The Senate Deputy President, Ovie Omo-Agege,  Governor Ifeanyi Okowa ,Chief James Ibori,  Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan( represented by his wife) Mrs. Roli Uduaghan were among top functionaries that graced the first year  Coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III  in Warri .
Others at the thanksgiving service  were speaker, Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) Hon. Sheriff Oborovweri, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, Gubernatorial candidate of Social Democratic party (SDP) Chief Great Ogboru, gubernatorial candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Senator James Manager.
The Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi 1 and other traditional rulers attended the event.
The king who was ushered in to the magnificently decorated church hall was accompanied by his Queen, Olori  Aiyivierhuemwin-oya Atuwatse III , beamed with captivating smile as he  acknowledged cheers from his subjects.
The colourful event saw Itsekiri sons and daughters from all walks of life at home and in the diaspora, beautifully adorned in their beautiful Itsekiri traditional attires joining their king in the celebration.
In his sermon, guest speaker, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor lamented the too much emphasis on money , describing it as a problem in Nigeria.

He said, we must  learn to de-emphasize the essence of money in the country.

There’s time to receive money and there’s time not to receive money and this is what we have to know as Nigerians.

“Principles are stronger and better than money. Money can buy you a good car, but it can’t guarantee you a safe journey.

“Money can build you a good house, but it can’t guarantee you safety nor security. It can put food on your table, but it can’t guarantee your appetite.

“It can give you the services of the good doctors in town, but it can not guarantee you good health or long life.

“You can’t enjoy favour without some labour. We are not teaching the young people the dignity of labour.

According to the former president, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who said one year is just like yesterday,  thanksgiving brings creatures into the presence of God, quoted from Psalm 100:4, Corinthians 4:17, Ecclesiastes 7:12, 1 King 28:31 and others said prayer is not complete without thanksgiving.

He told the congregation that ,they must learn to be grateful to God at all time adding that we breathe because God gave us life .

“If you are not grateful, you will become a ‘great fool’. We must learn to emphasize the importance of thanksgiving in our daily life,” Pastor Oritsejafor noted

He appealed to the politicians to help to bring back the dignity of labour, especially when youths have abandon those things with dignity.

The  clergy added that , when God flavours our labour,it becomes favour.

“l  don’t only hear the sound of rain, I see the rain coming, the rain of abundance, development, reign of greatness, reign of prosperity. As we give thanks, don’t stop to give thanks, it brings lots of prosperity and makes a lot to happen” Oritsejafor stated.

The clergy said ,Warri had the potential of becoming the Dubai of Africa if stakeholders and government at all levels contribute towards the peace and overall development of the city.

Meanwhile, Omo-Agege described the Olu of Warri as an inspiration to many. In a statement, Omo-Agege lauded the royal father for his role in promoting national unity and enriching the cultural values of Nigeria. He noted that as custodians of traditions, values and customs, traditional leaders have what it takes to galvanize all Nigerians towards peace, stability and progress of the country.

Chief Brown Mene, the Ogwuaolusan of Warri, Rev Wilson Ofoluwafor and Rev E. Gbiaye offered prayers  for the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Delta and Nigeria respectively.

Chief Roland Oritsejafor, who gave vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the guests, well-wishers and the Itsekiris for turning out enmass for the celebration of the anniversary of the monarch.

The Iwere praise choir, royal lwere choir, led the praise worship while   scripture readings were taken in both English and Itsekiri language showcasing the ltsekiri rich culture.