Providus Bank has commenced the beautification and restructuring of Kainebisi Roundabout in Asaba, giving fresh impetus to ongoing urban renewal initiatives in the city.
Speaking at the commencement of the project on Monday, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, described the partnership with Providus Bank as unexpected.
Azinge recalled that the Kainebisi statue, which represents the progenitor and major ancestor of Asaba Kingdom, was inaugurated about a year ago alongside plans for wider community beautification.
He said the initiative included Ogbeke Square, Umuagu Altar and Stop Abortion Junction, adding that the community subsequently sought the support of corporate organisations for its implementation.
He said Providus Bank was the only corporate organisation to respond to the request so far, expressing appreciation for its intervention and investments in the capital city.
“One thing that is clear is that the final output here will be magnificent, and this place will be a reference point in Nigeria and even beyond,” he said.
The traditional ruler described the roundabout’s strategic location as central to Asaba’s urban renewal and regeneration, noting its visibility to travellers entering the city through several routes, including the East, Cable Point, Ezenei, expressway, Okpanam Road and Government House corridors.
“So this place will become the heart, if not the heartbeat, of Asaba, and that is what we look forward to,” he said.
Azinge promised to personally monitor the project’s execution and urged the project engineer to sustain progress.
Also speaking, the Chief Designer, Chief Dili Biosah, highlighted the landmark’s historical importance, describing its transformation as part of Asaba’s continuing urban evolution.
“This roundabout is very important to Asaba. It is part of the evolution of our town.
“It was a little town, but it is currently the fastest-growing state capital, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa, South of the Sahara,” he said.
Biosah gave insight into Cable Point’s colonial history and the landmark’s ancestral symbolism, saying the sculpture represented the heritage and origin of Asaba people.
“Cable Point is historical. If you follow this road to the right, up to the beach, that was where the colonialists established the link with the western region,” he said.
He added that the 14th Asagba had established the roundabout as a reference point.
“The sculpture that you see standing there is a recreation of our ancestry. Kainebisi is the progenitor of Asaba,” he said.
Also, Providus Bank’s Zonal Head, South-South Business Zone, Mrs Noma Imilar, affirmed the bank’s commitment to restructuring the sculpture and transforming the roundabout.
“Providus Bank is in partnership with the Asagba of Asaba and the Asaba people for the Kainebisi restructuring.
“We are partnering to make this Kainebisi Roundabout a more beautiful place.
“It will serve as a recreational spot for relaxation.
“It is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by our bank,” she said.
Imilar added that the project was community-focused and was expected to be completed within five weeks, subject to favourable weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Ozecon Nigeria Ltd., Mr Oz Onukolu, said the completed facility would feature solar-powered fountains and attractive lighting.
Onukolu expressed concern over the safety of the equipment, including pumping machines, solar panels and inverters, and said local security would be needed to prevent theft.
He said a stronger local monitoring team would be required to protect the facility and ensure that the investment remained functional, attractive and beneficial to residents and visitors.
