By Samuel Ogude
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll has prayed God Almighty to bestow His glory on Itsekiri Nation for the desired accelerated progress.The Royal father made this known at the thanksgiving service held at the Aghofen, his palace in Warri, Delta State to round off the week long fourth Coronation Anniversary celebration.
According to him, if the kingdom was able to celebrate his fourth year on the throne of his fore bearers, he was very optimistic that, the kingdom would be able to celebrate the fifth coronation anniversary and more years ahead. He said, the kingdom is not in the hands of man but of God, without whom, going by the seen and unseen battles, it would have been a different story altogether. His words:” The affairs of this kingdom remains firmly in your(God) hands. Thank you for the battle we have seen,the battle that we did not even know going on but you have been there. Continue to demonstrate to the whole world that you reign in the affairs of this kingdom”.
According to the Monarch,. as a people, the grace of God would continue to rest on them and the people would for ever give thanks and praises to Him. His words:” In every aspect of this kingdom, in every aspect of our existence as a people, we shall see His Mighty hand and grace upon us and we shall ever give Him praises,. all the gratitude..”He therefore prayed God to continue to protect lwere and the people for them to move to the next level.
In his address, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori thanked God for His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lll to have been able to celebrate his fourth Coronation Anniversary on the throne of his fore bearers. According to him, the reign of the Monarch has brought blessings to the Itsekiris in particular and Delta State in general adding that, since the past four years the King was on the throne, he has shown that he is truly a unifying factor among his people.His words:” Your Majesty, in just four years, you have proven yourself as bridge builder and a true champion of sustainable developer“.
Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu said, under the Olu of Warri, Warri has witnessed a rebirth in the area of culture and tradition among the people, all to the glory of God. He said, the people rejoice as a result of the Monarch’s love and peaceful disposition which he has exhibited in the kingdom that has placed them on high pedestal of life. According to Governor Oborevwori, the way the Royal Majesty dedicates himself to the service of God, there was not way he would not have succeeded in rulership of Iwere land. His words:” Indeed, your people rejoice because you have brought peace,.love,unity and refreshing new spirit and focus in the land. This thanksgiving service testifies to your covenant with God as you always return glory to Him”.
Governor Oborevwori therefore charged all sons and daughters of the kingdom to emulate the Monarch by uniting and upholding the values of work, respect and service to God and humanity.Governor Oborevwori prayed God to bless the King with more wisdom to lead the people alright. His words:” May God continue to bless you with wisdom, strength, long life to keep leading your people in peace and prosperity.”
The programme which its sermon of the day titled ” Unlimited God” was preached by Rev. Apostle Gideon Orighoye Shyllon that emphasized the need to worship God Almighty, featured music rendition by Iwere Praise and Royal Iwere choir, dances, prayers, among others- all to the glory of God.