Written by: Our Reporter
The newly crowned Olu of Warri, HRM Utieyinoritsola Emiko Ogiame Atuwase III, has stressed that Nigeria will get things right when the Niger Delta region is made to function optimally.
The Mornach made the disclosure recently while receiving the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, in his Palace in Warri.
While declaring his support and that of his kingdom for the programs of President Muhammadu Buhari towards the development of the region, the king advocated for the optimal operations and functionality of seaports in the Niger Delta region.
“Nigeria will function properly only when the Niger Delta region has been made to function optimally, outside oil and gas exploration activities. The entire nation’s economy will blossom when seaports in the region are fully operational with good road networks and economic development”, said the 21st Olu of Warri.
He also stated that peace in the region was very important if development must come to the people, adding that top on the agenda in his palace is peace, unity and prosperity. “We will not visit old wounds and division. All that would be expected of us to make the economy work, we will do that”, the Monarch added.
Earlier, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, congratulated the monarch for the successful coronation ceremony and peaceful ascension to the throne of his forebears.
Akpabio who promised to work with the monarch as a son for the development of the Niger Delta region, also urged the monarch to continue his peace and unity agenda in the kingdom.
“I will work with you as the President’s representative to develop the region. I don’t want to be a guest in the palace. I am speaking as a son of the kingdom, who can come at anytime to discuss issues affecting the region.
“I know I must get directive from you as the Minister in charge of the Niger Delta region, on what and what should be done for the people of your kingdom. Our job is to support you to succeed as the Olu through provision of infrastructure and other needs. Work on the abandoned Okorie Road, I can assure you, will commence in September this year,” Akpabio added.
