Olejeme Hails Asagba Azinge, Says Reign Is Transforming Asaba and Preserving Its Heritage
ASABA, DELTA STATE — Former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Board Chairman of Trustfund Pensions Plc, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, has commended the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, for what she described as visionary leadership and a strong commitment to the development and preservation of Asaba’s cultural heritage.
Olejeme, who is also the Global Vice President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and National Coordinator of the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), said the 14th Asagba of Asaba had demonstrated how traditional institutions could contribute to social and economic development while preserving the identity and heritage of their people.
Speaking on the monarch’s reign, Olejeme said Prof. Azinge had placed community development, public welfare and institutional advancement at the centre of his administration.
She attributed his leadership approach to his background as a constitutional scholar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and academic, describing it as inclusive, knowledge-driven and development-focused.
According to Olejeme, the Asagba’s reign has witnessed attention to healthcare, education, youth empowerment and social welfare.
She cited initiatives she attributed to the monarch, including the donation of dialysis machines, support for the establishment of a Drug Rehabilitation Centre, improvements in primary healthcare services and the introduction of ambulance services to strengthen emergency medical response within the kingdom.
Olejeme also praised the monarch’s reported support for education through scholarship and bursary programmes, as well as assistance to institutions including Dennis Osadebay University and the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba.
She further highlighted youth-focused initiatives involving skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and vocational training, saying such programmes could help young people develop skills for economic self-reliance.
The former NSITF Board Chairman also commended initiatives targeted at widows and other vulnerable members of the community, describing them as part of the monarch’s commitment to inclusive development.
On economic development, Olejeme praised what she described as the Asagba’s engagement with investors, corporate organisations and development partners to attract investments and create opportunities within the kingdom.
She also highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening Asaba’s tourism and cultural profile, including the proposed Asaba Annual International Marathon, the planned Asaba Sports Academy and the revitalisation of the Palace Museum.
Olejeme described the ongoing Asagba Palace Project as a significant initiative that could help preserve the cultural heritage of the Asaba people while serving as a symbol of unity, identity and pride for future generations.
She said one of the defining features of Prof. Azinge’s reign was what she described as his ability to combine traditional values with contemporary development strategies.
Olejeme also paid tribute to the Asaba Queen, Her Majesty Obi (Dr.) Valerie Azinge, SAN, whom she described as a strong pillar of support behind the monarch’s developmental vision.
According to her, the Asaba Queen has continued to contribute to initiatives aimed at advancing the welfare and development of the kingdom.
“The people of Asaba appreciate her contributions and pray for God’s continued wisdom, strength and good health upon her,” Olejeme stated.
She expressed confidence that the initiatives associated with the monarch’s reign would have lasting significance, while calling on Asaba indigenes at home and in the diaspora to continue supporting developmental efforts aimed at promoting unity, growth and prosperity in the kingdom.
