The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has thanked God for five years of what he described as grace, mercy, protection and provision, while seeking divine guidance for the next phase of his reign.
The monarch spoke on Sunday during a Thanksgiving Service at the King’s Dominion and the Olu of Warri Palace, marking the climax of activities commemorating his fifth coronation anniversary.
The 10-day celebration, themed “Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,” brought together Itsekiri sons and daughters from Nigeria and the diaspora, alongside political leaders, traditional rulers and business figures.
The palace was filled with worshippers dressed in colourful traditional attire as they offered prayers, praises and thanksgiving to God.
Reflecting on the past five years, Atuwatse said the achievements recorded during his reign were a result of divine intervention. “We thank God for five years of grace, His mercy, protection, provision and His tangible presence in our midst.”
“I want to thank Him in advance for the next five years. Every single thing we have seen in these last five years is the Lord’s doing as we have surrendered ourselves to Him, the Lord will give us all correct visions so that we can see what is ahead of us.”
He also expressed optimism that challenges ahead would ultimately produce greater opportunities for the Itsekiri people. “Any obstacle that will show itself before us will be a stepping stone to more glory, Thank you, Lord, for giving us this unique identity.”
The thanksgiving service on August 23 concluded the anniversary programme, which centred on cultural renewal, unity and the monarch’s vision for the Itsekiri people and wider society.
In his sermon, Bishop Mike Laju described the occasion as a significant spiritual gathering and linked the monarch’s reign to what he described as an abundance of grace for the Itsekiri nation.
Drawing from Psalm 69:30, Isaiah 10:15 and Colossians 1:12, Laju said thanksgiving required an appreciation of what God had given to individuals and communities.
“Ogiame, whom the heavens have raised to bring forth an abundance of grace to the Itsekiri Nation,” he said.
“The water that comes from this throne is good news to all of us. This thanksgiving is one of spiritual magnitude. The potency of spiritual things. A thankful person is a thoughtful person. It takes a person of light to understand thanksgiving.”
The bishop urged the congregation to appreciate God’s blessings, substance and protection rather than taking them for granted.
“Thanksgiving is a deep-seated appreciation for the things God has done,” he said. “What you take for granted means a lot to some persons.
“We must thank God for His substance and protection. We should give thanks always. We need to give thanks to God even when we have so little.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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