WARRI – His Majesty, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lll, has sued for unity among Niger Deltans in order to bring about the much needed development.

The royal father made the appeal when the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd) paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Warri, Delta State.

The monarch pointed out that individual interests, rather than the common good of the region was hampering progress and development in the region, amidst abundant natural resources .

While calling on leaders to put the overall development of the region above their political and ethnic affiliations , the traditional ruler emphasized that it is in working together that the various challenges facing the region will surpassed.

“Our heads have been held down for too long. We have always been capable of greatness. The divisions among us have not allowed us attain the greatness we desire”, he said.

The monarch charged Dikio, to use his office to unite the people of the region, “once the Niger Delta gets it right it would be easier for Nigeria to also get it right”.

The monarch said the region was blessed with many economic opportunities capable of changing the fortunes of the region’s economy beyond oil and gas.

“All the things that sustained our ancestors are still here, still valid. From palm, cocoa, fish and so on. All we need to do is to use the resources to grow our economy and make life better for our people”, he said.

The Olu who lauded the PAP, especially Dikio’s vision of shared prosperity for ex-agitators using his Train, Employ and Mentor scheme said the palace is willing to assist in bringing it to pass.

Atuwaste lll said: “In any way we can help to echo that message we will do so. We are here to support and encourage you”.

Earlier, Dikio noted that there are many opportunities in the Niger Delta, but harnessing them depended on peace.

He explained that the importance of Warri and the historical facts about the city and the kingdom compelled PAP to host a summit that would showcase the economic potential of the region.

“We have chosen the path of economic prosperity and we feel that there was no better place to start than the great city of Warri”, Dikio said.