Emeka Esogbue launches ‘Essentials of Anioma History’

It was a roll call of crème de la crème of the traditional institutions in Anioma area of Delta State as the Ibusa-born historian and social activist, Emeka Esogbue launched his new work, ‘Essentials of Anioma History’. The book was published in the United States of America under the publishing arrangement with SGNT Publishing firm owned by Mr. Chinazor Onianwah. It is part of the publisher’s resolution to publish 650 titles in the different ethnic groupings in Nigeria. Alongside books unveiled to kickstart this arrangement were other titles like ‘It Takes a Village to Name a Child’ by Chinazor Onianwah and ‘Imagine Lagos and Other Stories’ by another Ibusa-born literati, Philip Ngozi Ifechukwude.

Highlights of the event featured a resounding review of the book “Essentials of Anioma History” by Prof. Austin Uwandulu. He did justice to the historical resource material by taking the entire audience on a journey into the heart of the relevance of the book to the Anioma nation. In her remark, Ms. Lauretta Onochie, Special Adviser on Media to the President reminded the audience on the importance of identifying our origin as Anioma people. Obi (Dr.) Martha Dunkwu – the Omu of Okpanam and Anioma who was accompanied by Omu Theresa Uwadia, the Omu of Onicha-uku, reiterated the need for the Anioma people to set up structures to appreciate the Omu institution by catering for their welfare. She lamented that it is quite unfortunate that the government is not recognizing the institution with a bid to initiate salary packages for their upkeep despite their continuous plea.

Other commentators who spoke on the relevance of the book and structure of Anioma geographical setting were the chairman of the occasion, HRM, John Nwafor, the Isama of Ashama kingdom, HRM, Obi Kikachukwu, the Obi of Ubulu-Unor, HRM, Charles Anyasi, Obi of Idumuje-unor and author of the book, “Anioma: Resolving the Identity Crisis”. Others who graced the occasion were Onowu Amaechi Nwaenie, the Uwolo of Ibusa, Chief Celestine Okafor, Ikwelle of Ibusa, Enyi Doris Mokobia, Kpakpando of Akwukwu-Igbo who played a dual representation, Rev. Ifeanyi Okwuobi, Chief Nicholas Onianwah (uncle to the publisher), Onowu Austin Abuah, secretary of Obuzor-in-council, Mr. Luka Igbonoba, legislative aide to Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Chief Kizito Ijeh, ace broadcaster, Ngozi Odiwe among other prominent Ibusa sons and daughters. The chief launcher was Chief Anthony Chukwukelue Adigwe, a quintessential Ibusa-born gentleman.

The occasion which held at Linkon Event Centre, Ogboli – Ibusa also witnessed cultural performances and exhibition of Anioma priceless Akwa ocha as regaled by delectable Miss kate Igbodo, Dr. Prisca Okeleke and others. The capacity hall was filled to the brim with history and cultural enthusiasts drawn from across Ibusa and anioma towns.

During his vote of thanks, the author, Emeka Esogbue expressed happiness with the turnout and thanked all, especially the royal fathers who sacrificed their busy schedules to grace the well-packaged cultural gathering.