No Shortcuts to Success, Asagba Tells Umudaike Royal Youths
Monarch Hosts Youth Delegation on Valentine’s Day
THE Asagba of Asaba, Asagba Azinge, has charged members of the Umudaike Royal Youths (URY) to prioritise education, remain steadfast in their dealings, and avoid social vices capable of derailing their future.
The revered monarch gave the advice on February 14, 2026, when he received members of the youth body at his palace in Asaba. He described their Valentine’s Day visit as a gesture of love and loyalty to the throne.
His Royal Majesty commended the convener, Master Gold Uwajei, and members of the group for organising themselves under a common vision. He noted that the formation of the Umudaike Royal Youths was an initiative worthy of commendation and emulation.
Stand Firm, Avoid Drugs and Cultism
Lamenting the growing menace of drug abuse in society, the monarch said it was encouraging to see young men and women of Asaba extraction unite for progress rather than succumb to destructive influences.
He urged them to emulate distinguished sons and daughters of Asaba who have excelled in academia, business, and public service, stressing that education remains the surest path to sustainable success.
“There are no shortcuts to success,” he cautioned, adding that members must remain principled and disciplined in all their dealings.
The monarch warned against cultism and hard drug use, stating that anyone found engaging in such acts would face the full weight of the law.
Upholding the Values of Royalty
Emphasising that royalty symbolises purity and integrity, the Asagba urged the youths to live in a manner that justifies the “royal” identity they bear in their name. He encouraged them to establish clear standards, rules, and regulations to guide their conduct and sustain unity.
He also called on them to support one another and avoid segregation, noting that collective progress should take precedence over personal differences.
The monarch acknowledged the support of prominent Umudaike figures, including Ogbueshi Albert Adaba, Ogbueshi David Azinge, Ogbueshi Harold Azinge, Hon. Kennedy Okafor, and Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, urging the youths to reciprocate such goodwill through dedication to education and self-development.
In a significant pledge, His Royal Majesty promised to sponsor any Umudaike son or daughter to university level if they commit to learning sign language to assist Master Obiaya, a youth with hearing impairment.
Youths Outline Vision
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the group, Master Gold Uwajei thanked the monarch for the warm reception and praised ongoing reforms in Asaba’s traditional governance.
He explained that the Umudaike Royal Youths emerged from the realisation that individual efforts were insufficient to address contemporary and future challenges.
According to him, the mission of the body is to build culturally grounded, socially responsible, economically productive, and development-oriented youths who uphold the values of Umudaike and Asaba at large.
He also appreciated patrons for their continued guidance, particularly in scholarship and skill acquisition programmes, which he described as vital to youth development.
The visit concluded with a request for royal blessings and renewed commitment to unity and progress.
