The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, on Saturday officially kicked off the 2025 Christmas celebrations in Asaba with the lighting of Christmas trees at the Kanebisi Roundabout.
The symbolic event marked the beginning of the yuletide season in the state capital and underscored the traditional ruler’s vision of positioning Asaba as a vibrant tourism destination.
Speaking at the ceremony, HRM Prof. Azinge described the occasion as a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to reflect on collective responsibility towards community development. He emphasized the need for residents to take ownership of initiatives that promote unity, culture, and progress.
“This is a moment to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to renew our commitment to making Asaba a tourism hub. There are certain things we must do for ourselves as a community, and this is one of them,” the Asagba said.
The monarch expressed satisfaction at being able to commence the Christmas festivities through the lighting of the trees, noting that plans for an even taller Christmas tree at the location were earlier disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.
“I am proud to kick-start this Christmas celebration by lighting these trees,” he added.
HRM Prof. Azinge extended warm Christmas wishes to sons and daughters of Asaba, as well as residents of the city, while offering prayers for peace, protection, and prosperity, invoking the blessings of the gods of his forebears upon the community.
The event, which attracted community members and well-wishers, symbolized Asaba’s growing commitment to cultural pride, community-driven development, and tourism promotion, with the Kanebisi Roundabout serving as a focal point for the season’s celebrations.
