Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, has provided a strong commitment to the advancement of Iwereland, promising that the palace is dedicated to enhancing the region for the satisfaction of all its inhabitants.
The monarch made this pledge on Monday as part of his second-year coronation anniversary celebrations at the Aghofen Palace, situated in the Warri South local government area of Delta State.
Having taken the throne of his ancestors in August 2021, the royal leader encouraged Itsekiris, both within the region and beyond its borders, to actively participate in the constructive development of Iwereland, Delta State, and the wider nation of Nigeria.
“Once again, this is an open invitation for all the Itsekiris, home and abroad, to join us to build Iwereland better because together we can attain a greater height. We will lead by example,” the king admonished.
To kick-start the development of Iwereland, he said the palace has completed the New House in Warri and will soon start the renovation of Agbofen, the palace in Warri.
He added that when completed, they will proceed to reconstruct Ode Itsekiri, the ancestral home of his subjects.
The monarch also promised to use the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for the execution of Iwere’s master plan, which he said was in progress.
“The Iwere master plan is in progress and a vital component of the plan is using the PIA to our advantage.
“As we develop the areas that produce oil in Iwereland and link these areas to those that are not so fortunate to have oil, under our watch. We will not encourage taking resources from one place to develop another, but they will all be lifted, we must be our brother’s keepers,” he said.
The traditional ruler thanked God Almighty for His faithfulness and mercies, adding that without Him nobody will be there to celebrate.
“We also thank every member of the Warri Council of Chiefs under the leadership of the Ologbotsere of the Warri Kingdom
“We thank every member of the Ginuwa ruling house and acknowledge your unflinching and unwavering support. Two years is a short time in our lives and the life of Iwereland, but as your King, appointed by God, two years on the throne has brought joy.
“It is far easier to destroy, pull him down but it is harder to build. We must build Iwereland. We must build our communities. We must build our children. We must join hands and build Nigeria.
“To get better things is to work hard and as your king, we are ready to work hard for you. This is an open invitation to all Itsekiris, home and abroad, to join us to build Iwereland.
“Let us make Iwereland land better. Together, we can attain the height of greatness,” Atuwatse III urged his subjects.
Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, described Ogiame Atuwatse III as a king and a great image maker, a great marketer of Warri kingdom and Delta State.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, the governor declared: “It gives me great pleasure, indeed, a great honor to be here to celebrate a King who is a great image maker, a great marketer of Warri Kingdom nay Delta State to the world.
“Your Majesty, we are aware of your success stories in breaking new grounds in bilateral relationships with countries, this is highly commendable as it is in line with our administration’s commitment to making Delta State the investment destination of the world through our MORE Agenda.
“It is remarkable that within your two years on the exalted throne of your forefathers that the Federal Government, has also, recognized your achievements and conferred on you, the prestigious award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
“As you mark this great anniversary, may God continue to grant you the means to ensure good, purposeful leadership and may your people, our people continue to support you to ensure that your good intentions yield desired results,” the governor said.
The anniversary had in attendance, famous Environmentalist, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, Niger Delta activist, Sunny Ofehe, and guests from Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
