The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, on Sunday marked his first coronation anniversary with a pledge to rededicate himself to making personal sacrifices for the betterment of Asaba people.
Asagba Prof Azinge, in an address to celebrate the anniversary, added that his oath was to lead the land of Asaba, not for his personal interest but for the greater good of his people, committing never to disappoint in that regard.
He said he ascended the throne fortified in the knowledge that he had a sacred duty to lead his people both as a traditional ruler and also as a servant determined to bring glory and wellbeing to his people.
According to the highly revered and forward-looking traditional ruler: “Exactly one year ago, I ascended the throne of my forebears as the prescribed authority of this ancient Kingdom of Asaba. Permit me to once again thank the people of Asaba for the trust reposed in me by making me the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
“Looking back at the litany of accomplishments of the last 365 days, I am satisfied that I have impacted positively on my people, changed the narrative where it is imperative, made reforms in our traditional spheres, mainstreamed gender in our traditional architecture, reviewed our land ownership and sale, pursued enthronement of security of life and property, ensured that Asaba is peaceful for both indigenes and non-indigenes.
“I have also encouraged total support for the government of the day, engendered peaceful cohabitation with our neighboring communities, expanded the scope of affairs of Asaba people in my kingdom, monitored educational and healthcare facilities, promoted investment and tourism, pushed for developmental trajectory that finds expression in infrastructural enhancement and community-driven projects.
“Our milestone signpost is the vigor with which we have pursued the building of the magnificent Asagba of Asaba Palace edifice. I must continue to commend Asaba people for their relentless contribution to this project. Aside the main Palace, work is currently ongoing at the Palace Museum, the contractor for the 1000 capacity pavilion is now on site and very soon, work will commence at the library of the Palace. I want to thank our sons for supporting these projects with their personal funds.
“On my journey to the throne I made some promises to my people. Today without sounding immodest. I can say without equivocation that I have exceeded all imagination and expectations, even as my contract with my people is just beginning. The welfare of our people is paramount in my mind. To this end, I have initiated empowerment scheme, introduced bursary to over 100 students of tertiary institutions awarded scholarship to our sons and daughter excelling in the Universities, but with indigent background, introduced skill acquisition and vocational training for over 100 Asaba sons and daughters.
“We have set up numerous Committees to deal with diverse issues of critical importance, the Committee on Urban Renewal is up and doing, so also the Committee on Project Monitoring. I am reliably informed that the Committee on Blue Economy, Communication, Transportation and Distillation of Interest of Asaba in the Delta State Budget have made commendable progress.
“Research has shown that youths constitute over 70 percent of our total population. We must engage this section of our community to avoid youth restiveness in our land. Consequently, we are determined to push for employment opportunities for our youths, monitor cultism and drug addiction to control crime and criminality.
“We have on our own acquired and refurbished a Drug Rehabilitation Centre which has been commissioned to help our youths wean off from destructive substances. I have also enlisted medics from the National Youth Service Corps to support both our Primary Healthcare Centres and our rehabilitation centre.
“My dear people of Asaba, without any iota of doubt I can say that the state of Asaba under my watch in the last one year is very strong. Going forward, I know it will be stronger. I do not take your support for granted in this regard.
“The interest of Asaba at all times must supercede the interest of the throne, so help me God”.
He announced that arrangements had been concluded to enhance the status of wives of Olinzeles and make them full fledged Olinzeles in their own right, consequent upon which the tittle of Odoziaku had ceased to exist in the chieftaincy lexicon of Asaba.
The Asagba thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his quick intervention in the failed portion of the Asaba end of the Asaba – Benin expressway, and pledged support for him and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He also thanked his brother traditional rulers for their support and camaraderie since he assumed office, pointing out that he had drawn a lot of strength and inspiration from their leadership qualities, while appreciating all Asaba title holders, the various Committees, the entire Asaba people and all invited guests for making the event a huge success.
In his message on the occasion, the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, recalled that exactly one year ago, the capital city of Asaba came alive with the rich tapestry of Anioma culture, as the ancient town witnessed the enthronement of a Monarch with profound wisdom and pedigree.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, noted that the Asagba’s transition from an erudite scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria to the custodian of the proud heritage of Asaba had been nothing short of inspiring, adding that in just one year the highly influential traditional ruler had shown that leadership grounded in knowledge, justice and tradition could unite and uplift a people.
He said Asagba Prof Azinge’s reign had already deepened peace, fostered harmony, and given fresh momentum to the collective progress of Asaba kingdom and Delta State at large, stressing that through his administration’s M.O.R.E agenda, government had found in the Asagba a true partner with whom it would be ensured that Asaba remained a city of peace and security.
The Governor expressed confidence that the Asagba’s reign would be long, peaceful and monumentally successful, stating that he had already started to set his kingdom towards a brighter future that would embrace culture, Inclusivity and unity among the indigenes and non-indigenes.
The well attended event, which featured the cutting of cake, goodwill messages and cultural dances, attracted eminent personalities, including the member representing the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Reps, Rt. Hon Ngozi Okolie; Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon Dennis Guwor; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Arthur Akpowowo; Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, among other members of the House.
Also present were Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Dr. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili; Service Chiefs, the Chairman and members of the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, non-indigenous communities in Asaba, the clergy and a host of others.
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