By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has commended the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and its alumni for their enduring legacy of academic excellence, urging them to remain ambassadors of distinction and continue projecting the institution as Nigeria’s pride.
The monarch gave the commendation when he received members of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Asaba Chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in the Delta State capital.
In his address, the revered royal father lauded the institution’s impact on the Nigerian educational landscape, stressing that UNILAG graduates embody a “unique emblem of distinction.”
“We have imbibed and internalized values in the course of our journey. Let the world see the worth of our training. Let the world proclaim that yes, going to UNILAG is indeed going to the best university that Nigeria can offer,” the Asagba declared.
The monarch, himself a proud alumnus of the institution, expressed confidence that the legacy of UNILAG would continue to inspire emerging institutions, including the fast-growing Denis Osadebe University in Asaba.
He also showered royal blessings on the delegation, praying for their continued growth and success as the city prepares for the upcoming Pan-Youth Grand (PYG) Festival.
“Asaba is a land of peace and prosperity. This land blesses people. That is why the SSG can say Asaba is Makkah. The land blesses, and it is that blessing I am bestowing upon all of you,” he said.
The monarch further described Asaba as the fastest-growing state capital south of the Sahara, adding that the city continues to attract progress and prosperity for its people.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Asaba Chapter, Mr. Patrick Olisa Dibie, apologized for the delay in the courtesy visit and thanked the Asagba for his sterling contributions to law, academia, and faith. He prayed the royal father would extend the same goodwill to the Asaba Chapter of UNILAG Alumni.
The delegation, led by Dibie, included Rt. Hon. Ovie Agas, Barr. M.O. Nwamu, Elder C. Ngemegwai, Obi Henry Kikachukwu, Prof. Benjamin Oghojafor, Dr. Derick Eke, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, Barr. Princess Ajudua, and Barr. Emmanuel Diei. They were guided by the Palace Secretary, High Chief Patrick Ndili.
During the visit, Rt. Hon. Ovie Agas presented gifts to the monarch and delivered an invitation letter from the UNILAG Alumni Association national body, requesting the Asagba’s presence in Lagos on October 12, 2025, to receive a national award.
Responding, the Asagba accepted the invitation with gratitude and pledged his continued support for the association, urging members to channel their collective strength toward the good of society.
The event, which featured cultural protocols of the Asaba Council of Chiefs, ended with royal blessings and a group photograph.
