona Kingship System from Hereditary to Okpalabisi, Prince Joseph Dumbili Nwadiajueboe, Eze Dibia of Onicha-Olona – Part Two Pen Master: Diokpa, earlier when this discussion opened, you mentioned the Obiship crisis in the community. This brings us to the tussle that keeps ravaging your kingdom since the colonial days of your social history. What is the cause of this division?  Nwadiajueboa: Thank you very much. The problem was caused by Ogbe-Obi. This place you are now caused the problem. I told you that Ogbele established Onicha-Olona. He was the founder of Onicha-Olona. Onicha-Olona and Onicha-Ugbo are related but Onicha-Ugbo is sustaining its Obiship which remains a hereditary till date but in Onicha-Olona, they destroyed our own. There is something called Nze and it means a place of origin or source – where something started. When you go to Onicha-Ugbo, they still have their Nze. Ironically, the one belonging to our Onicha-Olona is still in ...

 Usurpation Shifted Our Onicha-Olona Kingship System from Hereditary to Okpalabisi, Prince Joseph Dumbili Nwadiajueboe, Eze Dibia of Onicha-Olona—Part One It was a long walk to Ogbe-Obi in Onicha-Olona Kingdom, Delta State, where this interview was conducted, but the journey was worth it. In this interview with PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE) a Media Persinality, PRINCE JOSEPH DUMBILI NWADIAJUEBOE, an octogenarian who is the Eze Dibia of Onicha-Olona, Obunze of Ogbe-Obi, Onicha-Olona, and author of several books, delivers oral accounts on the history of Onicha-Olona. He speaks on the foundation of Onicha-Olona, the authorship of several books on the Anioma communities accommodating Onicha-Olona, Obior, Onicha-Ugbo, Obior, Obomkpa, and others, all of which are Ezechime, makes startling revelations on the identity of Ezechime, whom he holds as the patriarch of Onicha-Olona, and ventures into the age-long Obiship crisis ravaging the community.  Pen Master: Nwadei, sir, all the way fro...

 A Legacy of Honour: Dr. Doris Ochei Celebrates Husband’s Scandal-Free Retirement After Years of Service ​By Emeka Esogbue ​In a moving tribute to a lifetime of discipline and patriotism, prominent philanthropist Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei has hailed her husband, Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei (rtd), mni, following his official "Pulling-Out" ceremony. The event which held at the parade ground of the Nigerian Army School of Signals in Apapa, Lagos, marked the end of an illustrious nearly four-decade military career. ​Speaking shortly after the reception, Dr. Ochei reflected on her husband's journey, emphasizing that his greatest achievement was not just the rank he attained, but the integrity and humility he maintained throughout his tenure. ​ ​“Today, my heart overflows with gratitude and pride,” Dr. Ochei shared via her social media. “I stand beside my husband to celebrate the close of an extraordinary chapter: 37 years of meritorious service to our beloved fatherland...

 Historic Pulling-Out Parade as Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei Bows Out of Nigerian Army ​By Emeka Esogbue ​It was a momentous display of military tradition and high honours in the early hours of Friday, as the Nigerian Army hosted a grand Pulling-Out Parade for Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei and several other distinguished senior officers. Held at the Nigerian Army School of Signals Parade Ground in Apapa, Lagos, the valedictory ceremony unfolded amidst a backdrop of profound regimental pride.  This storied military ritual marked the formal conclusion of their meritorious service to the nation, serving as a poignant tribute to General Ochei’s decades of strategic leadership, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the defense of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ​The ceremony reached its crescendo with the arrival of the Chief Guest of Honour, who performed a formal inspection of the parade before delivering a keynote address that lauded the retiring officers for their galla...

 My Father Did His Best to Document Onicha-Olona History and I Have Taken Over, Felix Nwabuokei, Historical Researcher and SWADAA Regional Commander – Part One Rev Felix Ifeanyi Nwabuokei is a historical researcher, clergy and Regional Commander of the Social Watch Anti-Drug Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA). Nwabuokei has remained in the forefront of the documentation of his people’s history and has been heavily relied on by other researchers. Recently, he authored the book, “A Historical Account on Onicha-Olona Kingdom,” now one of the widely sought-after books in the community. In this interview with media personality, EMEKA ESOGBUE (PEN MASTER), Rev Felix Nwabuokei tells readers the history and origin of Onicha-Olona settlement with names of the founders, why the community is of Ezechime Clan even though it did not originate from the Ezechime ancestry, and why the people of the community have hardly documented the community’s history in books. Nwabuokei further explains the reasons behin...