From Ben Dunno, Warri
The Itsekiri Council of Chiefs have reeled out a 10-Day activity for 2nd year Coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiamme Atuwatse III, CFR, noting that the last two years in the history of the Iwere kingdom had been so eventful in terms of development and peaceful coexistence, even with other ethnic groups.
The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom and Chairman Warri Council of Chiefs, Chief Engr. Oma Eyewuoma, who led other Chiefs in reeling out the program of activities for the 10-Day event to newsmen in Warri yesterday, noted that the kingdom would also take advantage of the anniversary to appraise individual contributions to the growth of the land.
In his response to the question of what the traditional Council would consider very significant about this year’s Coronation anniversary, the Ologbosere said; “We do not want the celebration to end in merriment only. The message is that this anniversary is for stocktaking for the Itsekiri nation. What have we set for ourselves for this year?
“So next year, we’d then ask ourselves, which of our set goals have we achieved? Which is pending? If we succeeded, we’d be happy, if we didn’t achieve some of our set goals, we’d ask ourselves why?
“And during our sober reflection, we’d correct it ahead of the next year because we have so much that we can exploit for the benefit of not only Iwere people but the whole Nigerians.
Continuing; “So, the message is for all Iwere sons and daughters to roll up our sleeves and face the challenges, such as economic, resource, and food challenges”.
“How are we going to pursue our own challenges so that we can show how we can use our resources to develop ourselves and show examples to others and also to copy what others have done well both locally and internationally”?
“The target is to change how we are progressively so we can stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world.”
Reacting to the probe on the gains and pains of the throne in the last two years, the Ologbotsere, who was flanked by other members of the Warri Council of Chiefs, said in all human society and endeavours where leadership struggles to make life better, there will be challenges, adding that Ogiame, being a progressive king with immense love for his people, has been successful so far.
He said the coronation anniversary will kick off on August 18, 2023, with Praise Day led by Ogiame Atuwatse III himself to thank God for peace and tranquility in Warri kingdom, adding that the 10-day activity will take place both at Aghofen (palace) and the Big Warri, the ancestral home of Iwere people.
Other activities lined up is the conferment of Chieftaincy titles to some deserving sons and daughters of Iwere land as well as traditional homage paying and other thanksgiving service.