The satellite communities of Asaba, formerly known as Bonsaac (now Ajaji Layout) and Oduke, have strongly criticized past and present administrations for years of neglect and abandonment.
During a maiden visit by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, on January 30, 2025, community leaders voiced their frustrations over the continued marginalization of their rapidly growing population, which now exceeds 100,000 residents.
Persistent Lack of Infrastructure
In a joint address presented by Dr. Chukwuemeka Oforgu on behalf of the communities, residents lamented the glaring absence of essential infrastructure despite their increasing population and their status as part of Delta State’s capital territory.
Key issues highlighted included:
Deplorable road networks that remain inaccessible throughout the year.
Lack of government health institutions, such as primary healthcare centers, maternity homes, dispensaries, and public hospitals.
Absence of public primary and secondary schools, forcing children to cross dangerous highways to access education.
No standard marketplace for local trade and commerce. Lack of security infrastructure, with no police posts or stations to handle crime.
No judicial institutions to facilitate legal matters within the communities. Broken Promises and Government Inaction
The communities recalled that during Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s first tenure, the state government acknowledged their plight and promised to establish a school in the area. However, the project never materialized, with officials citing a lack of suitable land at the time.
Subsequently, discussions shifted to constructing a pedestrian bridge at the Bonsaac (now Ajaji Layout) Junction to prevent accidents involving schoolchildren crossing the expressway.
Yet, instead of prioritizing this safety measure, the government focused on the now-abandoned Abraka Market project.
Asagba of Asaba Calls for Unity and Support for Development
HRM Asagba Azinge, while acknowledging the communities’ grievances, commended them for their hospitality during his visit.
He reaffirmed their place within Asaba and emphasized that his appointment of Ogbueshi Adim Onochie and Ogbueshi Dada Okolo as Anya Asagba (community representatives) in Ajaji Layout and Oduke was aimed at strengthening governance and cultural unity.