Come 21st August, 2022 His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri kingdom would be celebrating his first anniversary on the pristine throne of his forefathers
It is against these foregoing that this write-up will deal only on a very few areas of concentration by His Majesty’s success story and perhaps, challenges.
For this brief one year, His Majesty has largely succeeded in building a solid bridge of friendship and harmonious relationship with eminent Nigerians across board, meeting Governors, the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria, prominent traditional rulers in the country, and his recent official visit to Calgary and Brampton in Canada to attract direct foreign investment to Warri Kingdom .
That visit was strategic as it affords the Revered Monarch the opportunity to build both a cultural and business relationship with the economic council of Calgary, as well as the Tsuut’ina Nation.
This singular act of statesmanship can easily be dismissed by many uninformed minds who do not appreciate the meaning and intrinsic value of international relations in our global world of today with its intricate diplomatic power-play that can, in just one second make or mar one’s life administration.
So in embarking on his numerous trips outside his kingdom including THANK YOU TOURS to various Itsekiri communities, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, President Mohammadu Buhari and many other prominent personalities within and outside the shores of Nigeria, he has thus consolidated his reign and stamp his name in the map of Who is Who in Nigeria and the Diaspora like other rulers before him.
Back home, he has assured the people that his reign will usher a new dawn of bountiful opportunities for massive growth, industrial development, youths and women empowerment, harmonious relationship with all his neighbours (Ijaws and Urhobos inclusive) and reposition the economic well- being of the entire Itsekiri nation for sustained growth and development.
It is noteworthy to state that his ascension to the throne has also witnessed the settlement of several community disputes, thus ensuring love and peaceful co-existence in all the communities.
The coronation ceremony may have come and gone, it still remains the greatest of all time in the annals of Itsikiri recorded history.
It is widely expected that the forth coming first anniversary celebration will have all the trappings of a State function: with array of royal fathers, bureaucrats, technocrats, brass-hat politicians, religious leaders, business moguls and other top personalities within and outside the country. The event will also witness visits of dignitaries who will come in their numbers to pay obeisance to the well-respected monarch in his palace.
As His Majesty marks his first coronation anniversary, one can only wish him long life, strength of purpose, wisdom and God’s guidance to take the Itsekiri nation to its desired level of growth, development and prosperity .
Ogiame, Suoooooooooooo