Historically, Asaba was the administrative headquarters for the Royal Niger Company (RNC) in 1886 and served as the colonial capital of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. With a population of over 500,000 people, Asaba, situated on the western bank of the River Niger, is the capital of Delta State. It is a rapidly growing urban area that equally serves as the seat of the Oshimili South Local Government Area.
The people of Asaba are indeed hospitable and peaceful, with a robust cultural heritage. The peaceful nature of the Asaba people, coupled with the impressive infrastructural development of the city by successive administrations in the State, has, inarguably, made Asaba the cynosure of all eyes, especially in the areas of hospitality and tourism development.
Only recently, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, led a high-powered delegation from the Asaba kingdom to pay a courtesy call on Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba. Speaking during the courtesy call, HRM Azinge lauded the Governor for his inspiring transformational leadership that has engendered sustainable socio-economic growth and development of Asaba and the State.
The Asaba monarch noted that Asaba has witnessed a remarkable transformation in just two years of Oborevwori’s administration. He disclosed that the city of Asaba has become more organised, safer, and increasingly attractive to people from all parts of the country, adding that the love and loyalty of the people of Asaba for Oborevwori’s administration was boundless, unshaken, and irreversible.
According to him, the Governor’s leadership style, commitment to infrastructural development, and his investment in human capacity development remain unmatched, adding that “with unprecedented growth across all sectors of the economy, Asaba now stands proudly as one of the fastest-growing state capitals not only in Nigeria, but in Africa, south of the Sahara.
“On a personal note, I remain deeply grateful for the exceptional honour you bestowed on me when you personally presented the Staff of Office to me on November 28, 2024. That gesture was not only a demonstration of your long friendship with my family, but an honour to the entire Asaba community. For that, we remain exceedingly grateful.
“I hereby pledge my unwavering loyalty and allegiance, and I offer the collective support of not just Asaba indigenes, but all residents of our beloved capital territory. We will continue to stand by you till 2031.
“Your Excellency, the peace that reigns in our land today is a direct result of your tireless commitment to security, your proactive measures against crime, and your cooperative style of governance. Our people, in turn, have supported your initiatives and even devised additional community mechanisms to sustain peace and security.”
While appealing for a comprehensive master plan for Asaba, the monarch stressed the need for the resumption of work at the International Conference Centre, Asaba, pointing out that the completion of the project will position Asaba to host world-class conferences and, in turn, boost the thriving hospitality industry in the city.
He also underscored the need for more primary and secondary schools, more healthcare facilities and a robust transport system in Asaba to address the education and healthcare needs of residents in the fast-growing city.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori thanked the Asagba and the people of Asaba for their steadfast support for his administration, even as he lauded the monarch for his keen interest in promoting peace and unity in Asaba and the entire state, describing traditional rulers as vital stakeholders in governance.
The Governor, also, commended the monarch for continuously projecting the value of excellence, service and integrity; not only in Asaba but at the state and national levels, saying “we are proud of your accomplishments and your unwavering commitment to the development of our dear state, most particularly, the Asaba kingdom.
“This visit presents yet another opportunity to strengthen our collaboration, particularly in the areas of cultural preservation, community development and youth empowerment. It is always a pleasure to receive our revered traditional rulers whose wisdom and counsel continue to guide us. Since your ascension, Your Majesty, you have brought peace, unity and cultural pride to the Asaba Kingdom.”
He assured the monarch that his administration would continue to prioritise the development of the state capital, citing ongoing road projects, storm drainage works re-awarded to CCECC, the resurfacing of Nnebisi Road with streetlights, and the construction of more internal roads under the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.
Governor Oborevwori also disclosed that the federal government had awarded the reconstruction of the Summit Junction–Head Bridge on the Benin-Asaba Highway to Heartland Construction Company, with his administration supporting compensation payments for affected persons in the Second Niger Bridge Road project.
Governor Oborevwori, who reiterated his commitment to inclusivity and sustainable development, urged the Asaba people to extend their goodwill to President Bola Tinubu, stressing the importance of political alignment at the federal level to attract more development to Delta State.
“The first commissioning I did when I came in as governor was in Asaba here. And we noticed that there are some other challenges which we face with roads. If you watch well, from when I came till now, a lot of roads have been constructed. We did an inspection and found out that we needed to continue with the storm drains. We have to re-award the contract to CCECC, and by the first quarter of next year, we will complete that project.
“We also looked at Nnebisi Road from Abraka to this place and said, even though it is not too bad, we decided to resurface it. That work is ongoing, and it will come with street lights along that road. We are also doing some internal roads with the Asaba Capital Territory in Asaba here.
“Asaba is the capital city and, as such, the face of the state; we must make it beautiful and secure. Working together with our traditional rulers and communities, we will deliver more projects and ensure peace and progress in our state,” the governor assured.
