In what residents have described as a historic event, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, have paid a special visit to the Infant Jesus Anwai Satellite Area, a fast-developing community facing critical infrastructural and security challenges.
The Asagba’s arrival at the reception ground was met with traditional cannon fire and the energetic rhythms of the Egwuota dance, as residents, both indigenes and non-indigenes, turned out in large numbers to honour the monarch.
In a welcome address, the Anya-Asagba of the area, Ogbueshi Jude Mgbeze, thanked the Asagba for recognising and incorporating the satellite residents into the traditional governance structure of Asaba.
During the address, Ogbueshi Mgbeze listed the community’s pressing problems: flooding, cultism, lack of drainage, poor road network, absence of public schools, health centre, police station, and recreational centre, issues that have long undermined the quality of life in the satellite area, which covers Phase 1, Phase 2, St John Anglican Church area, and Ebube Imade.
The Asagba, in his response, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and singled out Ogbueshi Mgbeze for his effective representation. He also acknowledged Umu-Iyase, Ogbeawo, and Umuagu, recognising them as co-owners of the area.
He assured residents that their complaints had already reached the authorities and pledged to advocate for intervention. The monarch, however, pointed out that part of the infrastructure challenge stemmed from unplanned development, and he would not hesitate to support demolitions if they became necessary to implement the Asaba master plan.
HRM Azinge emphasised that areas originally mapped for essential public amenities must be reclaimed if encroached upon, noting firmly: “Nothing will be compromised for the comfort of the Infant Jesus residents.”
The monarch’s visit began with a tour of ongoing construction projects, including the waterfront city and the newly built storm drainage. During the inspection, Ogbueshi Mgbeze raised concerns about the drainage’s proximity to residential buildings and its inability to empty directly into the River Niger, warning that the design might worsen flooding once the rains come.
Ogbueshi Mgbeze informed the monarch that a formal complaint had already been submitted to the government.
In response, the Asagba advised that a fresh letter should be written, this time under his covering letter and supported by photographs, to underline the urgency and gravity of the situation for swift government intervention.
On security, the Asagba delivered a stern warning that cultism has been banned in Asaba, and anyone found involved would face the full force of the law. He equally declared that the city has no place for drug abuse and internet fraudsters (“yahoo”), urging them to leave. Highlighting the “Operation Know Your Tenant” initiative, HRM Obi Azinge explained it was designed to help communities identify criminal elements hiding among residents. He lamented that most violent crimes, including kidnappings, often originate from satellite areas and called on residents to act as informants to protect their community.
The Asagba reaffirmed his vision to rebrand Asaba into Nigeria’s leading cosmopolitan city, balancing tradition with modern development, and made it clear that the security, dignity, and well-being of all residents remain a top priority under his reign.
