Opens anniversary with community-driven projects
By Egufe Yafugborhi & Ochuko Akuopha
ASABA — The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, has said his two years on the throne have marked a shift from traditional rulership to a broader model of traditional governance focused on the welfare and development of the Asaba people.
Azinge spoke on Monday as activities marking his second coronation anniversary began in Asaba, Delta State, with the unveiling and commissioning of several community-driven projects, including a smart nursery and primary school donated to the Delta State Government.
Reflecting on his tenure, the monarch said he felt fulfilled by the support and participation of the Asaba community, stressing that leadership could not succeed without the active involvement of the people.
“Leadership without followership is as good as dead. I draw a lot of strength and inspiration from the teeming number of Asaba people who have graciously donated their time, talent and treasure to whatever we have been doing,” he said.
Azinge said his administration had deliberately expanded its focus beyond customs and traditions to address issues affecting the everyday lives of the people.
“Like I’ve told many who care to listen, I’ve long migrated from being a traditional ruler, and I’m now into traditional governance.
“Hence, I’m not only trying to think about the customs and traditions of our people; I’m also thinking about the welfare, healthcare, education, among so many other things, to make sure that my people are happy,” he said.
Community donates smart school
A major highlight of the anniversary was the commissioning and handover of the Smart Nursery and Primary School built by the Asaba community and donated to the Delta State Government.
Azinge described the project as a demonstration of community participation in education and a commitment to complementing government efforts.
He said the project was particularly significant because the community had not only built the school but decided to hand it over to the state government for use.
“I believe in the history of Delta State, and I dare say in the history of Nigeria, today is the first time that a community will come together, not just to build a smart school, but also to have it donated to the state government,” he said.
According to him, the project was initially funded through the community’s welfare fund before additional resources were mobilised to complete it.
He commended the project supervisor for helping to mobilise additional funds after the community had exhausted its initial resources.
Azinge also highlighted the facilities provided at the school, saying the community paid particular attention to the quality and suitability of the furniture.
He said some of the specially designed chairs and tables cost about N100,000 each, with more than 80 units expected to be available for the school.
However, while handing over the facility, the monarch appealed to the Delta State Government to provide an access road to the school.
“If Asaba can donate a school to you, please donate a road to us so that we can achieve this. Donate a road so that people can access this place easily and then be able to school here,” he said.
Delta lauds community partnership
Representing the state government, the Commissioner for Primary Education, Chief (Mrs) Rose Ezewu, commended the Asaba community for the initiative.
Ezewu described the project as an example of community participation and partnership in advancing education.
“This occasion is significant not merely because we are unveiling a new school facility, but because we are witnessing the power of community vision, responsible leadership and purposeful partnership in advancing the cause of education,” she said.
The commissioner said the government recognised that it could not meet every educational need alone and required collaboration with communities, traditional institutions, parents and other stakeholders.
She assured the Asagba and the people of Asaba that the facility would be integrated into the state’s basic education system and managed in line with the educational needs of the pupils.
More projects unveiled
Other projects unveiled during the anniversary activities included a community cemetery, the beautification of Ogbeke Square, upgrading of Kanebisi Roundabout, formerly known as Traffic Light Junction, facilitated by Providus Bank, and a 1,000-capacity event centre at the permanent Asaba Palace grounds.
Azinge said the projects formed part of a broader development vision for Asaba, adding that more projects were in the pipeline.
“This is just a tip of the iceberg. I know that going forward, like I’ve promised, we are going to return here, and it’s going to be a totally new, transformed Ogbe-Ogo with all that everybody can think about,” he said.
The monarch also announced plans to end burial activities within the community, saying a final proclamation would be made by December after further consultations with the Asaba-in-Council.
Azinge said the anniversary was ultimately an opportunity to celebrate the collective spirit and unity of the Asaba people.
“The support, the commonality of the things we do in Asaba is something that excites me, because once we voice it out, every other person supports, and that is not something that I want us to take for granted,” he said.
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