Let’s turn our challenges to opportunities, Olu of Warri enjoins Itsekiri nation

Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has urged the Itsekiri nationals, home and in the diaspora, to strive to turn all the challenges confronting them into “opportunities for growth and advancement.”

Speaking during a thanksgiving service held at the Aghofen (palace) in Ajamimogha, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, to draw the curtain off the 10-day anniversary of his 5th Coronation, the monarch assured his subjects that the kingdom would “overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.”

He urged the people to “develop the right perspective to recognise opportunities even in difficult circumstances”, just as he prayed that God would give them “divine guidance in their socioeconomic endeavours.”

He declared, “It is my prayer that God grants all of us correct vision, so that we can correctly see the things that are before us, that our eyes will see correctly. So that when we see what looks like obstacles, we will understand that it is for us to overcome them and be elevated.

“The kingdom would not be overwhelmed by its challenges, which are opportunities for growth and advancement.

“We will never be swallowed by any obstacles that dare to put themselves before us. God has given those as stepping stones for us to rise. And as we put our faith in Him and put our eyes on Him, His glory will forever cover us.”

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Speaking further, the Olu of Warri attributed the progress recorded in the kingdom in the past five years to “God’s grace, mercy, protection and provision.”

He expressed gratitude for “the identity and destiny of the Itsekiri people” while also thanking God for the opportunity to lead the kingdom.

The monarch also expressed optimism about greater accomplishments in the next five years.

In his sermon at the service, Bishop Mike Laju described the thanksgiving as being of “spiritual magnitude” and urged the people to embrace thanksgiving as a way of recognising God’s role in their lives.

The cleric noted that the anniversary was more than a historical event, saying it held “prophetic” significance for the kingdom.

The Thanksgiving service featured gospel praise, worship and the rendition of hymns, predominantly in Itsekiri.