By Austin Ogwuda
… seeks Diaspora intervention
…charts action plan commencing 2026
THE Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge (SAN) has challenged the people of Asaba on the need to participate actively in driving feasible economic development rather than waiting for government to do everything for them.
He dropped this hint while speaking at ‘Asaba Economic Summit 2025’, put together by the Sub-Committee on Summit/Exhibition of the Committee on Driving Investment in Asaba, under the leadership of a former Commissioner for Information in the State, Ogbueshi (Barr.) Chike Ogeah.
The event powered by the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba took place at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba on Friday.
His words:
“The question, action plan that is where I want to challenge Oganihu Asaba. A lot has been said, but let this not be a talk show. Let us walk the talk; let us distil all the salient points to see how we can breath life and vitality too some of those major points.
” Investment is very crucial to us. As I always say, the population of Asaba is youthful; almost 70% youthful population. If we don’t find a way of engaging them, then we are in trouble, and the trouble is already there.
“So, whatever we can do; and let us not think that government will do everything for us. I have always said that you don’t expect don’t government to do everything for you. There are certain things we must do for ourselves, and I’m happy that we are already doing so much for ourselves and we should be proud of the much we have been doing, including this summit, because it has been a resounding success.
“I have already started looking ahead. Early 2026, I have already put together the concept paper where I want to engage with Corporate Nigeria in Lagos. ‘Asagba Ahaba: An Evening with Corporate Nigeria’, and it’s for purposes of investment. We must speak to who is who, it has never happened anywhere. But these are the kind of things I like doing; I will dare and it’s going to succeed”, the Asagba stated.
Earlier, the Chairman, Committee on Driving Investment in Asaba, Chief Afam Obiago said the event was the visionary initiative of the incumbent Asagba which took place on the heels of the 2025 Asaba Day.
Chief Obiago who holds the title of Oganihu recalled that the 26-man Committee was set up early this year by the Monarch with a charge to attract investments to Asaba, and had to break down the terms of reference into workable and actionable mandates, including to ensure that Asaba was investment-friendly and that existing investors were doing business in Asaba without unnecessary bottlenecks.
He added that Sub-Committees populated by subject specialists were created to take charge of Data and Research, Infrastructure and Urban Council, Land Bank, Liaison with Government Agencies, Summit/Exhibition, as well as Finance and Banking.
Obiago, said the four subject specialists who made presentations were chosen to navigate the audience through various topical issues of our time.
Obiago, a renowned Economist and Economic Consultant to the Delta State Government commended the Asagba for his vision of making Asaba an investment destination and assured that the Committee under his watch would deliver on its mandate.
Credit: Gallant Reporters
