*Monarch seeks development of Iwere land
Emameh Gabriel in Abuja
The people of Itsekiris in the United Kingdom at the weekend rolled out the drums to welcome His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, the Olu of Warri to a royal cultural display to the admiration of guests.
The Olu of Warri in his effort to attract foreign direct investment from diaspora, urged his people to begin to invest their human and capital resources to attract development to Iwere land.
The monarch was hosted at the Ugbajo Itsekiri UK 10th Gala and Charity Nite held at the Brent Civic Centre, Wembley, United Kingdom.
The colourful event with the theme, “The Role of Diaspora Community in Strategic Health and Education Development in Rural Community,” also had the attendance of senior palace chiefs, friends of the Itsekiris, with different cultural troupe and associations who took turn to display their cultural heritage.
The occasion also offered well-wishers the opportunity to present gift to the monarch which was received by Chief Brown Mene on behalf of His Majesty
In his remark, the Olu of Warri, who was flanked by his wife, the Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Her Highness, Olori Atuwatse III and Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Brown Mene and other Palace chiefs, urged Itsekiris in diaspora to bring to bear their expertise, connection and network to the development and economic advancement of Iwereland, adding that the unity behind the crown outweighs distraction of the few.
He said: “I know it has been interesting in the last two years and God is definitely in the midst of us and is guiding us. I want to say Itshekiri must be focused, let us not give in to sentiment.
“We welcome every single Itsekiris that has a heart; a desire to see the people fulfil their potentials. As far as Itsekiris is concern, Ogiame has no enemy. Let us rid ourselves of made up sentiment and unite.”
On his part, the President, Ugbajo Itsekiri UK, Mr. Majebi Eyewuoma, in his speech stressed the need for all Itsekiri to be guided by the popular acronym PTAD, Progress, Transparency, Accountability and Development.
