BY RITA OYIBOKA
THIRTY years of shaping history, promoting unity, and supporting grassroots journalism is no small feat. And while The Pointer Newspaper wears the hat of this achievement, it celebrates another writer, but not the newsroom kind, a leader who has written inspiring chapters of progress and peace in three years of his reign, the Olu of Warri.
As the wise say, when a king dances well, the drums must beat louder. On October 28, 2024, The Pointer Newspaper, a flagship of the Delta Printing and Publishing Company (DPPC) will not only play the role of drummers but up the tempo with a Service to Humanity Award for the traditional king of the Kingdom of Warri in Delta State, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III (the Olu of Warri).
Three years have swiftly passed since he took the throne, a period marked by transformation and a profound connection to both history and modernity. His reign is defined by vision, adept leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Iwere land and Nigeria as a whole.
From day one, Ogiame Atuwatse III proclaimed that his reign would be divinely inspired. He echoed this sentiment in his first-anniversary speech, reflecting on God’s role in his ascension: “There is no part of this that has been of my own doing; it was and remains God’s divine project.”
This strong sense of divine purpose has become the bedrock of his leadership philosophy, positioning the Warri kingdom for unprecedented growth and prosperity.
In commemorating his first anniversary, he honored his predecessor, Ogiame Ikenwoli, acknowledging the ancestral guidance that propels Iwere land forward. This connection to history serves not merely as a nostalgic nod but as a vital reminder that the triumphs and challenges of the past significantly inform present decisions.
Central to his leadership is a commitment to education and the empowerment of the Warri people. Through the Royal Iwere Foundation, the humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy, Ogiame has spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing educational quality in the South-South region.
One such initiative, the Teachers’ Training Programme, equips early childhood educators with modern techniques for effective classroom delivery. This masterclass, conducted in August 2024, aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
The Teachers’ Training Programme exemplifies how Ogiame Atuwatse III has leveraged partnerships to bring development to his kingdom. In 2023, the Warri kingdom entered into a partnership with Tampere City in Finland, fostering cooperation in education, digital transformation, and regional development. The signed Memorandum of Understanding marks a groundbreaking step in promoting knowledge transfer and capacity building, essential components for the kingdom’s growth.
Furthermore, Ogiame Atuwatse III has placed a strong emphasis on empowering youth. Recognizing that the future of the Warri kingdom rests with its younger generation, he consistently urges the Niger Delta youth to look beyond oil and gas, channeling their energy into endeavors that create lasting value.
“We must look beyond oil and gas and channel our energy in the right directions towards endeavors that will result in added value across the board,” he said during his first year on the throne.
In addition to youth empowerment, Ogiame has placed significant emphasis on the role of women in developing Iwereland. His commitment to honoring and supporting women is evident in his words: “We will ensure that our women, both old and young, are honored and respected, not only by word but in actual cultural practice.” This pledge is backed by action, with the Royal Iwere Foundation actively empowering women through various initiatives, acknowledging their crucial contributions to the kingdom’s progress.
Ogiame Atuwatse III has effectively leveraged his platform to strengthen diplomatic ties with various countries, advancing the kingdom’s development agenda. His collaboration with Finland serves as evidence of his commitment to forging international partnerships that yield tangible benefits for his people. These diplomatic efforts align with the Delta State government’s MORE Agenda, which seeks to position the state as a prime investment destination.
In an effort towards development, the monarch called on Itsekiri indigenes, both at home and abroad, to “return home and develop their ancestral communities.” Similarly, he banned the collection of development fees, known as “deve” levies, across Itsekiri communities.
Ogiame Atuwatse III’s leadership has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. His Royal Majesty and Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, have both been honored with the 2024 Most Influential 100 Hall of Fame award in New York. This recognition, backed by the United Nations, acknowledges their social impact and supports their initiative on the International Decade of People of African descent.
He has received the Leadership and Community Development award at the 14th African Achievers Awards (AAA), held at the Parliament House in the United Kingdom.
To sweeten this royal cake even further, within just two years of his ascension, the Federal government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022 bestowed upon him the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). This honour cemented his role as a driving force for progress.
The Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also lauded the Olu of Warri for his outstanding efforts in attracting investments to the state, calling him a true bridge-builder who extends a hand of fellowship to other kingdoms. It’s clear that this monarch doesn’t just rule; he elevates everyone around him.
Oborevwori described Ogiame as a “great image maker” and a “marketer of Warri kingdom and Delta State to the world,” commending his diplomatic outreach and bilateral partnerships.
The Royal Father’s vision extends far beyond the borders of his kingdom, his heart beats for the entire African continent. Time and again, he has urged African nations to unite and collaborate, not only to overcome historical injustices but to ignite economic growth across their lands.
At the recent Kings’ Banquet in Abuja, he delivered a powerful message: “Africa is perfection: perfect weather, perfect soil, perfect geographical location,” he declared. “As our minds rise to leverage these blessings, we will dominate the world. The time is now; the day is here. God’s promise for this continent has long awaited fulfillment, and now, the king has spoken. Tonight, we bury the outdated elements that no longer serve our vision and embrace the new with gladness, gratitude, and thanksgiving.”
With his stirring words, the Royal Father calls for a new era, one where Africa takes its rightful place on the global stage, guided by unity, purpose, and the power of its untapped potential.
But it’s not just Presidents, Governors, and international bodies singing his praises for his strides in progress. Amidst economic challenges, a coalition of Itsekiri pressure groups has highlighted several strategies implemented by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, aimed at easing the economic hardships faced by the Itsekiri people.
This coalition, which includes HOSTCOM Itsekiri Chapter, Children of Drivers and Fishermen Association (CODAFA), Itsekiri Youth for Good Governance, and others, released a statement detailing initiatives such as providing resources to those in need, awarding scholarships, fostering intellectual growth among the youth, and offering free essential healthcare services.
In their joint statement, the coalition expressed deep gratitude for His Majesty’s timely intervention through the Itsekiri Empowerment Initiative. They acknowledged, “His Majesty’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of his people is truly commendable, demonstrating responsible and compassionate leadership.”
His philanthropic endeavors have provided essential aid and resources to those in need, addressing critical issues while fostering a sense of unity and strength within the region. The coalition praised the provision of scholarships to the sons and daughters of Warri Kingdom as a profound testament to His Majesty’s commitment to the welfare and advancement
While the Olu of Warri, continues to script his remarkable legacy, it’s clear that his reign transcends the traditional role of a monarch. He is a visionary leader, a bridge between the past and the future, and a beacon of hope and prosperity for his people.
His commitment to education, empowerment, and diplomacy has not only uplifted Warri but also carved a path for the entire region, state, and nation to follow.
Wise men say that “A crown is not made in a day,” and neither is a legacy. Ogiame Atuwatse III’s reign is a reminder that leadership when rooted in purpose, can transcend challenges and create lasting change.
As the Warri kingdom continues its journey under his guidance, there is no doubt that the next chapters in its history will be marked by continued growth, unity, and prosperity.
