Asaba Kingdom Honours Senior Citizens In Historic Ceremony
Over 400 Elderly Indigenes Celebrated in Asaba
THE Asaba community witnessed a historic gathering on Saturday as the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, honoured more than 400 indigenes aged 80 years and above during the maiden edition of a special elders’ celebration in the kingdom.
The event, held at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba, marked the formal inauguration of an annual programme aimed at recognising the contributions of elderly citizens to the social, cultural and historical development of Asaba Kingdom.
During the ceremony, the monarch proclaimed 23rd May of every year as the official day for celebrating elderly indigenes of the community.
The royal father explained that the initiative was designed to appreciate senior citizens whose efforts and sacrifices contributed to building the foundations of the kingdom.
Asagba Calls for Respect for Senior Citizens
Prof. Azinge stressed the importance of preserving respect for elderly people in society, noting that their experiences and wisdom remained essential for guiding younger generations.
According to him, communities that neglect their elders risk losing valuable historical knowledge and moral direction.
The monarch stated that the celebration was also intended to strengthen social bonds among elderly citizens and reconnect individuals who had lost contact with one another over the years.
“It is a thing of joy to see some of our elders who held sway during their active years reunited once again,” he said.
The Asagba further noted that while some cultural practices had evolved over time, the kingdom remained committed to preserving values that promote unity, respect and communal identity.
Elderly Beneficiaries Praise Monarch
Several elderly participants expressed appreciation to the monarch for what they described as a rare and thoughtful initiative.
Among those who spoke were centenarians and nonagenarians including Ogbueshi Francis Awele, Ogbueshi Anyanti, Madam Regina Odiwe and Ezinne Mabel Oduah.
They said the recognition gave elderly members of the community a sense of dignity and inclusion, adding that such a gathering had never previously been organised in the kingdom.
The beneficiaries also prayed for the continued peace and prosperity of Asaba Kingdom and wished the monarch a successful reign.
Observers at the event described the programme as a significant cultural initiative capable of strengthening intergenerational ties and preserving the heritage of the Asaba people.
The ceremony featured interactions among the elderly, cultural exchanges and goodwill messages from community leaders and residents.
