By Samuel Ogude
As Peace Cup competition which forms part of the activities marking the 2nd Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III begins in Yonwuren College in Ugbuwangue Community, Warri South Local Government Area, the Delta South Senatorial candidate on the platform of New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP) in 2023 general elections, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama(Rtd) has sued for peace in the various tribes in Warri South.
Commodore Nesiama who was Chairman of the ceremony, urged the two teams: Itsekiri National Youth Council( INYC) and the Ugbuwangue Community Football to play the match with love.
His words:”This is what would bring about the much desired peace, unity and development to the towns and cities.”
Commodore Nesiama who was represented by an Assistant Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC Warri Office,Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone said as a sports administrator and a World Athletics licensed Manager, he would encourage efforts that promote sports development either from the government, groups, or individuals.
Commodore Nesiama said:“I see it as a worthy venture to both celebrate the 2nd Anniversary Coronation of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III and to encourage the promotion of peace among the ethnic nationalities in and around the Warri Kingdom. I would soon be liaising with the organisers of this event on how we can make it a lot bigger while also involving other sports like Athletics where I have a lot more stake nationally and internationally.”
He used the medium to congratulate the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse III as he celebrated second coronation anniversary on the throne especially for the giant strides he has made and still making to bring about peace and human capital development in the state in particular and country at large and therefore prayed for his long and successful reign.
In an interview, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse III called on the people of Warri to be united in everything they do.
The revered Monarch who was represented by Chief Gabriel Awala, the Uwangue of Warri Kingdom said , Warri had never been divided the way it is at the moment.
Chief Awala who was flanked by Chief Patrick Yalaju said:” In those days of Warri, nobody knows who is an Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo and all that..”
He also used the medium to encourage the youths to sustain the Peace Cup which is aimed at uniting the people of the different tribes in Warri.
The football match which lasted for one hour, thirty minutes saw the Itsekiri National Youth Council(INYC) football team defeating their counterpart, Ugbuwangue Community 3-2 amidst cheers.
Present at the event were Alhaji Zuberu Mohammed Tajudeen, Etsu-Nupe of Warri and its environs, Bishop Agbolaya of the African Church, Warri,Comrade Ejoh Dimas, Chairman, Delta State Referee Council and the Commandant, NDA Security/Lions of Iwere Nation’s Security, Warri, Yuppy Inspector.