Ojoede Salutes Ogiame, Ataneru on Warri Peace Initiative

Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Political Matters, Dr Maurice Ojoede, has commended the renewed efforts by traditional rulers and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethnic communities in Warri and its environs.

Ojoede, a renowned business tycoon, founder of Omo Foundation and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Kinging Logistics and Automobiles Ltd, gave the commendation after witnessing the August peace initiative and the closing ceremony of the maiden Warri Unity Games at the Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, on Saturday.

He particularly commended the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, for the vision behind the Unity Games, describing the initiative as a significant platform for fostering friendship, understanding and peaceful coexistence among the people of Warri.

According to him, the games demonstrated the power of sports to bring people together, strengthen relationships and break down barriers among communities.

Ojoede also lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for supporting initiatives aimed at consolidating peace and unity in Warri, noting that the governor was represented at the closing ceremony by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari.

He said, “Sports can serve as a powerful bridge among diverse communities. It can break down imaginary barriers, promote understanding and create lasting bonds of friendship among people.”

Ojoede also commended the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, HRM King Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Ataneru Igbi II, for his inspiring peace speech and contributions to the peace initiative.

He said the participation of traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the Unity Games demonstrated a shared commitment to rebuilding trust and strengthening peaceful relations among the various communities in Warri.

According to him, the Unity Games provided an opportunity for participants and residents from different communities to interact beyond their ethnic and traditional boundaries, stressing that such engagements were essential for building trust and sustainable peace.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would become a sustained platform for strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence across Warri and its environs.

The business executive commended the traditional institutions, government, organisers, participating communities and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event.

The closing ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro; the Obi of Aboh Kingdom, HRM Dr Gregory Nnamdi Oputa III; Commissioner for Higher Education and representative of Governor Oborevwori, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari; the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR; Olori Atuwatse; and the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, HRM King Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Ataneru Igbi II.

Ojoede urged all stakeholders in Warri to sustain the momentum generated by the peace initiative and explore more avenues through which young people and communities could interact, collaborate and promote peaceful coexistence.