By; EMMA ARUBI, Warri
The Itsekiri monarch, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse 111, CFR, the Olu of Warri Kingdom in Delta State has said that the collective dreams and aspirations of his people can only be fulfilled through unity of purpose and humility.
This comes as the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the first class royal father for his sterling leadership qualities and administrative sagacity.
The monarch who thanked and praised God Almighty on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers said the Itsekiri Nation extended hands of peace and collaboration to her neighbours three years ago in commemoration of his 3rd coronation anniversary. celebration.
He made these declaration while addressing his subjects who trooped to his palace to pay their usual annual homage at the palace playground in Warri on Wednesday.
The Olu of Warri who spoke in English and Itsekiri languages, stated: ” Three years ago, the Itsekiri nation extended hand of peace and collaboration to its neighbours on the land and sea. Since then, we’ve made significance strides in promoting peace and co-existence based on love and mutual respect for all.”
The governor of Delta state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon said “I stand with the Itsekiri people in celebrating a remarkable king and wish him strength, good health, and wisdom as he fulfills his responsibilities of providing traditional and cultural leadership for his people.
“Throughout his three-year reign, Atuwatse III has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, upholding the law and serving as a source of inspiration to the Itsekiri community and all Nigerians.
“I commend his leadership in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and traditions of the Iwere people through fostering harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living, and peaceful coexistence among the Itsekiri and other ethnic groups in the state,” stated the governor.
The royal father in his elaborate speech reminded the people that 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 are created by God and we have equal dignity but we are also committed to change. If we don’t change, we are dying.
“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 cannibalizes, the pride that betrays, and the pride that destroys, he admonished the teaming crowd.
“In this same way, Itsekiri, I call you out of useless pride. I call you out of wickedness and in its place, I bless you with wisdom, with vision, with industry, with creativity,with productivity and with fruitfulness.
“May your eyes be opened to embrace and appraise these new values as we embark on a new phase of togetherness in Iwere land. The new phase promises growth, prosperity and a stronger sense of commitment,” the monarch concluded.