2023: Ijaw Royal Fathers shower blessings, prayers on Omo-Agege; He assures Olu of Warri: I’ll restore lost glory of Warri when elected  

Ijaw traditional rulers in Delta State have offered royal blessings and prayers for the Deputy Senate President and Delta APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on his aspiration to govern the state.

The royal fathers under the aegis of Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, Delta State, also showered encomiums on Senator Omo-Agege for his impactful representation.

This is as Senator Omo-Agege, on Wednesday, promised to restore the lost glory of Warri if elected as governor in 2023.

He made the promise concerning Warri when he led members of the Delta APC Campaign Organisation to the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, Tsola Emiko, to intimate the royal father and his chiefs on his intention to run for governor in the state.

Speaking on Thursday when the Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, Delta State hosted the Deputy Senate President, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagua Kingdom and Chairman, Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, HRH King Dr. Joseph Timiyan praised Senator Omo-Agege for his strategic interventions within and outside his constituency, adding that he remains a shining light of the Urhobo nation.

Of note, he said the Federal Polytechnic Orogun and Nigerian Law School in Orogun would be of immense benefit to Ijaw students, as it would bring education closer to them.

Traditional rulers from over 10 Ijaw Kingdoms attended the event.

He said: “From your interventions in the Senate and in your constituency in particular, some of us will even think you are part of the Executive. Some of these are what the Executive is supposed to do for us. So, if you are elected as governor, we know you will do better.

“We will call on our God to choose the best for us. And this is the prayer we are going to offer to you. The almighty God will be behind you. The Ijaw gods will be behind you. Because the Ijaws also have their spirits behind them”.

He urged Omo-Agege to go round the Ijaw communities to have a first hand experience of what the people of oil-producing communities are going through.

“You will also see for yourself our production quantum from oil that is taking care of the nation. Go to all the Ijaw Kingdoms and campaign so that when you are on board you already have first-hand knowledge of what these people are lacking”, he added.

The royal blessings and prayers were offered by HRM Pere of Seinbiri Kingdom, Pere Charles Ayemibotu who blessed and wished him well.

Earlier, Senator Omo-Agege said the visit was to intimate the royal fathers with his governorship aspiration and seek their blessing.

He lamented the exclusion of the Ijaw nation from the list of newly-established state institutions by the Okowa administration, pointing out that it speaks to the exclusion and depravation suffered by Ijaws.

The APC Governorship Candidate revealed that he is already working with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to ensure that the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State gets proper funding from the agency just like it’s counterpart in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

He also promised to complete the Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu Local Government Area of the state.

“Other than the contribution by Governor James Ibori who constructed the Bomadi Bridge, no other major construction has been done by successive governments. We will change the narrative for the Ijaw people and give them a sense of belonging. They have been neglected for too long,” he said.

In an emotional speech, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and Director General of the APC Campaign Organisation, Elder Godsdey Orubebe, expressed delight that what he couldn’t achieve with his aspiration to become governor can now be achieved by Senator Omo-Agege.

Omo-Agege was accompanied by his running mate and Deputy Chairman of the APC campaign organisation, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi; the state party chairman, and Co-Chairman of the campaign organisation, Elder Omeni Sobotie; Director General and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsdey Orubebe; Deputy DG and Chief of Staff to the DSP, Dr Otive Igbuzor; Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Olorogun Ima Niboro; elder statesman, Chief Wellington Okrika; Director, Logistics and Protocol, Chris Oghenechowen, and his deputy, Mike Sikegba; Director, Elections and Strategy, Godwin Anaughe; Director, Contact and Mobilization, Barr. Bosin Ebikeme; Chief Dan Ekpebide; former Commissioner, Chief Chris Ekiyor; High Chief Michael Johnny; Coordinator, APC Delta South, Prince Yemi Emiko, APC leaders and other members of the campaign council.

While at the Palace of the Olu of Warri, Senator Omo-Agege also assured that oil-bearing communities would not suffer neglect if elected, adding that more funds from the 13 percent Derivation would be channeled into those areas.

He said: “I am fully equipped to render services as governor of the state. My previous political offices have made me familiar with the issues the state is facing.

“The development on ground in our dear state is not commensurate with what we have received. I will restore the lost glory of Warri Kingdom. The Warri we met, the Warri we grew up in, is far better than what we have now. We will create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Responding, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, lauded Omo-Agege for quality representation in lawmaking and oversight.

He harped on the need for political leaders to govern with the fear of God by keeping their campaign promises.

According to him, “If Nigeria wants to move forward, the Niger Delta must be developed”.