Itsekiri people in the United Kingdom adorned in their cultural attire, Saturday rolled out the drums to welcome His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, the Olu of Warri to a royal cultural display to the admiration of guests.
Olu of Warri in his bid to attract foreign direct investments from the diaspora was in London, United Kingdom, on Saturday.
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.
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The colourful event with the theme, ‘The Role of Diaspora Community in Strategic Health and Education Development in Rural Community,’ also had in attendance senior palace chiefs, and friends of the Itsekiris.
Different cultural troupes and associations took turns to perform as they presented gifts to the monarch and were received by Chief Brown Mene on behalf of the Olu of Warri.
At the event, the Olu of Warri was 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.
The Olu of Warri urged the Itsekiri people in the diaspora to bring to bear their expertise, connection and network to the development and economic advancement of Iwereland, adding that the unity behind the crown outweighs the 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 that the Itsekiri people must be focused. Let us not give in to sentiment.
“We welcome every single Itsekiri that has a heart; a desire to see the people fulfil their potential. As far as Itsekiris are concerned, Ogiame has no enemy, let us rid ourselves of made-up sentiment and unite,” he stated.
On his part, the President, Ugbajo Itsekiri UK, Mr Majebi Eyewuoma in his speech stressed the need for all Itsekiri people to be guided by the popular acronym PTAD, Progress, Transparency, Accountability and Development.