The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi Epiphany Azinge, has embarked on a strategic engagement with key federal institutions in Abuja to secure employment opportunities for Asaba youths.
The monarch disclosed this during an emergency meeting of the Asagba-in-Council held last Sunday, where he met with chiefs and elders of the capital city.
Obi Azinge said the rising level of youth unemployment in Asaba was disturbing and required urgent and practical intervention. He informed the council that he would travel to the Federal Capital Territory next week on a working visit aimed at securing about 1,000 job opportunities and positioning Asaba youths for empowerment and self-reliance.
According to him, the visit will include meetings with the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Minister of Science and Technology, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Papal Nuncio. The monarch said discussions with the Papal Nuncio would also touch on the long-awaited Catholic Diocese of Asaba.
The Asagba expressed serious concern over the recent resurgence of cult-related activities in Asaba, noting that despite traditional and conventional efforts to curb the menace, its re-emergence was unacceptable.
He warned that henceforth, anyone found involved in cult activities would face the full weight of the law, urging parents to take responsibility for the conduct of their children. “No one found wanting will be spared this time,” the monarch cautioned.
Obi Azinge also reiterated the ban on iron-condemn scavengers and warned that any Ebo who allows the loading of scavenging trucks in his area would be sanctioned.
The monarch informed the council that he recently held fruitful meetings with Ndi Anya Asagba from various satellite communities, particularly on the formation of vigilante groups and the establishment of police posts.
He announced plans to build two primary schools and three police posts in Asaba to address the shortage of basic educational facilities and strengthen internal security. According to him, discussions with the Commissioner of Police have been concluded, with assurances that personnel would be deployed once the structures are provided.
Obi Azinge said funds to be generated from prospective Olinzele title holders would be committed to the construction of the two primary schools, while the Asaba Security Trust Fund would finance the police posts, pending further government intervention.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Asaba Security Trust Fund Committee, Chief Barrister Philips Ejike Nwokolo (Akudo of Asaba), briefed the council on the status of the fund.
He disclosed that following the New Year Day launch of the Trust Fund, a total of ₦50.5 million has been realised from donations and pledges by Asaba sons and daughters, with significant support facilitated by the Asagba.
Chief Nwokolo also announced that the President of the Asaba National Association, USA, Hon. Kennedy Okafor, donated a truck to the palace and has promised to send a Toyota Sienna from the United States. In addition, Ogbueshi Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie donated walkie-talkies worth ₦6 million to boost security operations.
He said four motorcycles have already been procured for the Asaba Community Vigilante (ACV), alongside other security equipment. Plans are underway to introduce monthly stipends for ACV members after proper profiling and certification.
Chief Nwokolo further revealed that some personnel of the National Forest Guards have been integrated into the security architecture to replace police officers recently recalled from VIP duties. A motorcycle will be provided for them, while a security post will be constructed at the palace to serve as their operational base. Identity cards for ACV members and other security personnel are also being produced.
He added that Ogbueshi Albert Adaba, an Olinzele nominee from Umudaike, has pledged to provide quality uniforms for the vigilante group. Total expenditure so far, he said, stands at ₦17.5 million.
On cultural matters, the Asagba re-emphasised that titled men must not be buried outside Asaba. He frowned strongly at the practice, particularly among Alor title holders, citing a recent case involving the Nduka-Eze family of Ajaji, who have already been fined and are still under interrogation as directed by the Asagba Executive Council.
Obi Azinge warned that any household that buries an Asaba titled man outside the community risks forfeiting the right to take or retain such titles in the future.
