The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lll, has said that the Royal Order of Iwere Award (ROI) is not only conferred on worthy sons and daughters of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.
He recently revealed that the award is also bestowed on Nigerians with integrity who have contributed significantly to the upliftment and growth of humanity.
Speaking during the conferment of the prestigious title on seven illustrious sons and daughters of the kingdom at Aghofen, his palace, the Olu of Warri disclosed that they are worthy of celebration.
The awardees were Papa Ayodele J. Oritsejafor, Dr Ebi Omatsola, Mr Oti Ikomi, Dr (Mrs.) Helen Bayo-Ekwueme, Mrs Eva Omaghomi, Mrs Tara Fela-Durotoye and Hon. Godwin T. Ebosa.
According to him, the awardees deserve the revered title for their integrity and uprightness, as opposed to the general habit of celebrating people because of their wealth and affluence.
“This is not about celebrating people simply because they have money or they have achieved the same plans of outward success. We are neither here to judge nor condemn how anyone conducts their personal business. But we are here to amplify and celebrate integrity,” he said.
Stressing that several Itsekiri sons and daughters prefer to be abroad because they are not celebrated at home, he declared that the Warri kingdom would ensure it does the needful henceforth.
He stated that in a world that constantly celebrates people because of their wealth, the common man, who lives a life of integrity, shouldn’t be ignored.
“Being the proud people that we have been, there have been many who have resentment and ill feelings, as they have not felt appreciated or celebrated by their own people, for all that they have achieved. People happily go to where they are celebrated and honoured,” Olu of Warri said.
The monarch further urged sons and daughters of the kingdom to be joyous whenever they are invited home to be celebrated, emphasising that they should cherish the opportunity to contribute their own quota to the development of Iwere.
“Part of what we set to achieve with these awards are cultural environment and values such as education: formal or informal, hard work, industry, value creation and solutions to society’s problems,” he added.
Congratulating the awardees for the recognition, he charged them to keep up the good work that made them eligible for the title.
Reacting, the awardees appreciated Ogiame Atuwatse lll for the honour, pledging to be great ambassadors of the kingdom.
