By:Ike Philip Abiagom
It was a beehive of activities in Asaba, Delta State at the yesterday, as legal luminary, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge,(OON,SAN,FNIALS,KSG) was on Saturday crowned as the 14th Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Oshimili South LGA in Delta state. Newsbreeze reports that the coronation of Azinge followed his election in August by the five quarters of Asaba Kingdom. In a brief but impressive ceremony, which took place on Saturday at the late Asagba’s Palace in Asaba, the Ochendo Asagba, Engr. Louis Edozien, who held brief since the 13th February, 2024, official announcement of his father’s passing, transferred the staff of office held by the late Asagba, through the Onihe of Asaba, Chief Ubaka Atu, to Obi (Prof) Azinge.
Onoi Ahaba, Obi (Dr ) Benibe Ugboko, presented the keys to the Ogwa Ukwu to the new Asagba(Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge), while the Onyeudo of Asaba, Chief Austin Ndili, who heads the traditional Court of Appeal, also presented the keys to the court to the Asagba designate through the Onihe.
This was followed by the anointing of the Asagba designate by the Onihe after which he was formally crowned the 14th Asagba of Asaba in the presence of former Governor James Ibori, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, Agu-wa-ji-ejemba 1 of Anioma land,members of the Asagba-in-Council, Obis, Olinzeles, Chiefs,HRM,Obi Dr.Fredrick Chukwuloe Egbunkonye ll,(JP) The Igwe of Abala kingdom, among other traditional title holders and imminent personalities from within and outside the state.
Before transferring the symbol of authority to the new Asagba, the Ochendo recalled the transparent process that led to his emergence from among ten contestants, describing him as the right person for the throne. He expressed confidence that Asagba (Prof) Azinge would diligently continue from where his predecessor stopped in taking Asaba to greater heights and solicited the support of all segments of the community for the new King.
Speaking at his coronation at the Asagba Palace, Ezenei quarters, Obi Azinge paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, late Obi Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, describing him as “a father figure.”
He said the late traditional ruler was a shining light for the community, who worked tirelessly for the peace and overall development of Asaba.
“The late Obi Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba was a great patriot, an accomplished scholar and traditional leader who worked tirelessly for the development of Asaba.
“His vision is matchless. He was a pragmatic leader and very committed in the pursuance of peace and unity of Asaba nation.
“He was a father figure to me and I will forever cherish his leadership vision and ideologies which he held so dearly till death,” Azinge said.
Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, who was flanked by his wife, Agu Nwanyi Valerie Azinge, SAN, thanked the Ochendo for effectively midwifing the peaceful and transparent process that led to his selection and urged other eminently contenders who were not as lucky as he was to join him in giving Asaba a purposeful reign.
“On August 18, I was elected to fall into the shoes of my forebears as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
“Your vote was a call to serve and a clear expression of trust in my capacity to push the frontiers in engagement in our land. The expectations from me are very high, and I want to promise that I will never betray your trust and I will never disappoint the people of Asaba”.
”I pledge to be accessible, open to advice, encourage constructive criticism, and I will use my network of connections to attract federal presence to Asaba.
The new Asagba reiterated his pledge to bring about the needed transformation that would reposition Asaba for greatness, promising to collaborate with the state and Oshimili South local government, as well as other relevant authorities to ensure the realization of set goals.
These include to uphold and promote the traditions and culture of Asaba people, foster unity among the people and promote inclusivity, establish a welfare/development fund for community development, build a befitting permanent palace of the Asagba of Asaba, attract a Federal University to Asaba, among others.
According to him, no one in his domain would be marginalised, stressing that his reign will witness inclusiveness of all ethnic groups to the development of Asaba, Delta capital. He urged other contenders to shield their swords, and work with him for the good, unity and development of Asaba and his people.
The traditional ruler who pledged to work for the peace, progress and unity of the ancient town, enjoined the people of Asaba to join hands together and build a prosperous community.
The coronation ceremony was graced by former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, Former Deputy Senate President, Most Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,the Agu-wa-ji-ejemba 1 of Anioma land and the biggest Industrialist in Anioma land, titleholders, The great Nwodos family from Enugu State (Prof. Azinge`s inlaws) indigenes,traditional rulers from across the country.
Meanwhile, the Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, Agu-wa-ji-ejemba 1 of Anioma land has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge on his successful coronation ceremony as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
In his message, the senator acknowledged the deep responsibility that comes with the role of Asagba, describing the new Asagba as the “heart and soul” of Asaba.
He noted that the Asagba’s position extends beyond the ceremonial head, stating that His Royal Majesty will be looked upon as a beacon of wisdom, strength, and unity that will guide the people of Asaba through both prosperous and challenging times. He has hailed the selection of Prof. Azinge as the 14th Asagba, stressing that the people of Asaba made the right choice.
‘It is with immense joy and profound reverence that I celebrate your historic coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba esteemed kingdom. Your Majesty, your remarkable journey from the lecture hall to the throne inspires us all. Your dedication to education and public service has prepared you well for this noble role.
“Congratulations! May your reign be long and fruitful and may it signal a new era of great prosperity for your people,” he concluded.
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It is certainly impossible to gloss over the attributes for greatness of Elder Acho Nonyalim, the founding Chairman,Junic Group of Companies, the trail-blazing Real Estate mogul par excellence from Ibusa,Delta State. Acho’s rise to the top was not a one-step movement. It was a humble beginning for a humble man. The inter play of factors that would establish him as one of Nigeria’s reputable real Estate mogul shaped Acho’s principle and philosophy of life and business-humility, honesty and hard work. His unassuming nature and infectious humility explain why he does not trumpet his numerous philanthropic gestures.
In a move to encourage students in schools in Isieke-Ibusa,Delta State, Asaba based philanthropist, and an indigene of Ibusa, Elder Acho Nonyalim shared 10,000 note books, 5000 text books and writing pens to five hundred (500)primary and secondary school pupils in Isieke-Ibusa yesterday, October 1,2024.
Elder Nonyelim is inevitably turning out to be news-maker in every sense as it concerns Ibusa and it’s people. He has embarked on this programme Tagged “JUNIC Back to School Empowerment programme” that has never been seen or heard of in Ibusa history since he started this project ten(10) years ago,Speaking to Newsbreeze crew, Nonyalim said his decision was borne out of the desire to ensure that as schools were resuming for a new session, no child would have any reason to drop out of school.
According to him, it had been part of his mission to give hope to the less-privileged students, noting that the writing and reading materials would help develop the pupils as well as assist indigent parents who may not be buoyant enough to purchase necessary books for their wards.
Elder Nonyalim stated that he is committed to taking drop – outs that are due to financial issues back to school and giving scholarships to street children or orphans who cannot continue with their education to further their education, ever since the initiative began some years ago.
He also called on other well-meaning Ibusa Indigenes’ to participate in equipping schools with needed materials, adding that his gesture will continue as long as God continues to bless him. He also called on individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other corporate bodies to do more in the area of assisting pupils in rural communities, adding that the initiative was established to cater for poor children by providing them with educational materials and to strengthen Ibusa communities through education, empowerment and engagement of young people because they are the leaders of tomorrow.
Elder Nonyalim promised to continue to do more for his people and he used this medium to thank and appreciates his friends that contributed immensely to the success of this year back to school project, people like Mr Azubuike Asianah, Mr Nwanze Nwaoboshi, Mr Balogun Blessing, Mr Emmanuel Nwanze, Mr. Jerry Ofogun and Pastor Stanley Nwanze.
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According to the Chairperson of the Association, Barrister (Mrs) Elizabeth Idigbe,she disclosed that the Association of Ibusa Professional Women (AIPROW) non-governmental organization was founded in September 2012,by Prof.(Mrs) Ifeoma Utomi, on a mission to serve as a means to empower young women and encourage them to pursue a career in ideals and values through its vocational training, workshops, seminars, community projects, behavioural reforms, educate, empower, and inspire young men and women of Ibusa to aspire great heights and reach their full potential. They have a vision of a world where Ibusa young girls are empowered with the opportunity to innovate through technology and to carter for the welfare of the people, noting that they choose to address the issues of health due to growing cases of non communicable diseases.
Idigbe said that Over 2,000 vulnerable residents of Ibusa and its environs have benefitted from the Association of Ibusa Professional Women free medical services under its Free medical outreach in the past years.
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It was a spectacular show of glamour and opulence on Saturday,28th September 2024 at Elibujor east, Ogbeogo Umuonaje quarters of Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. As expected, the creme-de-la-creme of the society converged at the venue to witness the union. The elite members of the Nigerian society, politicians, captains of industries thronged the ancient town for the society traditional wedding of Prophet,Bishop(Dr) Godswill Umunna, popularly known as Power Prophet, the General Overseer and Spiritual Director of Truth Foundation Healing Temple, (TFHT) and his heartthrob Joy Nkiruka Nwangbala.
The Ogbeogo Umuonaje Quaters, the venue of the traditional engagement where the reception took place, surged with dignitaries whose power dressing and hundreds of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that ferried them to witness the holy matrimony, marked them out sharply as the fortunate ones.
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Isioma Ann Abiagom will celebrate her birthday today and to put the epochal celebration in proper perspective, she attained the midpoint of life at the exciting peak and the proper prime of her mercurial powers where, poised like the bronzed champion, glowing flamboyantly in the golden flame of her decade, prepares herself to capture and conquer arguably, the one ultimate laurel for which her superlative gifts and brilliance clamour to be manifestly celebrated with maximum educational aplomb woven into the matrix of an intrepid homogeneous ubiquity.
