The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has announced major gains for the Asaba Kingdom, including a commitment to deploy over 2,000 solar-powered street lights, following a four-day working visit to Abuja.
Briefing the Asaba community at his palace on January 31, 2026, the revered monarch, fondly known as Nna Agu, described the trip as one of the most impactful engagements of his reign. He thanked God for journey mercies and expressed appreciation to palace chiefs who accompanied him on the visit.
According to the Asagba, the solar lighting project was secured during a meeting with the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Agency and Rural Funds, Rt. Hon. Engr. Doris Ugboh, who agreed to support the initiative aimed at improving safety, visibility, and economic activity across Asaba Kingdom.
Beyond infrastructure, the monarch said he led advocacy for electronic voter registration during a visit by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, to his Abuja residence, stressing the need to deepen civic participation and democratic inclusion.
HRM Asagba Azinge also disclosed that he formally presented the case for the creation of an Asaba Catholic Diocese during a royal visit to the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty. He cited Asaba’s historic role in Catholic evangelisation in Anioma since 1888, rapid population growth, renewed missionary zeal, and the existence of over 53 Catholic parishes within the kingdom.
In the area of culture and tourism, the Asagba said the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, endorsed the Asaba Day Celebration and pledged collaboration to elevate it to a global cultural event. He highlighted Asaba’s rich heritage, historic monuments, and culinary traditions, including the renowned Ofe Nsala delicacy.
Economic empowerment also featured prominently in the visit. The Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Engr. Charles Odii, assured the monarch of a partnership with the Asaba community to provide loans, mentorship, and job creation, with plans to generate about 1,000 jobs.
In addition, HRM Asagba Azinge paid a royal solidarity visit, alongside palace chiefs, to Mrs. Bridget Molokwu, wife of the late Chief Anthony Molokwu (Ogwulujame Ahaba), in Abuja, reinforcing the community’s commitment to welfare and unity.
The Asagba said the outcomes of the visit reaffirm his belief in proactive engagement and self-driven development, assuring the Asaba people of continued advocacy and strategic partnerships to advance the kingdom’s growth and prosperity.
