Asaba Community Holds Economic Summit, Deliberates Investment Options

Sons and daughters of Asaba on Friday, December 26, converged on Ogwa-Ukwu Ahaba to brainstorm on the way forward for the economic growth and development of the ancient town cum capital city of Delta State.

The event, christened “Asaba Economic Summit 2025”, was put together by the Sub-Committee on Summit/Exhibition of the Committee on Driving Investment in Asaba, chaired by a former Commissioner for Information in the state, Ogbueshi Barr. Chike Ogeah, and powered by the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba.

It featured presentations on “Blue Economy: Potentials and Investment Opportunities” by Dr. Boniface Chizea; “Asaba Masterplan and Urban Renewal” by Ogbueshi Emmanuel Allanah; “Diaspora Inflow as a Catalyst for Economic Development and Growth” by Hon Kennedy Okafor, and “Digital Economy: Legal Framework and Investment Opportunities” by Chief Dr. Anthony Idigbe SAN.

Addressing the gathering, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS; described the event as very refreshing, highly illuminating, and thought provoking, adding that the well researched presentations and submissions made by the speakers, left the minds of the participants truly agitated.

The Monarch noted that the presentations on the topics chosen by the Committee on Driving Investment in Asaba, no doubt, elevated the level of discourse, making the summit immensely beneficial to all.

Asagba Prof Azinge expressed delight that the audience, by their interventions, showed that they were following the lectures, even as he suggested that the Committee should decide on either to use English or the local language in subsequent presentations to ensure that every participant was carried along.

Flowing from the presentation on the blue economy intervention, the highly revered traditional ruler said it was obvious that emphasis had moved beyond the marine/aquatic world in matters of blue economy, pointing out that he hoped to put an eye on some aspects of the blue economy that had not been beneficial to Asaba to be sure the community was not shortchanged, going forward.

On urban planning, the Asagba revealed that the issue had been discussed with persons at commanding heights of government, including the Governor, who promised that the Asaba Masterplan would be ready in the shortest possible time to ensure better planning of the capital city.

The Monarch also touched on the perspective of the role of diasporans in the affairs of Asaba, emphasizing that the future of Asaba hinged largely on the diasporans, whom he said could make the town what the would want it to be.

“So, the more we bring them on board, the more we accommodate them, the more we give them a sense of belonging, the more we also try as much as possible to ensure that we handle whatever they bring to us judiciously, with dignity, integrity and the sense of responsibility, the more we win them over and encourage them to contribute more to the development of Asaba.

“Digital economy is something that is also very important. It may sound abstract to many, but the time has come. About two weeks ago, a team of fibre optics engineers visited the palace to suggest that they want to lay down cables to enhance technology improvement in Asaba. We extensively discussed making Asaba a technology hub of its own and try to see how we can bring something closer to the Silicon Valley around Asaba.

“The question, action plan; and that’s where I want to challenge Oganihu Asaba. A lot has been said, but let this not be a talk show. Let us walk the talk; let us distil all the salient points to see how we can breath life and vitality too some of those major points. Investment is very crucial to us. As I always say, the population of Asaba is youthful; almost 70% youthful population. If we don’t find a way of engaging them, then we are in trouble, and the trouble is already there.

“So, whatever we can do; and let us not think that government will do everything for us. I have always said that you don’t expect don’t government to do everything for you. There are certain things we must do for ourselves, and I’m happy that we are already doing so much for ourselves and we should be proud of the much we have been doing, including this summit, because it has been a resounding success.

“I have already started looking ahead. Early 2026, I have already put together the concept paper where I want to engage with Corporate Nigeria in Lagos. “Asagba Ahaba: An Evening with Corporate Nigeria”, and it’s for purposes of investment. We must speak to who is who, it has never happened anywhere. But these are the kind of things I like doing; I will dare and it’s going to succeed”, the Asagba assured.

He specially appreciated the efforts of the anchors, Mrs Bridget Asindi-Alexis and Mr Ekenem Isichei in ensuring the success of the summit.

Earlier, the Chairman, Committee on Driving Investment in Asaba, Chief Afam Obiago; said the event was the visionary initiative of the 14th Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON; which took place on the heels of the 2025 Asaba Day.

Chief Obiago recalled that the 26-man Committee was set up early this year by the Monarch with a charge to attract investments to Asaba, and had to break down the terms of reference into workable and actionable mandates, including to ensure that Asaba was investment-friendly and that existing investors were doing business in Asaba without unnecessary bottlenecks.

He added that Sub-Committees populated by subject specialists were created to take charge of Data and Research, Infrastructure and Urban Council, Land Bank, Liaison with Government Agencies, Summit/Exhibition, as well as Finance and Banking.

Chief Obiago, who holds the title of Oganihu Asaba, said the four subject specialists who made presentations were chosen to navigate the audience through various topical issues of our time.

The renowned economist and Economic Consultant to the Delta State Government commended the Asagba for his vision of making Asaba an investment destination and assured that the Committee under his watch would deliver on its mandate.