The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, alongside the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili, has officially laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art cemetery in Asaba.
At the ceremony, the Asagba expressed his gratitude to the local government for taking this significant step toward urban development. He described the project as both timely and necessary, noting that it would eliminate the health risks associated with burying the dead within residential neighborhoods. The monarch further revealed plans to ban residential burials in Asaba once the cemetery is completed, which he expects to be within six months.
Hon. Ezenyili, the Local Government Chairman, described the project as the realization of a long-held vision. He recalled that the idea of establishing a modern, befitting cemetery in Asaba had been a goal since his first tenure as Chairman and noted that the Asagba had previously emphasized the importance of such a facility during a courtesy visit when he served as Okilolo Asaba.
“A cemetery is a designated area for the burial and memorialization of deceased individuals. It provides a serene space for the living to remember and honour their loved ones,” Ezenyili remarked. He stressed that Asaba, as Delta State’s capital and a growing urban center, requires a modern cemetery due to its increasing population and limited burial space within traditional quarters.
Beyond addressing cultural and public health concerns, the Chairman noted that the project would also generate revenue for the council and create employment opportunities for residents of Oshimili South.
The new ultra-modern cemetery, covering three acres at Ogbeilo Village, Umuonaje Quarters, will include an administrative office, event centre, chapel, 350 vault units, digital record-keeping system, CCTV surveillance, perimeter fencing, drainage infrastructure, landscaped walkways, parking areas, and a green lawn environment.
In his remarks, the Onwa of Asaba and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, praised both the Asagba and Chairman Ezenyili for their foresight and dedication. He commended the Chairman for setting a high standard in governance and encouraged future leaders to build on this legacy.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks a key milestone in Asaba’s urban development agenda, positioning Oshimili South as a model for environmental management and public health planning.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Vice Chairperson Hon. Mrs. Chinye Hobobo Uso, Leader of the Legislative Arm Ogbueshi Michael Okonji, councillors, palace chiefs, advisory council members, political stakeholders such as APC Chairman Ogbueshi Dada Okolo, council staff, and youth groups.
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