HRH Ogiame Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko

Okafor Ofiebor/Warri

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, has inaugurated the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Patricia Utuedon Arawore, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor and others as Advisory Council members with a mandate to formulate policies that will enhance the development of the Iwere land and its people.

The inauguration which was held at the Palace of the Olu of Warri on Saturday was witnessed by prominent chiefs in Itsekiri land.

The 26-member Advisory Council include: Chief Yahaya Pessu, The Ojomo of Warri Kingdom, Chief Isaac O. Jemide, the Ikeri of Warri Kingdom, Chief Brown Mene, the Ogwa-Olusan of Warri Kingdom, Chief Francis Omatseye, the Edigbe of Warri Kingdom, Charles Ajuya (SAN), Chief Ayiri Emami and others.

In his welcome address, the Olu of Warri said that his vision for the Itsekiri nation is to have a strong united Itsekiri that will be in peaceful existence with its niegbhours, adding that he wants to develop a ten year master plan for the Iwere land.

The Itsekiri monarch added that harnessing human resources in Iwere land for sustainable development, initiating a template for partnering with Oil companies and other entities for sustainable development were some of his vision for the Itsekiri people. 

He said that “Identifying and placing Itsekiri qualified sons and daughters in strategic position both in and outside government and defining all possible sources of funding and financing projects in his communities,” will enhance the development of his people.

The Warri Monarch therefore, charged the newly inaugurated Advisory Council to give advice on issues that are trending in the state or nation, formulate conflict resolution strategies, develop and update a data bank of qualified Itsekiris in readiness for placement.

He also expected the advisory council to ensure that the Itsekiri nation has a national purse, run professionally for financing palace activities and other programs, projects and also set up an archive/library/museum for the Itsekiri nation.

Ogiame Ikenwoli told the council to expand the scope of their works, elect an executive secretary from amongst themselves and develop a proper template for council matters and activities.