Itsekiris in the United Kingdom adorned in their cultural attire Saturday rolled out the drums to welcome His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, to a royal cultural display to the admiration of guests.
The occasion was the Ugbajo Itsekiri UK 10th Gala and Charity Nite held at the Brent Civic Centre, Engineer Way Wembley Park, Wembley, United Kingdom.
The colourful event which had the theme, “The Role of Diaspora Community in Strategic Health and Education Development in Rural Community” also had the attendance of senior palace chiefs and friends of the Itsekiris as different cultural troupes and associations took turns to perform as they present gifts to the monarch, which were received by Chief Brown Mene on behalf of His Majesty.
The Olu of Warri, flanked by his wife, the Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Her Highness, Olori Atuwatse III; Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Brown Mene and other Palace chiefs, in his brief remarks, urged Itsekiris in the diaspora to bring to bear their expertise, connections and network to the development and economic advancement of Iwereland, adding that the unity behind the crown outweighs distraction of the few.
“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 its potential. As far as Itsekiris is concerned, Ogiame has no enemy, let us rid ourselves of made-up sentiment and unite,” the monarch stated.
On his part, the President, Ugbajo Itsekiri UK, Mr Majebi Eyewuoma, in his speech, stressed the need for all Itsekiris to be guided by the popular acronym PTAD – Progress, Transparency, Accountability and Development.