Monarch says Warri must learn from past conflicts and “rise better than before”
By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has thrown his weight behind renewed efforts to promote peace, unity and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethnic communities in Warri and its environs.
The governor spoke through the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, at the closing ceremony of the maiden Warri Unity Games held at the Federal Government College (FGC), Warri.
Representing the governor at the event, Tonukari conveyed Oborevwori’s warm regards to the organisers and participants, explaining that the governor could not attend personally because of pressing official engagements.
Oborevwori described sports as a powerful instrument for strengthening relationships, promoting understanding and fostering sustainable peace among communities.
He commended the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, for initiating the Unity Games, saying the sporting festival had created an avenue for people from different communities to interact, compete and build lasting bonds of friendship.
According to the governor, the Delta State Government believes sports can serve as a bridge among diverse communities by breaking down imaginary barriers and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
“On behalf of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State Government, I declare our absolute and resolute support for every community-driven initiative that enhances youth empowerment, cultural preservation and peaceful coexistence.”
The governor urged athletes and spectators to uphold discipline, fair play and mutual respect, expressing optimism that the friendships created through the games would contribute to a more united and prosperous Warri and Delta State.
Monarch Backs ‘Total Reconciliation’
Also speaking, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Ataneru Igbi II, commended the Olu of Warri for initiating the sporting festival.
He described the Unity Games as a significant opportunity for reconciliation and renewed unity among the people of Warri.
The monarch urged residents to sustain the peace initiative beyond the sporting arena and appealed to those engaging in insults and inflammatory exchanges on social media to desist.
Reflecting on his personal experience growing up in Warri, the monarch said the historical relationship between Urhobos and Itsekiris demonstrated the deep connections that existed among the communities.
“I grew up in Ekpen Street and I used to say I am an Okere man because there was no difference between Urhobos and Itsekiris. In fact, I spoke Itsekiri more than Urhobo.”
He appealed to the people to use the Unity Games as an opportunity for “total reconciliation,” stressing that intermarriages and longstanding family ties had made the various communities inseparable.
Olu Atuwatse III: Warri Must Learn From Its Past
In his address, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, said the Warri Unity Games were conceived to demonstrate that residents of the area had more in common than what separated them.
The monarch announced that the Unity Games would henceforth form part of activities marking his coronation anniversary, with the first Saturday of the anniversary celebration week dedicated to promoting unity among all those who call Warri home.
According to him, the initiative was inspired by the need to learn from painful experiences of the past and prevent history from repeating itself.
Reflecting on the early 1990s, the Olu recalled how an occasion that was intended to celebrate the coronation anniversary of his predecessor, Ogiame Atuwatse II, degenerated into conflict and violence, leaving consequences from which Warri had yet to fully recover.
The monarch also recalled Warri’s unrealised potential as a major national cultural tourism destination through its carnival, long before the emergence of the popular Calabar Carnival.
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He expressed optimism that the renewed peace initiative could help reposition Warri and restore its place as a centre of unity, culture and development.
“Warri desires to rise again, and to rise better than before,” the monarch declared.
He stressed that the Unity Games were designed to help the people take charge of their future rather than allow past conflicts to dictate the direction of the city and its surrounding communities.
The maiden Warri Unity Games therefore ended not only as a sporting event but also as a renewed call for peace, reconciliation and stronger relationships among the diverse communities that make up Warri.