By: Ike Philip Abiagom

As family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across Nigeria, the United States, and beyond join in celebrating the birthday of Obi Okpoho Dr. Vivian Onyebuchi Henry-Ajudua, tributes continue to pour in for a woman whose life has become a shining example of excellence, compassion, leadership, and service to humanity.

Fondly known as “Queen B,” Dr. Vivian Henry-Ajudua is widely admired as a distinguished healthcare professional, accomplished business executive, philanthropist, mentor, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and a proud ambassador of Anioma cultural heritage. Her remarkable journey reflects a lifetime dedicated to uplifting others and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

Born into the respected family of the late Chief Peter Onwuka and Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Njideaka of Umuekea – Igbuzo Kingdom in Delta State, Dr. Vivian has remained deeply connected to her roots despite building a successful international career.
Her commitment to preserving the values, traditions, and identity of the Anioma people has earned her admiration both at home and abroad.

Married to Obi (Dr.) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, Obi Ezeudo of Igbuzo, their union stands as a testament to enduring love, faith, partnership, and shared commitment to community development. Together, they have built a family founded on discipline, integrity, excellence, and service, raising six accomplished children and celebrating the joy of nine grandchildren.

One of their children, Dr. Freddie Chukwuyem Henry-Ajudua, has earned international recognition as a celebrated Rugby icon, bringing honour and pride to the family and the Igbuzo community.

Dr. Vivian’s educational achievements are equally inspiring. After completing her primary education at Our Lady of Apostles Private School, Yaba, Lagos, and secondary education at Baptist Girls High School, Agbor, she proceeded to the University of Lagos where she graduated with honours in Computer Sciences.

Driven by an unwavering passion for healthcare and human development, she later advanced her studies in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Before her transition into healthcare and international business leadership, Dr. Vivian distinguished herself during a successful 19-year banking career with First Bank Plc, where her dedication, professionalism, and leadership qualities earned widespread recognition and opportunities for advanced executive training.

Today, she serves as the Managing Director of Vebron International, providing visionary leadership and contributing to business growth, innovation, and development across multiple sectors.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Vivian is celebrated for her humanitarian spirit and commitment to social development. Through numerous charitable initiatives, she has supported healthcare programmes, educational advancement, youth empowerment, women’s development, and community welfare projects, touching countless lives and giving hope to many.

Those who know her describe her as a woman of uncommon humility, wisdom, courage, and generosity—a mentor whose guidance has inspired many young professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

As she marks another year of God’s faithfulness, many have described her as a woman of substance, a trailblazer, a pacesetter, a global icon, a teacher, counselor, caregiver, and a true servant-leader whose influence continues to transcend borders.

On this special occasion, family members, friends, associates, and admirers celebrate a woman whose life continues to radiate light, inspire excellence, and promote positive change.
May Almighty God continue to bless Obi Okpoho Dr. Vivian Onyebuchi Henry-Ajudua with good health, wisdom, peace, strength, and many more years of fruitful service to humanity.

Happy Birthday to a remarkable woman, a Queen of Substance, and a shining pride of Igbuzo Kingdom.

By : Ike Philip Abiagom

Pastor Idowu Chukwudi Okeze, popularly known as Ukpe Igbuzo, has continued to receive commendation from residents for his unwavering commitment to attracting development projects and empowerment opportunities to Igbuzo and other parts of Anioma land.

Over the years, Pastor Okeze has distinguished himself as a community-focused leader whose efforts have positively impacted the lives of many residents, particularly youths, women, and vulnerable members of society. Through various empowerment initiatives linked to government intervention programmes and other developmental partnerships, numerous beneficiaries have gained skills, financial support, and opportunities for self-reliance.

Community members noted that despite criticisms and opposition from some quarters, Pastor Okeze has remained steadfast in his mission of improving the welfare of his people. According to them, many individuals who once struggled to meet their daily needs have become self-sufficient through empowerment programmes facilitated by the cleric and philanthropist.

Observers further pointed out that while several sons and daughters of Igbuzo occupy influential positions across the country, Pastor Okeze has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to bringing opportunities back home. They described him as a proud son of Igbuzo whose passion for community development is driven by a genuine desire to uplift his people.

Those familiar with his activities stated that Pastor Okeze has always acknowledged the roles of the Federal Government and relevant agencies in providing empowerment programmes and infrastructure projects. They emphasized that he has never sought personal glory for government-sponsored initiatives but has instead focused on ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots.

Among the projects and interventions attributed to his advocacy efforts are road construction initiatives, borehole projects, solar-powered street lights, skills acquisition programmes, educational support schemes, and other forms of community empowerment.

Residents say these contributions have earned him widespread respect and admiration across Igbuzo and beyond. Many have called on the community to support and appreciate individuals who dedicate their time and resources to advancing the collective interest of the people.

Speaking on his impact, some community leaders described Pastor Okeze as “a shining light in Igbuzo” whose developmental efforts continue to inspire hope among residents. They stressed that no amount of criticism or blackmail would discourage him from pursuing initiatives that benefit the people.

As a respected cleric and humanitarian, Pastor Okeze is widely regarded as a man committed to service, compassion, and community development. His admirers maintain that his contributions have helped transform lives and strengthen the socio-economic wellbeing of many families across Igbuzo and Anioma land.

For his selfless service and dedication to humanity, the entire Igbuzo residents affectionately refer to him as “Ukpechukwu Munyali Igbuzo”, a title that reflects the high esteem in which he is held by his people. They expressed confidence that his passion for development and empowerment will continue to leave a lasting legacy in the community.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom, Precious Erugo & Uti Fidelis

Ugbolu Kingdom, one of the oldest communities in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, has continued to assert its distinct historical identity amid ongoing debates over its origin and traditional status. The community, which traces its ancestry to the ancient Benin Kingdom, has in recent years intensified calls for greater recognition of its traditional institution and historical heritage.

At the centre of the discourse is Ugbolu’s longstanding quest for autonomy and the preservation of what its leaders describe as verifiable historical records dating back several centuries. Community leaders maintain that Ugbolu has existed as an independent settlement since the 16th century and possesses cultural artifacts, oral traditions, and documented records that support its Benin ancestry.

The agitation for autonomy has generated public discussions, particularly following publications and claims linking the community’s origin to Anam in present-day Anambra State. While some neighbouring communities hold differing historical perspectives, Ugbolu traditional authorities insist that available evidence, including colonial-era court records and ancestral artifacts authenticated by the Benin Royal Palace, supports their position.

In this exclusive interview with community newspaper publishers, HRM (Obi) Anthony Iweanyi Nwaokolo, JP, speaks on the community’s history, the controversy surrounding its origin, its quest for recognition, and his assessment of the development efforts of the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Excerpts:

Q: Your Majesty, can you briefly introduce yourself?

A: I am HRM (Obi) Anthony Iweanyi Nwaokolo, JP, of Ugbolu Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Q: Your Majesty, what is your reaction to the recent publication in The Pointer newspaper concerning the origin and history of Ugbolu?

A: History is based on facts, and facts cannot be hidden. Ugbolu traces its origin to the ancient Benin Kingdom. Our progenitor, Olu, was a royal prince from Benin who migrated and settled in what is today known as Ugbolu. The historical artifacts he brought with him are still preserved in our kingdom to this day.

I strongly disagree with the claim that Ugbolu people originated from Anam. Historical records clearly contradict that assertion. For example, in 1910, the Odogwu of Ugbolu instituted legal action against some Anam people who were farming in Umuche, Ugbolu. The court ruled in favour of Ugbolu and ordered the Anam settlers to pay an annual tribute of 800 tubers of yam to Ugbolu. That arrangement has continued to this day.

If, as claimed, Ugbolu and Anam are one people, how could a court have ordered Anam people to pay annual tribute to Ugbolu? Such a situation clearly demonstrates that the relationship was not one of common origin but one involving land ownership and customary obligations.

Q: What evidence supports your claim that Ugbolu originated from the Benin Kingdom?

A: The evidence is overwhelming. Some years ago, we took our ancient artifacts, including the Adah, Ebenh and other sacred traditional relics, to Benin for verification. At the time, the late Oba Erediauwa of the Benin Kingdom personally examined them.

I was privileged to present Ugbolu’s historical account before the Oba and his palace chiefs. After examining the artifacts, they expressed surprise at how well they had been preserved over the centuries. We explained that these artifacts are highly revered in our tradition. Whenever they are moved from one location to another, traditional rites, including the slaughtering of goats, are performed as a mark of respect and preservation.

The palace authorities confirmed that such artifacts are unique to the Benin royal heritage and could hardly be found elsewhere outside the Benin Palace. Their conclusion was clear: the artifacts originated from the Benin Kingdom.

That confirmation further strengthens our historical position that Ugbolu is of Benin origin.

Q: There are also claims regarding the historical relationship between Ugbolu and neighbouring communities. What is your position?

A: Historical facts show that some communities migrated from Ugbolu to their present locations over time. Oral traditions indicate that such movements occurred during periods of epidemics and other challenges that prompted people to seek safer settlements.

It is important that history is presented accurately and objectively. We should not distort established facts for personal or political reasons.

Q: Some people argue that Ugbolu traditionally paid homage to neighbouring communities such as Okpanam. Is there any truth in that?

A: No. There was never a period when Ugbolu paid homage or paid royalty to any neighbouring community, including Okpanam.

What existed was a traditional relationship of mutual cooperation. For example, when a community needed an Eze title holder (Red Cap Chief) to perform traditional rites during a coronation, Eze title holders from related communities would sometimes participate in the ceremony.

My father, for instance, participated in the coronation of a traditional Eze title holder in Okpanam in 1975. Likewise, when I took my Eze title, an Eze title holder from Okpanam attended and participated in the ceremony.

Such exchanges were customary and ceremonial; they did not signify political subordination or allegiance.

Q: What message would you like to send to government and the general public regarding this issue?

A: My advice is that government should rely on documented history, verifiable records and traditional evidence when addressing matters relating to Ugbolu.

Ugbolu has existed as a distinct community for over five centuries. Historical records place our settlement in this area as far back as the 16th century. By every standard, we are an indigenous community with a rich cultural heritage and established traditional institutions.

We therefore urge government to continue recognising our historical identity and to give due consideration to our aspirations and traditional status.

Q: How would you assess the performance of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori?

A: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has performed commendably since assuming office. His administration has demonstrated commitment to infrastructure development and the welfare of the people.

One project that stands out is the road linking our area with neighbouring communities, which has greatly improved accessibility and economic activities. The road serves as an important alternative route for commuters and has enhanced connectivity within the state.

The Governor is known for personally inspecting projects to ensure quality execution. This hands-on approach distinguishes him as a leader who is committed to delivering results.

Q: What additional developments would you like the government to bring to Ugbolu?

A: We appreciate the developments already taking place, but there is still room for more.

We would like to see:

More educational facilities and improved schools.

The upgrading of our health centre into a cottage hospital with resident doctors and adequate medical personnel.

The construction and rehabilitation of internal roads within the community to improve transportation and ease of movement.

Additional infrastructure to accommodate the growing population of the community.

Today, many people are choosing to live in Ugbolu because of its peaceful environment and strategic location. Our modern market has also attracted traders and investors from neighbouring towns.

We therefore appeal for continued government attention to sustain this growth and development.

Q: Any final words?

A: I sincerely thank Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his efforts in developing Delta State. We pray that God grants him wisdom, strength and good health to continue serving the people effectively.

Our prayer is for peace, progress and sustained development in Ugbolu, Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. May God continue to guide our leaders and bless our communities.