As part of activities marking the first anniversary of ascending the throne of his forbearers, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has unveiled the Royal Iwere Society during a concert.
Unveiling the Iwere Society, at the Brown Hill Coliseum in Ogunu ,Warri, the Itsekiri monarch said , the Society has the aim of reviving the Iwere Identity and bringing it to the 21st century era.
The well attended and colourful concert had various melodious music and poetry renditions ranging from solo to various music groups in Warri kingdom.
In his address, the Olu who was accompanied by his amiable Queen, Olori Atuwatse III said, “Itsekiri potential , and the choir is an example of the treasure embedded in Itsekiri. This is what we can be and will be. We will submit ourselves to God and surpass what we are doing now.
” In many ways, this is something we have been looking at and this shall inspire in you, unprecedented greatness.
“This society shall help to coordinate and organize a central resource centre for all Itsekiri.
This is the hub that will catch initiative that will promote our identity, arts, history and cultural practices.
“This Society has the aim to revive the Iwere Identity and bring it to the era of the 21st century.
“It shall help our children identify with our heritage.
“Its values such as honour, respect, diligence and loyalty are timeless and can not be over emphasized.
“Royal Ogiame Society will be the hub to ensure that our society evolves. We must continue with what keeps us loyal and true to our origin.
“Prior to today, there are some who have said as the unofficial records pertaining to Itsekiri.
“Today, I am calling for every piece of literature written about or in the interest of Itsekiri in whatever form to be brought to the society.
“Every degree, judgement, treaty, document about or in the interest of our people should be submitted.
“We shall come up with detailed image history and how various individuals have ties with their communities. We shall come up with detailed history of all the chieftaincy titles that has been in existence and the names of the individuals who have held the status at various times.
“There will be debate, lectures, plays, dance dramas and specific examination of our relations and interaction with all of our neighbours- Urhobos, Ijaws, Isoko, Nembe, Benin, Yorubas Igalas and so on.
“This will be a center to look at our past, to live in our present and chart out the path of our future.
“This society will be chaired by myself and the various individuals who will be heading departments of the society will be communicated in due time. The revered monarch, said.
