His Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has inaugurated Mr. Ben Allanah and 19 others into a Special Committee tasked with making Asaba a major destination for Christmas celebrations, entertainment and tourism.
The inauguration, held on November 10, 2026, is part of efforts by the traditional institution to promote social, cultural and recreational activities that will make the state capital lively and attractive during the forthcoming festive season.
The monarch, while congratulating the committee members on their appointments, described the committee as a special one, noting that its composition of both Asaba indigenes and non-indigenes was deliberate to encourage diversity, fresh ideas and objectivity in the discharge of its responsibilities.
He charged the members to develop and coordinate a variety of activities that would make Asaba vibrant throughout the Christmas season and attract visitors from within and outside Delta State.
The Asagba particularly emphasised the need for the committee to explore social, cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities capable of positioning Asaba as a preferred destination for festive celebrations.
He also directed Ogbueshi Hon. Shadrack Rapu to mobilise hotel proprietors and restaurant operators in the city to support the initiative, stressing that hospitality businesses would be among the major beneficiaries of the expected influx of visitors.
Prof. Azinge disclosed that the committee’s chairman, Hon. Kennedy Okafor, had assured him of the members’ determination to deliver on the assignment.
He further pledged his support to the committee and urged members to work closely with Chief Peter Ejiofor, who possesses valuable knowledge and experience of the ‘Detty Lagos’ concept, which he expressed interest in seeing replicated in Asaba.
The monarch expressed confidence that the committee would come up with initiatives that would strengthen Asaba’s entertainment profile and create opportunities for businesses and residents during the festive period.
In his response on behalf of the chairman and other members, Chief Phillips Ejike Nwokolo (Akudo Ahaba) thanked the Asagba for the confidence reposed in them and assured him of their commitment to working diligently towards achieving the committee’s mandate.
The committee is chaired by Hon. Kennedy Okafor, with Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie and Chief Peter Ejiofor serving as Co-Chairmen.
Other members include Chief Victor Nwosa, Ogbueshi Emma Dialli, Chief Engr. Chris Chuwurah, Chief Prof. Josephine Emebizigor Anene Okeawka, Ogbueshi C. Nduka Eze, Mrs. Jane Rose Abuah, Ogbueshi Hon. Shadrack Rapu, Rt. Hon. Frank De-Don, Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Hon. Eluaka Ebodi, Ogbueshi Lawrence Okolo, Mr. Emma Odiaka, Ogbueshi Chike Ogeah, Chief Barr. Ejike Nwokolo, Allistar Oduah, Ogbueshi David Azinge and Mr. Ben Allanah.
