Olu of Warri honours Amuka, Pinnick, others at 3rd coronation anniversary

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 has honoured the Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu and some distinguished Itsekiri sons and daughters with the Royal Order of Iwere award.

The conferment ceremony, held on Saturday at the Olu’s palace, was part of the weeklong activities lined up for the 3rd Coronation Anniversary of the Ogiame Atuwatse 111.

Ten illustrious sons and daughters of Warri kingdom received the prestigious awards amid celebration at the palace auditorium.

In his remark, the royal father said that part of the essence of the award was to encourage the people to associate with their root.

He said that the Royal Iwere Society was introduced in 2022 to attract development to the Warri Kingdom.

“In Iwereland and like every other Africa society, only one person can be a king at a time. People hardly go to where they are not celebrated.

“I appeal to our people to be glad, excited and associate with home, the place that dignifies us.

“This recognition will make the recipients to give their all and begin to build Iwereland. Having money is good but being a Master of money is better.

“The award is not about celebrating people simply because of semblance of hard work and success but we are here to celebrate integrity and to set good examples for our children and those yet unborn.

“This award is second to that of Chieftaincy conferment as I introduce you to the Royal Iwere Society. With this award, you have become an automatic member of the Royal Iwere Society,” he said

The monarch said that exhibition, lectures among others would come out of the Royal Iwere Society.

Ogiame said that the Royal Iwere Society was open to receive nominations from Itsekiri sons and daughters and urged them to indicate why their nominees should be selected for the prestigious award.

The king added that the award would not be restricted to the Itsekiri people alone.

“This award will not be restricted solely to the Itsekiri people alone. Anyone one who comes from Warri either by birth, naturalisation, association or residency, such persons are qualified for nomination.

“Remember, three years ago, on our Coronation day, we proclaimed that we do not have the intention to prosper in isolation,” he said

Aside Amuka, other recipients were: former president of the Nigerian Football Federal (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick,, Mr. Ade Mabo an entrepreneur and Mr. Julius Rone, a business executive,

Others were: Mr. Alfred Temile, a business executive, Dr Ajoritsedere Awosika, Chairman, International Foundation Against Infectious Diseases in Nigeria, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President, Upstream at NNPC Ltd (Upstream), Mr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB), Master Eworitsewaremi Wilbert and Mr. Misan Harriman.

However, Mr. Ogbe, Executive Secretary, NCDMB and Mr. Harriman were not present to pick up their awards.

Responding, Mr. Amuka thanked the royal father for the honour and prayed that his reign would continue to usher in greater things to the Warri Kingdom.

On his part, Mr. Pinnick thanked the monarch and appealed for stronger unity among the Itsekiri people.

Pinnick recalled how he was assisted by his kinsmen to become successful.

“Some Itsekiri people created the foundation for me and I have been able to impact so many of our youth.

“So, let’s ensure unity and help one and another. Itsekiri is one people, one culture and one language. We are ordained as children of God,” he said.

Shortly, after the award, the king also received homage from different groups while the Siliki dance troupe from Sapele thrilled the audience.

Among those in attendance were dignitaries from various walks of life, including the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the September 21st Governorship election in Edo State, Barrister Olumide Akpata.