Asaba Development Requires Collective Action, Asagba Azinge Tells Youth Leaders & Palace Staff
By PAULINA NZERUBE
HIS Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMC, has received members of Otu-Ihaza Ahaba, the Asaba Community Youth Council (ACYC) and palace staff, who visited him to celebrate his birthday.
The groups conveyed their goodwill messages and reaffirmed their loyalty to the traditional institution.
In response, the Asagba thanked the delegations for their warm wishes, support and commitment to the throne.
He also encouraged them to remain dedicated to the development of Asaba Kingdom.
During the reception, the monarch highlighted some activities marking his birthday. These included the unveiling of Asaba City Football Club and the Asaba City Sports Academy.
He also announced a cash empowerment programme for 168 indigent widows in Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba.
According to the Asagba, the initiatives reflect his vision of building a healthy, productive and compassionate community.
He explained that sports development would create opportunities for young people, while targeted support would help vulnerable residents live with dignity.
The monarch, however, recalled the death of his second-in-command and brother, the late Obi Nwanze Peter Oduah, Odogwu Ahaba.
He said Oduah died on the same day during his birthday reception. Consequently, he offered prayers for the deceased and asked God to grant him eternal rest.
The Asagba also urged Otu-Ihaza Ahaba and ACYC members to sustain their contributions to the affairs of the kingdom.
He stressed that Asaba still had significant development needs and called for collective responsibility among residents and community leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Otu-Ihaza Ahaba, Ogbueshi Patrick Chike Oliko, Onoi Ahaba, and the ACYC President, Sir Patrick Nwanosike Okonkwo, assured the monarch of their continued commitment.
They pledged to work towards taking Asaba to greater heights in line with the development vision and initiatives of the Asagba.
The visit ended with prayers, goodwill messages and a group photograph.
