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Tag: Olu of Warri

  • INTERVIEW: Oborevwori has shown bold determination to re-write Delta State’s history – Olu of Warri

    INTERVIEW: Oborevwori has shown bold determination to re-write Delta State’s history – Olu of Warri

    …says his sincerity of purpose is crystal clear

    …we have experienced a peaceful era so far

    …the governor is an embodiment of humility

    The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III gave a press interview in his first major public assessment of the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State where he spoke extensively on positive developments in the Big Heart.

    Excerpts:

    HRM, what is your candid assessment of the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as regards the development of Delta state ,Warri territory and environs in particular since his assumption of duty, in 2023?

    The first thing that comes to mind is that it has been peaceful .Since His Excellency came in I don’t think we have had any security situation in this state and that in itself is
    something that we cannot take for granted because if there is no peace for all his good intentions
    you know you don’t have a solid foundation to begin to do anything.

    So obviously God has helped him very much and we the people on ground we are very much cooperating with with him and all his plans but what I would like to say is that we have been through a lot.When we look specifically to where we are, Warri kingdom where the Itsekiris are, there are examples that we can see of the governor’s good efforts over this last couple of years.

    First one is there is a major drainage work going on especially in the Odion area. Obviously that’s going to help when we get into the rainy seasons to checkmate heavy flooding that goes on there. This development initiative is also tied to the overhaul of the Warri Township Stadium which we know will be a world-class infrastructure masterpiece.

    Even with my engagement with the government I have seen the plans and I know the work cannot commence until the drainage is sorted, so that we are not putting the cat before the horse. The foundational work just shows you that this man is really out for something that’s going to be long-lasting.

    There is the trans Warri Ode Itsekiri road which is something that he inherited but we are very delighted to see that he’s seen it through to the end because that’s a major infrastructure project that is going to open up the riverine area.

    Obviously, you know Warri is tight. Expansion is on. As far as government bureaucracy goes, he tends to give things a little bit of a push.

    And I think finally, even though this goes beyond Warri, it’s just very obvious. When you fly anywhere in the world, the airport and the road that leads out to the airport, it always gives an important impression. And clearly His Excellency is determined to give people who fly into Warri through Osubi a great Warri.

    Everyone can see the bridges, the road work on going connecting Osubi all the way to the Effurun roundabout, I think that will go a long way in not only giving people the right impression of Warri and Delta state. When you fly in it is a great way to be welcomed and I am sure it would have multiplier effects on the entire area.

    You know we can go on listing the achievements but these are just a few off the top of my head that we must commend his Excellency’s efforts so far.

    We are looking forward to the completion of them which I’m sure will all be done even before campaigns, rolling within the year and we’re talking about elections . So yes, those are my initial responses to my assessment of his excellency that we can all see tangible examples so far.

    As a revered royal you must have interacted closely with the Delta governor. What is your perception of his character and the leadership style?

    It always strikes me, Governor Oborevwori is a very humble man. Not too many people are sent into office and are able to maintain the character and the persona that they were before. And two years on the hot seat, his temperament remains the same. His demeanor is the same.He is very considerate.

    From my interaction with him, he takes time, he listens. And as far as government bureaucracy goes, he tends to give things a little bit of a push. Obviously he understands government quite well, obviously being the speaker for several years before now becoming the governor, he would know very well how to navigate the levers and the strings to pull.

    And I think all that matched with his humility and his level-headedness. It appears to be working very well for him and how he’s going about governing what is a complicated state that is Delta. So that’s my close assessment of his Excellency.

    Obviously he understands governors quite well, obviously being the speaker for several years before becoming the governor, he would know very well how to navigate the levers and the strings to pull.

    Your Royal Majesty, what is your candid advice to the Governor, particularly as he moves on governing Delta with it’s complex ethnicity. And finally what is your dream for Warri in the years ahead?

    Well, advice for His Excellency the Governor. It’s simple. It’s more of the same. Remain humble, as he is. Do more listening. Remain focused and discern from what is a distraction, as opposed to what should be focused on. Because there, when you are in a position like he is, there will be many distractions. A lot of things will come and it will be presented as though, oh, this is very urgent, this is very urgent, you know.

    But there are things that are not as urgent as they are presented. If you are able to be focused, you know, your heart is in the right place, your plans are right, God will bring full alignment. So where he’s able to just avoid distraction and focus. I think the good that he intends for the state, will come. It will come without paying any mind to all the numerous distractions. So that’s just my simple advice. And he’s already on the way there.

    So for him to continue, you know, stay humble and attentive, and also firm and determined to carry out what he already has planned for the state.

    And I believe finally to your last question as to how I see Warri ahead …My dreams for Warri.I envisage that Warri will emerge into a global African metropolis where we’re not even overly focused on the natural resources that God has recognized.

    Everybody knows Warri and its environs are very well blessed with Oil and Gas and you know we have not yet tapped into our blue economy, marine potentials our culture potentials.

    We have not even tapped into our tourism potentials, our eco tourism Even trading, commerce and all that There is so much that we have not even started to harness.So much more that can be realized from what God has given us.We all just have to be brave and decide to step away from conventional thinking. I think if we’re able to stand united above that unconventional thinking and approach, we will see the potential reality that is Warri.
    Very well.

  • Olu of Warri passes vote of confidence on Oberovwori, says he’s committed to a peaceful Delta

    Olu of Warri passes vote of confidence on Oberovwori, says he’s committed to a peaceful Delta

    …says he’s a great listener

    Apparently pleased with ongoing massive transformation in the Big Heart, Olu of Warri,His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has said the governor is focussed,determined to enthrone lasting peace in Delta state and build Warri into a mega city attractive to the world.

    The Olu of Warri who stated this in an interview in his Palace in Warri, noted that Delta and Warri in particular had been peaceful since Oborevwori became Governor in 2023.

    He further stressed that the hardworking governor has the political will and sincerity to develop Delta State.

    The monarch said the governor had made conscious efforts on the urbanization of Warri.

    He listed the trans Warri Ode-Itsekiri bridge linking several riverine villages, storm water drainages in Warri territory and Warri Township stadium as major projects Governor Oborevwori prioritized as a cardinal part of his development agenda.

    The Olu of Warri said his kingdom was enthusiastic in cooperation because the Oborevwori administration showed political will and sincerity to work and develop the state.

    Ogiame Atuwatse III said he was also satisfied with the character and the leadership style of Oborevwori, and described him as” a very humble man” who listens.

    According to the renowned king :

    ” A lot is happening in Delta.The first thing that comes to mind is that it has been peaceful .Since His Excellency came in I don’t think we have had any major security situation in Warri and the state at large and that in itself is something that we cannot take for granted because if there is no peace for all his good intentions,there would not be a solid foundation to begin to do anything.

    “So obviously God has helped him very much and we the people on ground, we are very much cooperating with with him and all his plans.

    When we look specifically to where we are, the Warri kingdom there are examples that we can see of the governor’s good efforts over this last couple of years.First one is there is a major drainage work going on especially in the Odion area. Obviously that’s going to help when we get into the rainy seasons to checkmate heavy flooding that goes on there.

    ” This development initiative is also tied to the overhaul of the Warri Township Stadium which we know will be a world-class infrastructure masterpiece.

    ” Even with my engagement with the government I have seen the
    plans and I know the work cannot commence until the drainage is sorted, The foundational work just shows you that this man is really out for something that’s going to be long-lasting.

    ” There is the trans Warri Ode Itsekiri road which is something that he inherited but we are very delighted to see that he’s seen it through to the end because that’s a major infrastructure project that is going to open up the riverine area.

    “When you fly anywhere in the world, the airport and the road that leads out to the airport, it always gives an important impression. And clearly His Excellency is determined to give people who fly into Warri through Osubi a great Warri.Everyone can see the bridges, the road work on going connecting Osubi all the way to the Effurun roundabout.

    “This will give the right impression of warri and Delta state. When you fly in it is a great way to be welcomed and I am sure it would have multiplier effects on the entire area.We are looking forward to the completion of these projects.

    “Governor Oborevwori is a very humble man. Not too many people are sent into office and are able to maintain the character and the persona that they were before. And two years on the hot seat, his temperament remains the same. His demeanor is the same. He is very considerate.

    “From my interaction with him, he takes time, he listens. As far as government bureaucracy goes, he tends to give things a little bit of a
    push. Obviously he understands government quite well, obviously being the speaker for several years
    before now becoming the governor, he would know very well how to navigate the levers and the strings to pull.I think all that matched with his humility and his level-headedness.It appears to be working very well for him governing a complicated state that is Delta.
    He must remain firm and pay no attention to distractions

    “His Excellency Governor Oborevwori is on the course.My dreams for Warri…I hope Warri will emerge into a global African metropolis where we’re not even overly focused on the natural resources that God has recognized.Everybody knows Warri and its environs are very well blessed with Oil and Gas and we have not yet tapped into our blue economy, marine, culture and eco tourism potentials, trading and commerce.We all just have to be brave and decide to step away from conventional thinking.

    ” I think if we’re able to stand united above that unconventional thinking and approach, we will see the potential reality that is Warri” Olu of Warri stated

  • Singer Davido, Phyno visit Olu of Warri (Photos)

    Singer Davido, Phyno visit Olu of Warri (Photos)

    Nigerian singers, Davido, and Phyno, among others on Saturday visited the palace of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    The artistes, alongside popular veteran comedian, AY Makun, and celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest, were in Warri for the highly anticipated “Warri AGAIN” event, organized by Amaju Pinnick, the former Nigeria Football Federation’s President.

    In the photos and video that surfaced on social media, captured the moment the Nigerian stars visited the palace, and went down on their knees to pay respect to the Olu of Warri.

    Sharing the photo on Instagram, Cubana Chief Priest wrote: “First time ever in Warri. First stop is at the great palace of the most fresh, smart, detailed, composed, and steezed-up king #oluofwarri OGIANE.” 

    “Warri Again” is scheduled for Saturday night, this comes after a disagreement between Davido and Pinnick in October 2023 when Pinnick called out Davido for not fulfilling his performance obligations at the 19th edition of the ‘Warri Again’ concert, even though he had been paid the requested fees.

    In March 2024, both parties reportedly reached a mutual agreement to resolve the issue outside of the courtroom.

     

  • Gov Oborevwori hails Ogiame Atuwatse III on 3rd coronation anniversary

    Gov Oborevwori hails Ogiame Atuwatse III on 3rd coronation anniversary

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, on the third anniversary of his coronation.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor praised the monarch for ensuring peaceful co-existence in Warri Kingdom since he ascended the ancient throne.

    Oborevwori stated that the Olu had played significant roles in the economic revival of the Kingdom in the last three years.

    While describing Atuwatse III as “a man of peace, a bridge-builder and of profound integrity” whose reign so far was already recording positive turnaround in the lives of his subjects and the kingdom, he appealed for more patience and support from his subjects to ensure a greater Iwere nation.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly congratulate His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse III, CFR, on the occasion of his 3rd coronation anniversary.

    “I join the people of Itsekiri nation in honouring a great king and in wishing him strength, health and wisdom as he continues to carry out the duty of providing traditional and cultural leadership for his people.

    “Over the course of his three years on the throne, Atuwatse III has led with distinction and influence by abiding by the law and serving as an inspiration to the Itsekiri people in particular as well as to Deltans and other Nigerians in general.

    “I must applaud his leadership skill in maintaining and overseeing the Iwere people’s culture and traditions by encouraging concord, socio-cultural collaboration, communal living and peaceful coexistence between the Itsekiri and other ethnic groups in the state,” the governor stated.

  • VIDEO: White man stopped from shaking hands with Olu of Warri, shown how to properly greet the king

    VIDEO: White man stopped from shaking hands with Olu of Warri, shown how to properly greet the king

    A video showing the moment a yet-to-be-identified white foreigner wanted to shake hands with the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III at his 3rd coronation anniversary lecture, has surfaced on social media.

    In the video that surfaced on social media on Wednesday, the White Man was seen walking up to the throne where the Olu of Warri was seated with his wife during the lecture, which was held on Tuesday, when two men approached him, stopping him halfway.

    Shortly after he was stopped, the men asked the foreigner to go down on his knees to properly greet the king traditionally, and he obeyed quietly.

    Upon the foreigner’s new attempt to greet the Itsekiri monarch, the crowd responded with laughter, highlighting the cultural significance of the incident. The foreigner, visibly embarrassed, managed to perform the traditional greeting correctly.

    The Olu of Warri also laughed at the man’s ignorance, after which, continued his speech.

    Speaking about the incident, an eyewitness told TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) that the foreigner being taught how to greet the king properly was the climax of the occasion.

    The eyewitness said: “So yesterday at the 3rd Coronation anniversary Lecture of My revered King Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR (OLU OF WARRI KINGDOM), this white Man stepped into the palace midway into the lecture and was ascending straight to the throne to shake hands with the King but he was stopped and shown how to greet the king traditionally.

    “This incident was the climax of yesterday’s comic relief as the audience and His Majesty erupted into laughter. I was a witness.”

    @iwere_princess

    THE WHITE MAN WANTED TO CLIMB UP TO SHAKE HANDS WITH THE KING😂😂😂 Day 2 of the 3rd CORONATION ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLU OF WARRI, OGIAME ATUWATSE III CFR #itsekiriculture #iwereprincess #itsekiri #oluofwarri #3rdcoronationanniversary #itsekiritotbeworld #itsekiripeople #august21 #august21 #fyp @The Itsekiri Chat Group

    ♬ original sound – 👑ITSEKIRI👑PRINCESS👑ALERO❤️

  • Delta: Scores of Riverine children benefit from Olu of Warri’s Scholarship programme

    Delta: Scores of Riverine children benefit from Olu of Warri’s Scholarship programme

    To advance access to educational opportunities for children in underserved communities within the Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri, and Olori Atuwatse III’s Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), have partnered with Valley Stream British Academy (VAB), Sapele, to provide 27 children of primary and secondary school enrollment age with 3-6-year scholarships.
    This partnership 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.
    Speaking on the importance of the RIF Scholarship Fund, Olori Atuwatse III stated, “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.”
    “I also use this opportunity to encourage more educational institutions across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to partner with us, as over 20 million children are out of school according to the UNESCO Global Education Report, and we have many more lives to impact. RIF is resolute in its mission to empower and nurture great minds in the Warri Kingdom because these children are the leaders of tomorrow, and tomorrow is almost here. Let’s equip them for it.”
    The RIF Scholarship Fund is an initiative under the Education Project pillar of the Royal Iwere Foundation, the humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy. This pillar has been described as a catalyst for positive change and has created educational pathways through projects such as the Teachers Training Programme, Teach For RIF, Love Gardens, STEM Hub Boot Camp, Story Time with Mama Iwere, and Raising Royalty Academy. These initiatives aim to help riverine children and youths in underprivileged communities of the Warri Kingdom achieve their academic goals and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of Warri Kingdom, Delta State, and Nigeria at large.
    The RIF Scholarship Fund works closely with community leaders, parents, and partner schools to provide comprehensive support across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education. Since its inception, it has impacted 43 beneficiaries: 22 at the primary level, 18 at the secondary level, and 3 at the university level. The beneficiaries, ranging in age from 9 to 25, include 19 males and 21 females across 15 communities in Warri. The annual net worth of the scholarships is currently valued between ₦150,000,000 and ₦200,000,000.
    The primary and secondary levels of the RIF Scholarship Fund provide 3-6 years of quality education to underprivileged children aged 9-13 in reputable South-South Nigerian schools. The multi-layered program identifies underserved communities, invites pupils for assessment tests, and offers a 6-8 week boarding program with dedicated teachers, a custom curriculum, and support from child therapists and medical practitioners. The fund wraps up with scholarship exams and onboarding for successful pupils who undergo medicals and complete documentation before starting their new schools. Beneficiaries also join RIF’s Raising Royalty Academy, gaining access to summer camps, leadership coaching, and development programs for global opportunities.
    The Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering the people of the Warri Kingdom for a brighter future. RIF is committed to effectively tackling obstacles and vulnerabilities that could hinder the Kingdom’s continuous development and its capacity to compete internationally through targeted SDG-oriented initiatives. For inquiries about RIF’s projects, please contact the foundation directly.
  • Wife of the Olu of Warri makes case for quality education

    Wife of the Olu of Warri makes case for quality education

    The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Academy, Abuja, has graduated five high school students (senior secondary school students) and three middle school students (Junior secondary) for the 2024 session.

    Addressing the gradaunds at the Class of 2024 graduation celebration in Abuja, Wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, urged relevant stakeholders to prioritise education.

    According to her, it is the  duty of the stakeholders to prioritise education for sustainable growth and development of the nation.

    “Nigeria’s education system is plagued with many challenges and I will liken it to an elephant; you cannot eat a whole elephant at once.

    “The many challenges resemble the body of an elephant; the first thing that we must do as a nation is to take education seriously.

    “Once you take education seriously, then we can begin to take necessary steps to ensuring that we build our education system to one that can compete globally.

    “The first step we must do is to be committed to eating the elephant, be committed to education, be committed to ensuring that you are making an impact and make education a priority,” she said.

    She added that prioritising education would translate to addressing out-of-school children, teacher training, infrastructure and curriculum issues.

    She  urged the graduands to be intentional in shining their light noting that their abilities to shine would build resilient in them and as well lead them to their destinies.

    The Head of School, CTL Academy, Dr Agodi Alagbe, said that the academy had always striven for excellence.

    Alagbe affirmed that the achievements of the academy stood as testimony to the quality of education imparted to students and unwavering commitment to staff members.

    She said that over the years, the academy had nurtured and shaped young minds, instilling in them the values of knowledge, integrity and perseverance.

    “We are very child-centred; we don’t believe that any two children are the same and so we do what we call differentiated instruction.

    “This means you could have few kids in the same class and grade level but we really get to know the children as individuals and create learning opportunities that are specific to their needs.

    “So they can grow, flourish and maximise their potential; we have given them all it will take them to succeed; we are waiting to see what they will become,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Mr Robert Gabor, commended the school for investing in the future of Nigerians, charging the graduands to also invest in their abilities and communities.

    Gabor also called on the graduands to learn new skills as that was the only way to contribute to the growth and development of their immediate community and country at large.

    Some of the graduating students, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged their allegiance to Nigeria and to contribute their knowledge towards developing the country.

    Alex-Xerina Idusuyi, one of the students, who had secured an admission to study international business at the Wichita State University, U.S., pledged to return after her programme to build the nation.

    Also, the school’s best graduating student, Lotachi Alagbe, attributed her academic feat to the support and encouragement from her family and friends.

    Alagbe, who had also secured an admission at the Preston University, U.S., vowed to return and contribute her quota toward the development of the country.

    The school, which has the nursery, primary and secondary sections, offered the American curriculum for both local and international students.

  • Wife of Olu of Warri breaks silence on brutal murder of Prince Timileyi

    Wife of Olu of Warri breaks silence on brutal murder of Prince Timileyi

    Wife of the Olu of Warri, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwase III has broken her silence on the brutal death of Alex Timileyi, a 200-level engineering student at the Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State, who was clubbed to death by his colleague on Saturday over a claim that he stole a mobile phone.

    TheNewsGuru. com reports that Timileyi was allegedly beaten to death inside a hostel known as Shepherd Inn on the school premises.

    According to reports, the deceased student attackers had allegedly had his hair forcibly shaved after he was allegedly discovered in possession of the stolen cell phone.

    Timileyi’s death sparked outrage on social media with many Nigerians expressing shock, anger, and disbelief.

    Reacting in an Instagram post on Wednesday night, Olori Atuwase mourned the deceased, adding that she’s deeply pained that Timileyi’s star was snuffed out at the noon of his life.

    She further prayed for the family of the beveared that the Lord comforts them after the lost of their illustrious son.

    Sharing a video of Timileyi, Olori Atuwase wrote; “It is with great sadness that the Warri Kingdom mourns the passing of our son, Alex Timileyin, a 200-level engineering student at Ajayi Crowther University, on May 25th, 2024.

    “As a mother to the kingdom, it pains me deeply that such a bright star was snuffed out at the noon of his life. Alex was a dedicated student with a promising future; his loss is a profound blow to our family and kingdom.

    “As an advocate for education, who cares deeply about our children, it is even more painful that our educational system failed to keep him safe. This tragedy underscores the urgent need to ensure that our schools are safe and held accountable when they fail in their responsibility to protect our children.

    “My heart goes out to his parents and our extended family as we have lost an illustrious son. We pray that the LORD will comfort us by His Spirit.”

  • Pipelines surveillance contract: Leave Olu of Warri alone – Okotie Eboh

    Pipelines surveillance contract: Leave Olu of Warri alone – Okotie Eboh

    Niger Deltans have been charged to leave the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) out of the unwarranted controversy generated through the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations by a faceless and disgruntled group, Niger Delta State Stakeholders Forum, NDSF, against the revered royal father.

    The appeal was made in Warri, during the weekend by Prince Emma Okotie-Eboh a scion of Nigeria first finance Minister, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh.

    Prince Okotie -Eboh, ex-regent of Warri kingdom, business man and opinion leader in Warri Kingdom stated in a statement that “greed, lost of economic power, dwindling political and social influence coupled with stomach infrastructural exigencies” underlies the macabre dance of shame by the authors of allegations and misinformation dished out by the NDSF to the gullible public, charging all well meaning individuals to disregard the publication in its entirety.

    Prince Okotie-Eboh had noted that the royal father did not ascend the throne of Warri kingdom as a poor man, pointing out that those angling to drag his name into disrepute are pained that they can not manipulate or influence him unduly with their ill -gotten wealth and persist in riding roughshod on the entire itsekiri nation as they did with the immediate past monarch of blessed memory.

    According to him, the king has chains of businesses he presides over amongst which is Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria limited (PINL) that is not even in charge of the Trans-Forcados–Escravos Pipelines security project in Delta State.

    Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR is not in competition with High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo alias Tompolo in any pipeline security job. Every contractor has its sphere of operations and they have a cordial relationship.

    Morever NDSF do not award contract on behalf of the Federal Government or NNPC and are therefore not in any position to determine a performing or non performing contractor, wondering how the termination of a contract in which the Olu of Warri is one of the director translate into their selfish benefit?

    So how come they are so pained to alleged that the monarch is pocketing billions of Naira every month for doing nothing. He further pointed out that PINL doesn’t even control 80% of the entire surveillance job in the Niger Delta as alleged with mispresentation of fact.

    According to Okotie-Eboh while PINL is handling Rivers, Imo and parts of Bayelsa states, Tantita is handling Delta, Ondo and parts of Bayelsa states respectively and there are no area of conflict in job execution between the various contractors. So why is the faceless NDSF trying to ignite unnecessary chaos and create bad blood in a venture that does not concern them.

    The statement condemned the Itsekiri group for falsely disparaging their royal father in the social media for their self aggrandisement, busy-body and unbridled and wicked jealousy of the monarch.

    Okotie-Eboh commended the Ijaw youths Council World-wide, IYC, for scoring the olu of Warri high on execution of pipeline surveillance contract and for contributing massively towards curbing the menace of pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

    He said, the IYC through their President, Dr Alaye Theophilus had on behalf of the Ijaw nation in a statement debunked the NDSF statement that PINL was not doing well in the ijaw areas, noting that, “PINL over the years have shown diligence and professionalism in the conduct of its job in the region, saying that the Olu of Warri is a true son of the Niger Delta”.

    The IYC president who stated that the Olu of Warri is a well respected monarch in Nigeria, also charged persons still aggrieved with the emergence of the monarch not to cast aspersions on him but to have a re-think of their misguided actions.

    Okotie Eboh who said most royal fathers throughout the globe are into various businesses including King Charles of the United Kingdom, said all those against the Olu of Warri for being a business guru to thank God that they have such a versatile, vibrant, young and intelligent Prince as their royal father that all should be proud of even as he has so many itsekiri in his companies too and is not defaulting in payment of his employees or sub-contractors.

    The scion of the first finance Minister in Nigeria stated his persist calls on all those vultures who sat as a demi-god over the Commonwealth of the Itsekiri nation for many years to retrace their steps, seek forgiveness and fall back into line for their own good and that of their followers and generations yet unborn.

    He also express concern over the barefaced lies by NDSF against the Olu of Warri and rudely but unashamedly calling on President Bola Tinubu to look into the activities of PINL saying “Our president is knowledgeable and wise enough to read between the lines of the unpatriotic antics of the NDSF and their shenanigans”.

    He noted that those in the opposition of the Olu of Warri are few in the Itsekiri nation seeking for relevance but are fast fading into oblivion with their belligerents and sacrilegious actions.

    Its the height of their demented imagination for a group of misguided youths to think they can run the Itsekiri nation aground, an action that amounts to day-dreaming.

    They better wake up from their deep slumber. A time will come shortly when Itsekiri youths in their numbers will start attacking these miscreants anywhere they are found in the kingdom.

    Those that the gods will punish, they first make mad”, Okotie -Eboh, the former Chairman of Chief Great Oboru Campaign Council in the last Governorship election under APGA in Delta state posited.

    The PINL are doing very creditably well in their area of operations as attested to by the Ijaws working with the company and even commended His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll CFR. That alone has exposed members of the NDSF as being fraudulent in all their claims that is tainted with deep seated hatred, jealousy, envy and bad belle.

  • Gov Oborevwori vows to revitalise seaports in Delta

    Gov Oborevwori vows to revitalise seaports in Delta

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, said his administration would engage relevant Federal Government authorities for the revitalisation of all seaports in the state.

    Governor Oborevwori stated this when he received the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Atuwatse III, CFR, and his retinue of chiefs at Government House, Asaba.

    He commended the leadership quality of the Olu of Warri, describing him as a blessing to our generation.

    Oborevwori said; “I appreciate you for the love you have shown this administration. You have been very supportive and I appreciate you for coming here today to congratulate me. As a royal father, you prayed for all of us (Governorship candidates) and your prayer then was that God should give the state somebody that will move the state higher.

    “You blessed all of us but I was chosen and that’s the reason you are here today with all your people. Your Majesty, your leadership quality is something that we appreciate. You are a blessing to our generation.

    “This administration places a high premium on the role of traditional rulers in governance. This is because the royal fathers are the bridge between the people at the grassroot and the government.

    “Without the royal fathers, we can’t achieve peace in all our kingdoms. So, they are in charge of their kingdoms; that’s why we always go to them to seek their prayers and support.

    “Please, anything that we are doing as a government that you are not pleased with, don’t fail to correct us. My government is open to constructive criticism.

    “And if we are also doing very well, don’t fail to commend us. Constructive criticism is allowed everywhere in the world and Delta State would not be an exception. What we don’t like is blackmail.

    “Your Majesty, I have listened to your request. I promised during my inauguration that Warri will have a positive new face. I have gone round Warri and looked at some places with urgent attention; we are already working on that.

    “We are already working on a befitting stadium for Warri. As we speak, they are doing the design of the stadium because I don’t want a situation where we construct and after a few years, it will start having problems.

    “We also have challenge with the drains in that area; as we speak, phase 1 of the storm drainage has been completed by Levant, phase 2 is about 90 per cent completed and the last, which is the phase three, will soon be completed.

    “Without the storm drainage, if you construct any road in Warri, it will be washed away. I want to assure you that Warri will have a positive new face in Jesus name.” he said.

    On the controversy surrounding attempted renaming of parts of Warri, Governor Oborevwori cautioned proponents to maintain the existing peace in the oil city.

    “People talk about Warri; Warri today has expanded beyond the main town. Even today, people call Osubi, Warri. I don’t know why people want to make trouble.

    “Warri today is a general name. I am from Osubi but when you ask me where I am from, I will tell you Warri. So, Warri is Warri and nobody can change it.”

    On the ports, Governor Oborevwori said he was committed to engaging the Federal Government on the revitalisation of the ports in the state.

    “The Port is something that is key to the development of Delta state. Even without coming here to make a request, I will start engaging with the people at the national to see how all the Ports in Delta state will be rehabilitated.

    “If the Ports are rehabilitated, it will bring a lot of developments in the state. The issue of refinery, I know that as soon as they finish the maintenance of the refinery, it will come back to operation.”

    On the request for clean water in the riverine areas, Oborevwori said; “we actually need clean water. There is a project that is on going and your son is the Commissioner for Water Resources; I know he will brief me and he knows what to do. If he comes with the proposal, we will look into it”.

    He thanked the Warri Kingdom and the Itsekiri nation for their support for his election, adding that no ethnic nationality would be marginalised in his administration.

    “The Warri kingdom and the Itsekiri nation supported me during my election that’s why we did not lose in any of the local government areas in that area. That’s why you see that in this administration, we have four Commissioners and one Special Adviser from your area.” Governor Oborevwori stated.

    Earlier, the Olu of Warri, HRM Atuwatse III, CFR, said he led a delegation of the Itsekiri nation to congratulate the Governor on his victory at the Supreme Court.

    He appealed to the Governor to help site an institution of higher learning in Warri kingdom.

    The Monarch said: “The people have spoken; and now the courts have spoken. The same God who set you on this path, will continue to guide you and perfect what He has started. You have our support and prayers.

    “We also want to express our appreciation, for infrastructural developments in Warri axis. The roads, drainages, stadium, particularly the Ode-Itsekiri Road and bridges, Ugborodo phase 2 road which links Ugbegungun to Otumara).

    “While it is under the purview of the Federal Government, we request that you join our voice in encouraging the Federal Government to speedily move in the direction of rehabilitating the ports in Delta state and refinery in Warri.

    “Revitalising these ports would ease the plight of idleness and unemployment with our young able youths”.

    He appealed to the Governor to help conclude the water scheme, joint development between the state and Chevron, for the Olero and Dibi axis, stressing that potable water in the riverine area had always been an issue.

    “We need all the assistance we can get from the government to make access to potable water easier for our people in Tebu, Gbokoda, Ajametan, Udoh and Jakpa.”

    Former Governor of the State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and top government functionaries from the Itsekiri nation joined Governor Oborevwori in welcoming the Olu’s delegation.