You Have Re-invented Nigeria Before the World, Fayemi Tells Olu of Warri

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi yesterday commended the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III for reinventing Nigeria in the eyes of the world with his inspiring speech during his coronation.
Fayemi made this remark during a courtesy visit to the monarch in his palace in Warri, Delta State, saying the ascension of Ogiame Atuwatse III was a sign of possibilities for the country.

According to him, we know that it is a sign of what is ahead of us, a sign of the possibilities in our nation. It is a sign that whatever the challenges are – we may be going through the valleys, hills, the meandering lines – what is clear is that this nation is on the path to positive development.

He, therefore, said: “It is my pleasure and delight to be here before you. You have received over the last two weeks, some individual visits from some of our members notably the governors of Kebbi and Delta States have been here for the thanksgiving.

“All over the world, we have been enthused and honoured as a people. You have re-invented Nigeria in the eyes of the world. For those of us who are Omoluabi from the roots, we thank God for your coronation. It was most organised.”

“Your ascension is not just an indication of a positive development to happen in the kingdom, it is a positive signal that the best is yet to come in our country. In your reign, all our losses, pride of place as a country will be restored. The peace, the prosperity, development we are all yearning for as a people will come upon us.”

“The insecurity in the land will become a thing of the past. We know that this is history in the making. You are not just destined to play this critical role. This is God ordained

“On behalf of all my colleagues that have sent me here even after I spoke on the phone with Your Majesty, I want to reassure you that we will cooperate with this kingdom in whatever way you want us to work with your stool, right from our colleague in Delta State.

“Just call on us, we will support you and do whatever is necessary for this country to progress and this kingdom is respected among the committees of kingdoms in the country.”

“In Ekiti, royalty is very important. As Yoruba people with very strong links to the Itsekiri, we see this as our own celebrations. And I pray that this time will be good times, God has earmarked this kingdom for great good that will spread across the country. And your time shall be remembered for the positive in many ways,” he prayed.

Ogiame, Atuwatse III, thanked Governor Fayemi for the honour and insights, adding that his speech was actually primarily directed to the Itsekiri nation.

He said: “We pray for peace in the Warri kingdom. When we wrote our speech for the coronation, we focused on Itsekiri. I said this thing God has done, I humbly submit myself in the service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We said we were going to redefine the roles of the Olu of Warri. When we put our heads together with the government, the legislators to come up with creative ways to build our people from the grassroots, our women, we want to help the people. We want to create services that will improve not just the Warri kingdom, but the country.”