Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, presented the staff of office to the new Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN).
At the ceremony held at Ogwa-Uku Ahaba, the governor congratulated the monarch on his successful ascension to the throne of his forefathers.
Oborevwori, who noted that Asaba was witnessing an influx of strangers, said his administration’s goal was to make the state an investors’ destination.
He said: “I note with pleasure that Asaba has become the city of choice for many people who find it a safe place to raise their families.
“By the same token, some undesirable elements are exploiting the exponential growth of the city to infiltrate the city with their own sinister agenda.
“Hence, you must remain vigilant and alert to any form of security threat that will destabilise the kingdom, and, by implication, the state capital.
“Please, do not hesitate to report any suspicious activities or persons in your communities to the relevant authorities. We do not want anything that will truncate the peace and security that we have been enjoying.
“This charge is also applicable to all the traditional rulers in the state and their subjects, for the sustenance of peace and security.
“One of the goals of this administration is to make Delta State the preferred investors’ destination.
“To achieve this goal, all hands must be on deck to ensure that our communities and urban centres are safe and secure for domestic and foreign investors.
“Towards this end, everything must be done to avoid inter- and intra-communal clashes. It is important that our traditional institution maintains a regular interface with the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council for effective strategies to contain any emerging security threat. This is the pathway to building the Delta State of our dreams,” the governor said.
He described the new traditional ruler as a dynamic personality, thought leader, purpose-driven and consensus builder, adding that he was optimistic the monarch would make the people of Asaba and the entire state proud.
“These traits will serve him well to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor while breaking new frontiers in the administration of the kingdom.
“His urbane outlook and statesman-like disposition are essential qualities needed in the traditional ruler of a domain that is home to people of different tribes and tongues.
“I am fully persuaded that the kingdom of Asaba under his leadership will attain new heights in community development, peaceful co-existence, and enhanced government-community relations,” he added.
The governor underscored the importance of the traditional institution, saying, “Traditional rulers are not only custodians of our customary laws, norms, and traditions, they also play the role of intermediaries between the government and the people at the grassroots. They greatly assist the government in creating awareness about government’s policies and programmes, especially in the areas of immunisation, environmental sanitation, empowerment schemes, and security.”