Asagba Of Asaba Honours UNIDEL DVC With Royal Medal Of Honour

The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge on Thursday, September 18, 2025 honoured the Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Patricia Mbah for her immense contributions towards the growth and development of her community, especially Asaba.

Prof. Azinge presented the Royal Medal of Honor to the Deputy Vice Chancellor along side, other deserving sons and daughters of Asaba during the lwaji festival held at the palace of the Asagba.

In his speech, Prof. Azinge said the lwaji festival was an annual celebration that showcased Asaba's rich cultural heritage, and a time the community gathered together to give thanks to God for the harvest and promote unity among the people. 

He posited that the recognition of Prof. Patricia Mbah's contributions was a testament to the community's appreciation for her hardwork, contributions and commitment to community services.

Speaking further, the Asagba of Asaba emphasized the importance of yam as a staple crop in Asaba culture and the significance of the festival, which he said had remained a tradition.

He however, expressed his concern that the tradition of farming and celebrating the new yam festival was being lost and called for urgent steps to reenact the tradition.

He commended the community for their resilience and strength in preserving their cultural heritage.

Reacting to the honour bestowed on her, Prof. Patricia Mbah who was visibly overwhelmed thanked the Asagba of Asaba for finding her worthy to receive the medal. She disclosed that the honour meant much to her and promised to do greater things for her community.

The Vice Chancellor of UNIDEL,Prof. Stella Chiemeke led some Principal Officers and council members to celebrate Prof. Patricia Mbah. The Principal Officers were the Registrar, Barrister Richmond Omagbemi and the Librarian Dr (mrs) Vera Okonoko.

Among the Council members at the event were Dr. Augustine Ezechine, Dr. Friday Akporherhe, Dr. Agidi Pally, Dr. Ferdinand lweriebor and Mr. Dono Oke.

Other staff at the occasion were Mr. Augustine lsimite, Dr. Clara Moemeke, Dr. Clifford Umeri, Dr. Maureen Uche, Dr. Tessy Apaokueze, Mrs. Abigail Ofume, Mrs Rita ldion , and a host of others.