Preamble

August 21, 2024 marks the three years of the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, on the throne of his forefathers.

The First Class monarch is not only profoundly admired by his subjects across Warri kingdom in Delta State but across the world.

He has continued to take the ancient kingdom to greater heights, even as he has sustainably demonstrated his passion to use his influence in the multi-billion dollar oil and gas sector to attract development to Warri and the entire Niger Delta region.

Since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, the twin words – Peace and Development never departed from his mouth. They have been his watchwords for Warri kingdom – his domain. With these precepts.

he has taken steps to promote values of peace across Itsekiri communities. In his speech, the Olu of Warri, during the coronation anniversary thanksgiving service at the Foursquare Gospel Church, before the Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Monday Onyeme, the presiding Rev. Chris Akperi and distinguished well-wishers and indigenes of Itshekiri kingdom, said, the thanksgiving was in fulfilment of “the covenant we have with God for His faithfulness and goodness to us and the kingdom. God will continue to bless us and we shall continue to serve and honour Him”.

Anniversary

The monarch actually returned all glory to God, his creator during his 3rd coronation anniversary on the throne. The week-long programme unveiled a praise and worship to the Almighty God at his palace in oil city Warri.

The Chairman Publicity/Media Committee of the anniversary, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, the Eson of Warri Kingdom said the praise and worship session at the palace, declared the occasion open, followed by paying of homage ceremonies and anniversary lecture at his palace at Ode-Itsekiri.

Presentation of a drama/play, preceded the novelty match by Olori Ladies at Ode-Itsekiri and paying of homage. In what appears like the grandfinale, last week Saturday, award to distinguished Itsekiri persons and presentation of music and poetry concert for His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, soon gained the centerstage when some prominent Itsekiri sons and daughters were conferred with honours by the Royal Majesty.

Obviously, the 3rd anniversary celebration drew the high and mighty to the rich oil city of Warri. The birth of Ghegho Aghofen has stimulated passion for the culture among the young ones in the kingdom.

The programme has rekindled interest among young Itsekiri in the rich culture and dances of the ethnic nationality.

A title holder in the kingdom, Chief Robinson Ariyo, testified that the visit of the monarch to Okere community was the first time in history that the Olu of Warri would formally visit the community.

He said, “This shows how the monarch is building a very robust relationship with communities across his kingdom.” A young tourist, Mr. Somina John, who witnessed one of the handover ceremonies said he foresaw the event gaining attention of other areas beyond the shores of Nigeria in the nearest future like the annual Iggue festival of Benin kingdom.

He said the Ghegho Aghofen “will create a robust economy for the hospitality industry on days when the flag will be handed over to another community.” His prediction is gradually turning into reality as even non-Itsekiri people are now looking forward to attending the event at the palace.

Backbone

Behind a successful man is a reasonable help-mate. The monarch is not alone in his vision to increase the wealth of his kingdom. His darling wife, the Olori of Warri kingdom, Atuwatse III, stands tall in this regard. She has been very active in the move to grow the economy of the kingdom and beyond with some of her beautiful entrepreneurial initiatives and free medical outreach programmes in Warri and its environs.

She has not stopped harping on ‘Bring Back School Farming to Post Primary Education Curriculum, and the government of the day.

She has continued to celebrate with children to foster unity, peace and progress in the kingdom, and decried increase in the numbers of out of school children in the society.

At a time several ethnic nationalities in the country are grumbling that the younger generations are losing or have completely disconnected from the culture of their areas, the Olu and his wife did not make it largely so in Itsekiri land.

The monarch introduced a quarterly programme, called Ghegho Aghofen, meaning, Palace-Watch. The programme affords every community within the Kingdom to get a three month period of keeping ceremonial watch at his palace.

One interesting thing about the ceremony is that at the end of the watch over the palace, the monarch visits the community to offer prayers on the land. Among communities he has visited to offer prayers, include Okere community in Warri.

At the community, the monarch offered prayers for peace, bumper harvest, greater yields, abundant blessings, among others.

Scholarship awards

The Royal Iwere Foundation in collaboration with Valley British Academy offered scholarship to 27 school age children in Delta State, courtesy of the Olu of Warri.

This, the monarch said, was to advance access to educational opportunities for children in under – served communities within the Warri Kingdom. To the effect, he partnered Valley Stream British Academy (VAB) in Sapele, to provide 27 children of primary and secondary school enrollment age with 3-6-year scholarships.

The wife of the monarch, traditionally called ‘Olori’, said the partner – ship exemplifies a strong commitment from RIF and VAB to cultivate future leaders who will contribute to the socio-economic advancement of the Warri Kingdom and impact the global landscape.

Olori Atuwatse III said, “The agency to transform our country and continent is education. We understand how critical it is for our children to access quality developmental education.

This is why we invest robustly in education at the Royal Iwere Foundation to ensure the potentials of marginalized communities, especially the riverine, are not sidelined.

I also applaud the management and staff of the Valley Stream British Academy, Sapele, for supporting this vision to nurture great minds regardless of their backgrounds.”

Peace-loves

The monarch who spoke in English and Itsekiri languages at the ground reception attended by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Commissioner for Higer Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari and traditional rulers from across the length and breadth of Nigeria recalled that three years ago, the Itsekiri nation extended hand of peace and collaboration to her neighbours on the land and sea.

And since then, significance strides had been made in promoting peace and co-existence, based on love and mutual respect. He said: “We stand on the universal foundation of justice and peace and equity within the rule of law and we are committed to maintaining this peaceful and respectful relationships ensuring the safety and peace of all.

Our progress is a testimony to our commitment to this end. “Last year, we varnished the term slaves from our palace because we believe that all are created equal by God.

And this will affirm their beliefs in the equality of all. We re created by God and we have equal dignity but we are also committed to change. If we don’t change, we are dying. “Aghofen is the symbol of refuge and a place to seek refuge. We welcome all Itsekiris to the crown.

“Our collective dreams and aspirations can only be fulfilled through unity. If I may also add, humility. “As Itsekiri people, looking back we may have good reason to have a sense of pride and that’s fine. But in going forward, there’s a type of pride that we must do away with.

The pride that hinders, the pride that blinds, the pride that divides, the pride that cannibalises, the pride that betrays, the pride that destroys.”

Proclamation

The hunger, hardship and end-bad-governance protests by Nigerian youths did not catch the monarch unaware. He told the youths to channel their robust energy into nation building and support government in its bid to rejig the comatose economy, noting that the myriads of challenges plaguing the country are surmountable He called on them to work with the government of President Bola Tinubu to achieve his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

His words:”This is a good opportunity for everyone to unite behind our president and his government, as they step up to show sacrificial leadership. “I want to specially appeal to the youth of our great nation.

Our youth are the engine room of our country. With vibrant and innovative energy, they are the driving force of our Nation.

To the great and powerful engine room of Nigeria, my faithful constituents, I want to encourage you to channel your energies into building a brighter future for our country Nigeria.

“One where dialogue and cooperation pave the way for lasting change. Together we will achieve the development and prosperity that we as a Nation not only aspire to but are capable of.

Our collective strength lies in our ability to unite & work towards common goals for the Nation.” “The pains and frustrations of Nigerians are valid, and these voices should not he ignored or taken for granted.

But let us channel our energies towards constructive dialogue and engagements. Protests, while a powerful tool for expression, can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.

that can further divide us” “Our nation Nigeria is a house that does not require demolition but rather a collective reassessment of its foundations and the structures that sustain it.

This reassessment must be devoid of ethnic or religious sentiments that may hinder our path in the right direction. It must be done in an atmosphere of peace and trust.

The energy that is brought to this very important moment in our history is most important, and we must get it right.

Friendly disposition

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the efforts of the Olu of Warri in attracting investments to the state had not gone unnoticed.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, during the coronation anniversary thanksgiving service – the grand finale, “We have heard about how you are reaching out to other kingdoms; how you have also shown commitment to attracting investors to Warri nay Delta State.

We are happy with what you are doing as they are in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of my administration.

Commitment

After the Olu of Warri has expressed gratitude to God on his ascension to his forebears throne three years ago, and renewed the call for peace, social justice and equity with his neighbours towards the development of the area before his subjects from across the various Iwere communities, they paid homages to him, eulogized him, and praised God on his behalf for the journey so far.