The 2026 Asa Day Celebration Committee has continued its stakeholder engagement and sensitisation visits,with a courtesy call to the Mayor of Ukwa West,Pastor Dike B. Nwankwo,at his country home in Umukalu on Monday.
The visit was to inform the Mayor of the committee’s preparations for this year’s celebration,seeking his advice and contributions,and soliciting his financial support towards ensuring a successful and memorable event.
During the meeting,the committee informed the Mayor that the 2026 Asa Day Celebration would hold in December 2026,commencing at 10:00 a.m.The committee also unveiled the Apex body of Asa,The Asa Development Union,ADU has instructed the committee to also organise a political summit ahead of the main celebration,bringing political leaders together,elder statesmen,women,youths,and other critical stakeholders from Asa land.
The proposed summit is designed to provide a common platform forconstructive dialogue and the formulation of a clear development agenda for incoming political leaders who will emerge during the 2027 General Elections.It is also expected to encourage political understanding,responsible leadership for the long term development of Asa land,irrespective of political affiliations.
Speaking during the visit,the Chairman of the Committee,Engr.Uruakpa Sterling Chinwe, MNSE,MNIEEE,described the engagement as a mark of respect for the Mayor and an important step towards building the support and cooperation required to achieve the committee’s objectives.
He explained that the committee had commenced its mobilisation efforts and was reaching out to key stakeholders,political leaders, and well-meaning sons and daughters of Asa to secure their participation and support for the celebration.
The Chairman emphasised that the committee was committed to organising an event that would go beyond cultural festivities to promote unity,community development,youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, talent discovery, and purposeful leadership.
In his remarks,the Secretary of the Committee, Sir Boniface Nwigwe, provided a detailed account of the history and significance of the Asa Day Celebration. He expressed appreciation to the Mayor for his consistent support for previous editions of the event and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him.
Responding, Pastor Dike B. Nwankwo warmly welcomed the committee and pledged his maximum support and contributions towards the success of the 2026 celebration.
The Mayor expressed satisfaction with the committee’s initiative,particularly its decision to incorporate youth and women’s empowerment, as well as talent hunts, into this year’s programme.
He stressed the need for Asa Day to go beyond cultural displays and festivities by introducing initiatives that would deliver lasting benefits to the people and contribute to the future development of Asa land.
In his words:
“I have seen your outlined activities,and I am happy.But we have to inject more things that will help Nde Asa in the future. It is also important that we use this kind of event to admonish our people to love one another, reduce attacks on one another, and live in peace for a greater Asa.”
The Mayor further encouraged members of the committee to remain committed and steadfast in their service to Ala Asa,noting that service to one’s homeland is a selfless responsibility whose rewards may not always be immediate but will eventually come.
