Emeka Esogbue

 A Call for Eyewitness Testimonies: The Ibusa Wartime Oral History Research Project As preparations for the systematic collection of oral testimonies from Ibusa men and women who witnessed the Nigerian Civil War and its impact on our community gather momentum, Pen Master will continue to identify and engage additional eyewitnesses whose lived experiences illuminate one of the darkest periods in Ibusa's history. The forthcoming book, "The Nigerian Civil War: An Ibusa Perspective," seeks to document the community's wartime experiences through the voices of those who lived them. Time has become our most critical operational constraint. With each passing year, the number of surviving eyewitnesses diminishes, taking with them invaluable first-hand accounts that cannot be reconstructed from official records alone. An undocumented testimony is, in many respects, a permanent loss to history. The Ibusa community cannot afford such losses. One elder recently recounted that he a...

 Seasoned Nigerian historian, Emeka Esogbue wrote on his wall: Nigerian Civil War: Ibusa Survivors Are Responding to Intellectual Call Although it has come as a pleasant surprise, I am delighted by the enthusiastic response from my people to the intellectual call to share their knowledge and personal experiences of the Nigerian Civil War as it affected Ibusa. The research, titled "The Nigerian Civil War: An Ibusa Perspective," has inspired several eyewitnesses and survivors of the war to volunteer their stories and reflections. The major findings of the fieldwork will focus on Nigeria before the war, Ibusa before the war, the humanitarian crisis, voices from Ibusa, Ibusa's contributions during the war, and other significant themes that emerge from the oral testimonies. I have never witnessed this level of interest among the people of Ibusa in documenting the history of our community, and I am hopeful that these invaluable oral accounts will make a lasting contribution to ...

 “I Will Speak the Truth in Ibusa” — Chief Lawrence Okolie, The Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese and Father of World Boxing Champion Chief Barrister  Lawrence Okolie is a prominent UK-based Nigerian legal practitioner, seasoned tax expert, and a distinguished traditional titleholder, holding the revered title of Okpala Nwaisi Ezemese of the Ibusa community in Delta State. A highly accomplished professional, his academic and corporate credentials include: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), Barrister-at-Law (B.L), and Master of Laws (LL.M). Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI) and former Chairman of the CITN, UK District. In this exclusive interview with media personality, PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE), Chief Barrister Lawrence Okolie opens up about his background, the profound events leading to his traditional installation, and his sacred roles and responsibilities to the people of the Ibusa community. Excerpts:  *Pen Master: Chief Barrister Lawrence Okolie, it is a ple...

 This week we are introducing to you, Zik Zulu Okafor! FAMOUS PEOPLE FROM ANIOMA IN DELTA STATE The 5th Series ZIK ZULU OKAFOR Date of Birth: August 27, 1964 Hometown: Ibusa, Delta State Profession: Filmmaker, Producer, Actor, Writer, and Journalist Marital Status: Married Spouse: Mrs. Adaora Okafor PROFILE Zik Zulu Okafor is a veteran Nigerian filmmaker, producer, writer, journalist, and public affairs commentator widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Nollywood. Born in Ibusa, Delta State, he studied Theatre Arts and built an illustrious career spanning journalism, filmmaking, and media advocacy. His contributions during the formative years of Nigeria's video-film industry helped shape Nollywood into a global cultural phenomenon, earning him recognition as one of the industry's foundational figures. Over the years, he has distinguished himself not only as a filmmaker but also as a respected commentator on culture, society, and the creative industry. Okafor produced notable...

 Picture shows Emeka Esogbue also called Pen Master in Ebedei Uno, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State in a fieldwork interview with the Okpala-Uku of the community, HRM James Nmor. The Okpala-Uku, Okwa and other chiefs and elders had gathered for historical interview with Emeka Esogbue about the community. 

 Pen Master (Emeka Esogbue) and OFAAC Coordinator Prince Andrew Obi during one of their official visits to the Okpala-Uku of Akoku Uno for research work. 

 In the Land of Peace:  An Insider's Journey Through Umutu Community By Emeka Esogbue ​Upon entering Umutu, three distinct charms immediately captivate the traveler, weaving a tapestry of a culture that is as spirited as it is welcoming. ​ ​The first sight to strike you is the rhythmic hum of motorcycles, not as commercial transport, but as a personal extension of the people. In Umutu, the road belongs to the women. There is a quiet majesty in watching the local women navigate the streets with effortless expertise. Whether they are riding solo or chauffeuring a passenger with practiced ease, they "zoom" past with a confidence that stops you in your tracks. While other Anioma communities like Agbor or Umunede are known for similar private cycling by women, the sight of nearly every woman in Umutu commanding a motorcycle is a unique spectacle that defines the town’s vibrant energy. ​The second marvel is the warmth of the people. In Umutu, the line between "indigene...

 Yesterday, Pen Master (Emeka Esogbue) was in Akoku Uno, a beautiful and quiet place with hospitable indigenes who welcomed us and were also eager to share with us, the history and culture of their community. Also on the ground, was the Okpala-Uku of the community. We had representatives of the quarters that make up Akoku Uno present.  Pictures: Pen Master with OFAAC Coordinator, Prince Andrew Obi, signpost of the first primary school in the community and permanent palace of the Okpala-Uku of Akoku Uno. Beside the palace is Ukpo (burial enclave of the community's Okpala-Uku)

 Face to Face TV Takes Major (Dr) Albert Okonkwo to the Research World  Pen Master (Emeka Esogbue) has a way of documenting and spotlighting Anioma figures, a major contribution to the human capital development of the people of the area.  It goes beyond storytelling also providing the younger generation with intellectual mirrors and historical blueprint to foster a sense of pride and professional aspiration within the Anioma community. The recent focuses on Major (Dr.) Albert Onweazu Okonkwo which serves as a bridge between localized memory and global historical scholarship. Major Okonkwo is a figure of immense historical consequence. Despite his significant military exploits and leadership during the Nigerian Civil War, his contributions have often remained on the periphery of public discourse whereas, he represents a complex chapter of the Anioma legacy one defined by resilience, strategic intellect, and the heavy burden of wartime leadership. Here, Face to Face TV, a g...

 Age Grade System is a Brotherhood Binding the Ibusa Community in Loyalty, Responsibility and Cultural Identity Emeka Esogbue Protocol I stand before you today with deep humility, reverence for history, and a heartfelt commitment to the preservation of our cherished Ibusa culture and traditions. Today, we gather not merely to mark a date on the calendar or to celebrate an age grade. We gather to honour a generation. A generation born during a season of turmoil, yet shaped by resilience and destined for purpose. Introduction The age grade system in Ibusa remains one of the oldest and most significant socio-cultural institutions in our community. Beyond being a structure of organization, it is a collective identity shaped by shared birth years, experiences, duties, and destinies. Our age grade system evolved organically, rooted in kinship, unity, survival, and defined responsibility. It ensured order, instilled discipline, fostered cooperation, and strengthened a communal way of life...

 Follow the Pen Master Blog! All in the News About Anioma What news did you miss from PEN MASTER in the past few weeks? * "Okolie Family of Umukanya, Umueze Announce Burial Plans for Matriarch, Madam Okolie"  *Interviews*  * "There is No Reason to Locate Anioma in the Southeast; President, Governors and their Deputies, Not Required to Vacate to Vacate Offices Upon Defection" - Frank Ofili * "Show Desire for the Creation of Anioma State, Ogbueshi Emmanuel Okonne Begs His Anioma People: Ned Nwoko's Efforts Undermined By Nefarious Politicians." * "We Are Not Against the Proposed Anioma State, Majority Only Want it in South-South," Nnamdi Ofonye * "Ibusa Youth Council Should Be Guided By the Obuzo and Obuzo Should Be Guided By the Law," Chief Hilary Zobeashia  *Feature*  * "OFAAC: Anioma's Most Consistent Cultural Organization" - Emeka Esogbue * Ibusa Multiple Obiship Explored: A Look into Obi Ajudua's One-Year Milesto...

 Picture shows former Personal Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media and renowned Anioma Historian and Writer, Emeka Esogbue also called Pen Master. Picture was taken at the venue of Igbanke National Conference, organized by Igbanke Nationals Progressive Association in Igbanke, Edo State

 Pen Master's Ibusa Personality of the Week: Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh, a shining example of determination and hard work, has earned the distinction of being Pen Master's Ibusa Personality of the Week. Born to Ibusa parents, Chief Odogwu Ijeh and Mrs. Francisca Omeba Ijeh, both from Ibusa in Delta State, Chief Kizito's remarkable journey bears the torch of unwavering commitment to excellence. Chief Ijeh's academic credentials are impressive. He attended St. Augustine's College, Ibusa, and later Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. He graduated with a First University Degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos and later obtained a Master's degree in International Diplomacy and Strategic Studies from Leads City, Ibadan. Additionally, he holds a Leadership Certificate from the Academy for Governance, an institution founded by Prof Austin Uwandulu. Chief Kizito has held various positions, showcasing his leadership prowess. He served...

  The Ibusa Sense of Republicanism is in the Extreme - Kizito Ijeh, Politician and Initiator of People of Oshimili North Chief Kizito Ijeh, the Dike Di Oha Nma of Ute Ogbeje is a household name in Ibusa community. The ace politician, one of the founders of the APC in Delta State recently marked his birthday in the community and amid the friends and well-wishers that came to celebrate with him; PEN MASTER (EMEKA ESOGBUE) found the opportunity to engage him in a media chat. In this interview, Chief Kizito Osadebe Ijeh makes mind-boggling revelations on his personality, upbringing, political gains and losses by the Ibusa community, why he decamped from APC to join PDP, the state of NGOS on youth development and the current Uwolo tussle. He identifies disunity as the major factor standing between the Ibusa community and its development and thinks that the pursuit of Anioma State in the Southeast is not only unnecessary but an impossible task in the present Nigerian composition. E...