Emeka Esogbue

 Ibusa Community Development Union Worldwide Holds Annual Conference in Ibusa, New Officers Elected into Offices - Mandates Youths Above 18 to Register Membership or Risk Revocation of Communal Rights Story By Emeka Esogbue The Ibusa Community Development Union Worldwide also known as "ICDU - Worldwide" held its annual conference on April 19, 2025 in the community. The event which was held inside Nkata, the Diokpa's Palace in Umueze axis of the community had in attendance hundreds of members and other indigenes of the community from different countries of the world. The Town Union also took the opportunity to conduct an election in which new executive officers were elected into offices. Chief Victor Uchuno, and Onowu Ekwene Ijeh, the President-General and Deputy President-General of the Town Union respectively were reelected into offices. Also reelected were Sir Tony Oraegbu and Dr. Ifeanyi Ikenwe as the Secretary General and Vice Secretary General respectively. The confe...

 Grand Patron of OFAAC: HRM Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor Honoured at Anioma Cultural Festival Story By Emeka Esogbue His Royal Majesty, Obi Dr. Emmanuel Ayinke Efeizomor II, JP, (OON), was conferred with the Grand Patron of the Organization For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) on April 21, 2025, at the Anioma Cultural Festival venue. This prestigious honour is an indication of his tireless efforts in promoting Anioma's rich cultural heritage. He was recognized for his relationship with the body and contributions towards the growth and development of the Organization. His Majesty has also been a huge support to the organizers since its foundation, volunteering necessary help to assist in promoting Anioma culture and identity. Born on March 10, 1938, he was crowned the 11th Obi of Owa Kingdom on September 6, 1959. His educational background, which includes studying in Sapele, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Britain, and the United States of America, has equipped him with the knowledge and ...

 OFAAC: Congratulations to Star Prize Winners, Egwu Oma Dance Troupe of Ibusa Did you know that the Ibusa cultural troupes have always dominated the Anioma Cultural Festivals?  Yes, young dancers from the community have always performed brilliantly, incredibly surpassing other performers and emerging the overall winners out of hundreds. The recent 19th edition of the Anioma Cultural Festival took place in Asaba in the presence of hundreds of performers, audience and other important figures from the Anioma area among them Rt. Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Governor ably represented by Sir Monday Onyeme, the Deputy Governor. In the end, the Egwu Oma Dance Group of Ibusa amazingly came first and won the star prize. The second position would go to Aguba Royal Dance Group of Ubulu-Uno while the Seat of Wisdom Dance Group of Kwale came third. It was not the first time an Ibusa dance group would be overall leaders though. During the 2017 edition of the Anioma Cultura...

 Small Girl, Big God: Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Achieves Milestone, Earns American Citizenship By Emeka Esogbue Renowned Nigerian dancer, singer, and model, Chukwufumnanya Obidi, fondly called "Korra Obidi" has reached new heights, earning her American citizenship. The talented performer took to Facebook to share the exciting news, expressing her joy and gratitude. With her signature phrase "Small Girl, Big God," Korra Obidi celebrated her achievement, which was met with thousands of congratulatory messages from fans worldwide. Her determination and resilience have inspired many, and this milestone speaks of her hard work and dedication that many may now admire. Korra Obidi, known for her captivating dance moves and inspiring story, has been making waves in the entertainment industry since releasing her debut single "Man Like You" in 2015. Her music and dance continue to inspire fans globally. Hailing from Ibusa, an Anioma community in Delta State, Korr...

 VIO Foundation Plans to Empower Young Ibusa Widows By Emeka Esogbue The VIO Foundation, a registered non-profit organization, has announced an inspiring initiative to support young widows in Ibusa, Delta State. According to Vivian Halim Obodoechine, the foundation's founder and a widow herself who spoke to PEN MASTER on the development, the program aims to address the harsh realities faced by young widows in the community. Obodoechine, also from the community who has personal experience with the challenges of widowhood, emphasized that young widows are particularly vulnerable. To alleviate their struggles, VIO will provide guidance, assistance, and empowerment through a special program scheduled for April 17, 2025, at the Ogwugwu site in Umuodafe, Ibusa in the morning hours. The event will feature talks by professional speakers, focusing on self-sustainability and entrepreneurship. Participants will also receive special packages to support their economic independence. To ensure th...

 Pen Master's 9 Ibusa 'Girls' Who Do Amazing Things The Ibusa community is a vibrant hub of human capital, boasting an impressive array of successful individuals who have made their mark in various fields. Renowned figures like Pat Utomi, Fred Ajudua, Walter Akpani, Zik Zulu Okafor, Frank Atuche, Sebastian Adigwe, and Kingsley Obiekwu are just a few examples of the community's accomplished members. While the achievements of Ibusa's men are well-documented, the community's women, particularly its young and talented females, have remained largely under the radar. To shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes, we present a showcase of 9 amazing women from Ibusa who are making waves in their respective fields.    1. Beverly Naya: Beverly Naya is an amazing 'girl' from Ibusa. The Nollywood actress who has featured in several movies is about the most popular Ibusa female face in Nollywood.  2. Bose Omolayo: Not many know that Bose Ogomegbunem Omolayo hails from ...

 The Enduring Legacy of Ukwuani Highlife Music in Contemporary Anioma By Emeka Esogbue Ukwuani, a subgroup of the Anioma people, has made significant contributions to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The region has produced an impressive array of talented musicians who have popularized the highlife genre, showcasing the unique sounds and rhythms of Ukwuani. This article celebrates the achievements of these musical icons and highlights the enduring impact of Ukwuani highlife music on the Nigerian music scene. Rogana Ottah, a legendary musician from the Ndokwa region who passed away about 18 years ago, is renowned for his captivating highlife performances. With a career spanning decades, Ottah has remained a beloved figure in Ukwuani music, earning a reputation as one of Nigeria's top musicians. He is not only by far, the popular choice of any Ukwuani highlife lover, Chief Mike Onwugbolu once told Nigerians that Ubulu admired the musician whom they believed to have the best sin...

 The Iwu Festival: Leveraging Satire, Sarcasm, and Social Commentary to Address Societal Challenges in Anioma By Emeka Esogbue Beyond its vibrant dance and music, the Iwu Festival, celebrated by the Anioma communities of Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Ubulu-Uku, Ubulu-Unor, and Illah, employs satire, mockery, and social commentary to confront societal ills and promote positive change. This unique approach is not isolated to the Iwu Festival, as various African festivals, such as the Akan Festival of Ghana, Egungun Festival of the Yorubas, Kwagh-hir Festival of the Tiv, and Ovia Osese Festival of the neighbouring Urhobo in Delta State, Nigeria, also utilize satire, sarcasm, and mockery to address evil doers and societal ills. During the Iwu Festival, celebrants dance to traditional rhythms infused with satirical messages, using gestures, movements, and facial expressions to convey their message. The festival serves as a platform for community participation, encouraging individuals to join in r...

 My Family Believes in Giving Back to my Community, Vebron Carre Chief, Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua is a philanthropic name in Ibusa with his Vebron Carre, Foundation extending charitable services to his community. Over time, his profile rose, making him a cultural figure in the community. In 2024, he took up the revered Obi title of Ibusa in what was one of the most publicized traditional rites of the Enuani people. In this interview with PEN MASTER (Emeka Esogbue), Obi Dr. Henry Ajudua shares personal views on issues touching on the community, which  concerns his family, Obiship experience, philanthropy, cultural life and current state of the community. Excerpts: Pen Master: You are Obi Dr. Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, a USA-based medic from the Ibusa community. Obi, can you tell our readers more about yourself? Ajudua: Alright, thank you very much. To your question, I am Obi Dr. Henry Chukwumaonyenmenjo Ajudua, a USA-based Doctoral PhD holder in Pharmaceutical. Addi...

 Anioma Watch Association Takes Anti-Drug Campaign to Schools in Anioma In a bid to combat drug abuse among youths, the Anioma Watch Social Association recently embarked on a three-day anti-drug campaign in three schools across Delta North. The campaign, which took place from February 24 to 26, 2025, aimed to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle. The association, in collaboration with the Social Watch Anti-Drug Advocates (SWADAA), Delta State Command, visited Ogume Grammar School, Ogume, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State; Ihu-Iyase Secondary School, Agbor-Nta, Delta State; and Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School (PBGS), Issele-Uku, Delta State. The campaign was well-received by the school authorities and students. The resource persons, Miss Precious Onwueze and Frank Ogagbor, both from SWADAA, delivered engaging lectures that sparked curiosity and interest among the students. The students actively participated in the campaign, asking questions and ...