Warri Unity Games: Oborevwori Renews Calls for Peace, Reconciliation Among Warri Communities

The Delta State Government and traditional rulers in Warri have renewed calls for peace, unity and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethnic communities in Warri and its environs.

The call was made during the closing ceremony of the maiden Warri Unity Games held at the Federal Government College (FGC), Warri, where the initiative was hailed as a platform for rebuilding relationships and strengthening unity through sports.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, commended the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, for initiating the Unity Games.

Tonukari conveyed the governor’s warm regards and said Oborevwori regretted his inability to attend the ceremony personally due to official engagements.

According to the governor, sports remain a powerful tool for bringing people together, breaking down barriers and building lasting relationships among communities.

He reaffirmed the Delta State Government’s support for community-driven initiatives aimed at promoting youth empowerment, cultural preservation, peace and peaceful coexistence.

“On behalf of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Delta State Government, I declare our absolute and resolute support for every community-driven initiative that enhances youth empowerment, cultural preservation and peaceful coexistence,” Tonukari said.

He urged athletes and spectators who participated in the games to sustain the spirit of discipline, fair play and mutual respect beyond the sporting arena.

Tonukari expressed optimism that the friendships created through the competition would contribute to a more united and prosperous Warri and Delta State.

Traditional ruler calls for total reconciliation

The Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Ataneru Igbi II, also commended the Olu of Warri for introducing the sporting festival.

He described the Unity Games as an important opportunity for reconciliation and renewed unity among the people of Warri.

The monarch urged residents to build on the peace fostered by the competition and warned against inflammatory exchanges, insults and divisive comments on social media.

Reflecting on his personal experience growing up in Warri, King Emakpo said the relationships among the various communities had historically been close.

“I grew up in Ekpen Street and I used to say I am an Okere man because there was no difference between Urhobos and Itsekiris. In fact, I spoke Itsekiri more than Urhobo,” he said.

He called on the people to use the opportunity provided by the Unity Games to pursue “total reconciliation”, stressing that intermarriages and longstanding family ties had made the communities inseparable.

Olu of Warri: Warri must learn from its past

Speaking at the event, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, said the Warri Unity Games were conceived to demonstrate that the people of the area had more in common than what separated them.

The monarch announced that the Unity Games would henceforth become part of activities marking his coronation anniversary, with the first Saturday of the anniversary celebration week dedicated to promoting unity among all those who call Warri home.

Ogiame Atuwatse III said the initiative was inspired by the need for Warri to learn from its painful past and prevent similar events from recurring.

Reflecting on the early 1990s, the monarch recalled how what was initially intended as a celebration of the coronation anniversary of his predecessor, Ogiame Atuwatse II, degenerated into conflict and violence, leaving consequences from which Warri had yet to fully recover.

He also recalled Warri’s former potential as a major cultural tourism destination, noting that the city once had a carnival before the emergence of the popular Calabar Carnival.

“Warri desires to rise again, and to rise better than before,” the monarch declared.

He said the Unity Games were part of efforts to take Warri towards a future defined by cooperation, peace and shared development rather than allowing past conflicts to determine the destiny of the area.

The initiative, he added, is intended to strengthen the bonds among Warri’s diverse communities and create an enduring culture of unity for present and future generations.