The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111 has honoured the Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu and some distinguished Itsekiri sons and daughters with the Royal Order of Iwere award.
The conferment, held on Saturday at the Olu’s palace was part of the weeklong activities lined up for the 3rd Coronation Anniversary of the Ogiame Atuwatse 111.
Ten illustrious sons and daughters of Warri kingdom received the prestigious award amid celebration at the palace auditorium.
In his remark, the royal father said that part of the essence of the award was to encourage the people to associate with their root.
He said that the Royal Iwere Society was introduced in 2022 to attract development to the Warri Kingdom.
“In Iwereland and like every other Africa society, only one person can be a king at a time. People hardly go to where the are celebrated.
“I appeal to our people to be glad, excited and associate with home, the place that dignifies us.
“This recognition will make the recipients to give their all and begin to build the Iwereland. Having money is good but been a Master of money is better.
“The award is not about celebrating people simply because of semblance of hard work and success but we are here to celebrate integrity and set good examples for our children and those yet unborn.
“This award is second to that of Chieftaincy conferment as I introduce you to the Royal Iwere Society. With this award, you have become an automatic member of the Royal Iwere Society,” he said
The monarch said that exhibition, lectures among others would come out of the Royal Iwere Society
Ogiame said that the Royal Iwere Society was opened to receive nomination from the Itsekiri sons and daughters and urged them indicate why their nominees should be selected for the prestigious award.
The king added that the award would not be restricted to the Itsekiri people alone.
“By this award, it will not be restricted solely to the Itsekiri people alone. Anyone one who comes to Warri either by birth, naturalisation, association or residency, such persons are qualified for nomination.
“Remember, three years ago, on our Coronation day, we proclaim that we do not have the intention to prosper in isolation,” he said
Aside, Amuka, other recipients were: former president of the Nigerian Football Federal, Mr Amaju Pinnick,, Mr Ade Mabo an entrepreneur, Mr Julius Rone, a business executive,
Others were: Mr Alfred Temile business executive, Dr Ajoritsedere Awosika, Chairman, International Foundation Against Infectious Disease in Nigeria,
Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Secretary (Upstream) NNPCL Master Eworitsewaremi Wilbert and Mr Misan Harriman.
However, Mr Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) and Mr Misan Harriman were not present to pick their award.
Responding, Mr Amuka thanked the royal father for the honour and prayed that his reign would continue to usher greater things to the Warri Kingdom.
On his part, Mr Pinnick thanked the monarch and appealed for stronger unity among the Itsekiri people.
Pinnick recalled how he was assisted by his kinsmen to become successful.
“Some Itsekiri people created the foundation for me and I have been able to impact on so many of our youth.
“So, let’s ensure unity and help one and another. Itsekiri is one people, one culture and one language. We are ordained as children of God,” he said.
Shortly, after the award, the king also received homage from different groups while the Siliki dance troupe from Sapele thrilled the audience.
Among those in attendance were dignitaries across the various works of life including the Labour Party governorship candidate in the Sept. 21st Governorship election in Edo State, Barrister Olumide Akpata.