By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has outlined a bold vision for the Itsekiri nation, declaring that culture, language, and unity must be safeguarded if the kingdom is to thrive in the years ahead.
In an exclusive interview at his palace to mark his 4th coronation anniversary, the monarch described his reign so far as “a daily walk of grace,” noting that the challenges of the throne have only strengthened his resolve.
“Smooth seas do not make good sailors. We are a people of the water — the throne is not meant to be easy. But God has not brought us this far to drown us,” he said.
Ogiame Atuwatse III stressed that the heart of kingship is unity.
“Every king looks forward to a unified house. The king’s dominion is not about control but about benevolence and vision,” he explained.
On the threat to indigenous languages, he warned that globalization is eroding cultural identity.
“We are seeing the gradual decline of our languages across Africa. If we don’t act, we will lose a core part of who we are. This generation must see that culture and tradition are cool,” he declared.
He urged parents, leaders, and institutions to create incentives for children to embrace the Itsekiri language and heritage, insisting that cultural identity should be celebrated, not sidelined.
The monarch clarified that the newly launched Itsekiri Trust Fund is designed to secure long-term development — not quick handouts.
“This is not palliative. It is not about sharing money. Too often, we eat the seed instead of planting it. This Fund is about sowing, nurturing, and harvesting for the benefit of generations,” he emphasized.
Ogiame Atuwatse III challenged Nigerian youths to embrace storytelling and media as tools to reshape global narratives about culture.
He pointed to Japan, Thailand, and the Middle East as examples of nations where tradition thrives alongside cutting-edge innovation.
“Tradition is not backward. It is identity. It is power. And it can exist side by side with technology and progress,” he said.
Reflecting on his four years on the throne, the Olu said each day is taken “one step at a time, under God’s guidance.”
“The storms may come, but the greater the storm, the greater the glory,” he affirmed.
As his reign enters its fifth year, the message from Warri’s royal palace is clear: patience, unity, cultural pride, and visionary leadership will chart the Itsekiri nation’s path to the future.