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Royal Legacy, Diaspora Loyalty: Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa and the Vision of Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR
Royal Legacy, Diaspora Loyalty: Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa and the Vision of Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | South Africa
In an era where many traditional institutions grapple with relevance and impact, the Warri Kingdom stands tall under the progressive and visionary leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR. Since ascending the ancient throne of his forefathers, the 21st Olu of Warri has not only reinvigorated the Itsekiri nation but has also awakened a new consciousness within the diaspora—a sense of purpose, unity, and service.
This wave of renaissance has reached the shores of South Africa, where the Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter has emerged as a beacon of hope and development under the tireless leadership of Mr. Eyitemi Jakpa, the esteemed Olaga. More than just a diaspora group, this chapter exemplifies the deep connection between homeland and diaspora, inspired by the Olu’s clarion call for collective responsibility and cultural rejuvenation.
Royal Inspiration, Diaspora Mobilization
Since Ogiame Atuwatse III’s coronation in August 2021, the Warri Kingdom has witnessed a rebirth—not just within its traditional domain, but globally. His Majesty’s reign is rooted in compassion, service, and futuristic thinking. His message has been clear: the Itsekiri nation must rise as a people grounded in culture, driven by education, and united by purpose.
The Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter has answered this call with unwavering dedication. No longer content with just being observers, they have become active participants in shaping the destiny of their homeland. Their most notable contribution so far is in one of the most basic yet essential areas of life—access to clean water.
Lifelines from Afar: The Jack Pump Projects
In many rural communities, clean water is still a dream deferred. But for the people of Ugbuwangwe, Ode-Itsekiri, and Okotomu, that dream is becoming a reality thanks to the intervention of Ugbajo Itsekiri SA.
The chapter has successfully funded and installed three Jack Pumps:
Ugbuwangwe Community Water Pump Project (2024)
Ode-Itsekiri Community Water Pump Project (2024)
Okotomu Community Water Pump Project (ongoing, 2025)
These water projects do more than quench thirst—they uplift lives. Women and children no longer have to trek long distances to fetch water. The risk of waterborne diseases has drastically decreased. The impact is not just physical, but psychological. These communities now enjoy improved health, hygiene, and a renewed sense of dignity.
Indeed, these Jack Pumps are not just mechanical installations—they are monuments of love, symbols of global Itsekiri solidarity, and a tribute to the royal vision that prioritizes the welfare of all Itsekiri people, whether at home or abroad.
Cultural Fidelity: Celebrating the Monarchy Abroad
The strength of a people lies not just in development but in the preservation of their identity. Ugbajo Itsekiri SA has remained true to this ideal, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the Warri throne. The chapter has been visibly present at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd anniversaries of the reign of His Imperial Majesty during the Uge-Oyo Ekoro ceremonies held in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
These cultural pilgrimages to Warri are not mere formalities—they are spiritual homecomings. They are opportunities to reconnect with ancestral values, reaffirm loyalty to the Olu, and showcase to the world that no matter the distance, the bond between Itsekiris and their King remains unbroken.
Education as Empowerment: Lifting the Next Generation
Beyond physical development and cultural engagement, Ugbajo Itsekiri SA has also invested in the most powerful tool of transformation: education. In a deeply thoughtful initiative, the chapter donated 500 notebooks to students across three Itsekiri primary schools:
Orugbo Primary School
Agbeje Primary School
Ginuwa Primary School
This gesture may appear small to some, but to these children, it is an empowering gift—a passport to knowledge, a step toward a better future. It affirms the Olu’s belief that no Itsekiri child should be denied the tools needed to succeed in life. Education, under this royal philosophy, is not a privilege but a right.
The Royal Mandate: Development with Dignity
It is important to stress that none of these achievements occurred in isolation. They are the direct consequence of a royal philosophy that merges tradition with modernity. Ogiame Atuwatse III has redefined kingship, transforming it from ceremonial leadership into developmental statesmanship. He has made it clear that tradition must evolve to serve people better.
The Olu’s tireless efforts in promoting gender equity, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and global diplomacy have inspired Itsekiris worldwide to rise to the occasion. Under his reign, being a member of the Itsekiri nation is not just a matter of birth—it is a call to action.
A Call to Other Diaspora Chapters
The Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter stands as a model of what is possible when the diaspora is mobilized for good. Their accomplishments should serve as a rallying call to other Itsekiri associations across Europe, America, Asia, and beyond. The Olu has created the vision; it is now up to every loyal subject to run with it.
There are roads to build, hospitals to equip, schools to support, and dreams to fulfill. In the words of the Olu, “If we do not build our nation, who will?” It is a question that echoes not only through the creeks of Delta State but also through the bustling cities of Johannesburg, London, Houston, and Tokyo.
Spiritual Monarch: The Sacred Names of Ogiame
His Majesty is not just a king in the political sense; he is also a deeply spiritual figure. The Olu of Warri holds sacred titles passed down through generations, each steeped in cultural, ancestral, and divine meaning. Among the many revered names by which he is known are:
Ogbowuru
Afọmasi
Afọtsẹ
Ọba N’Ame
Afọwẹrẹ tse wẹrẹ
Ugbobrikiti
Jẹnẹkpo Ọsọndada
Iyẹmẹriko Ogbe
Ẹkpẹnmuodidi
Ẹkunkpregedeọsọn
Ọba Omì u
Ọba oke
Ọba Ọluranran
Olaja ni Ojo
These titles are not mere honorifics—they are living expressions of the king’s spiritual mandate, his divine guardianship over the land and people, and his connection to the supernatural. They reflect a sacred trust, a kingship that transcends politics and touches the very soul of the Itsekiri nation.
Conclusion: Royalty, Responsibility, and Renaissance
The story of Ugbajo Itsekiri SA is more than a story of charity—it is a story of identity, purpose, and destiny. It is a story that affirms the enduring relevance of traditional leadership when it aligns with modern development goals.
Under the divine and distinguished reign of His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Itsekiri people are writing a new chapter—one defined by unity, excellence, and global relevance. The King has set the tone; the diaspora is playing the music.
Together, they are dancing to a future that is bright, noble, and worthy of their proud heritage.
Dishonouring Fathers Pollutes Your Source and Limits Destiny — Dr. Chris Okafor
“A father’s blessing is tied to your breakthrough and can change life’s patterns.”
Dishonouring one’s father—whether biological or spiritual—can disrupt the source of a person’s blessings and hinder progress in life. According to the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christopher Okafor, honouring one’s father is a spiritual principle that preserves destiny and unlocks divine favour.
Dr. Okafor made this statement during the Sunday Divine Intervention and Breakthrough Service held on March 15, 2026, at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Power of a Father’s Blessing
In his teaching, the cleric described a father as a spiritual source.
According to him, when individuals respect and honour their source, they create a pathway for blessings, stability, and the fulfillment of their inheritance in life.
“One of the most dangerous practices for a believer is dishonouring a father,” he said.
“When the source is honoured, life flows well and destiny is preserved.”
He warned that when a father releases a negative declaration, it can become difficult for a person to experience lasting success, regardless of their level of hard work or skill.
“You may be hardworking,” he noted, “but if the source is polluted, progress can become difficult.”
Patterns Passed Through Families
Continuing his sermon in the series “Patterns – Part 2,” Dr. Okafor explained that many individuals struggle with recurring challenges within their families.
He suggested that hostility, blackmail, or disrespect toward authority figures may sometimes reflect deeper unresolved patterns within family lineages.
According to him, such patterns can affect a person’s progress until they are consciously addressed.
Breaking Negative Patterns
The preacher emphasized that the blessing of a father can interrupt negative family cycles.
Regardless of the patterns affecting a family, he said, a sincere blessing from a father figure has the spiritual authority to shift circumstances and open new paths for success.
He further advised believers to live responsibly, follow divine instructions, and remain prayerful.
“When you honour your fathers and walk in obedience,” he said, “God releases guidance and answers prayers speedily.”
Service Announcement
Meanwhile, Grace Nation Worldwide has announced that its annual flagship family liberation conference, “Harvest of Babies 2026,” will hold in the last week of March at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos.
According to church officials, the conference is designed for couples and individuals trusting God for the fruit of the womb. The event is expected to attract participants from different parts of the world seeking spiritual support and prayer for miracle children.
Dr. Okafor encouraged expectant parents and families believing for children to participate in the prophetic gathering, expressing faith that God will bring transformation and testimonies to many lives.
ADC Unveils Opposition Strategy as Obi, Atiku, Amaechi Move to Challenge Tinubu in 2027
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“Opposition heavyweights explore coalition strategy under the African Democratic Congress as political analysts debate whether a united front can realistically challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.”
Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi are working together under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a coordinated political effort aimed at defeating Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, according to party insiders who revealed the strategy in Abuja in March 2026.
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The ADC leadership disclosed that the three prominent political figures (each of whom commands significant national followership) are currently holding consultations, building a broad opposition coalition, and harmonising political structures across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The objective, according to the party, is to create a unified opposition front capable of challenging the electoral dominance of the APC, which has controlled Nigeria’s presidency since 2015.
Party officials said the collaboration represents a deliberate attempt to replicate the successful coalition strategy that defeated the then-ruling party in 2015, when several opposition blocs merged to form the APC and ultimately removed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power after sixteen years. Analysts say the ADC coalition hopes to reverse that historical pattern by bringing together major opposition figures under a single political platform before the 2027 elections.
According to political insiders, the discussions among Obi, Atiku and Amaechi revolve around three key pillars: coalition building, electoral strategy, and national policy alternatives designed to appeal to voters dissatisfied with Nigeria’s economic direction and governance challenges. The ADC reportedly believes that combining Obi’s youth-driven support base, Atiku’s political networks across northern Nigeria, and Amaechi’s organisational influence within the political establishment could create a formidable opposition alliance.
Political scientist Prof. Pat Utomi argued that coalition politics may be the only realistic path for opposition forces seeking to defeat an incumbent government in Nigeria. According to him, “Opposition fragmentation has always been the ruling party’s greatest advantage. A coalition changes the arithmetic of Nigerian politics.”
Similarly, constitutional lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) observed that the emerging alliance reflects a broader democratic pattern. “In many democracies, opposition parties must cooperate to challenge incumbents effectively. What matters is whether such cooperation produces credible alternatives for voters,” Falana said in a recent public lecture on electoral reform.
However, not all analysts believe the coalition will automatically translate into electoral victory. Political commentator Dr. Jide Ojo noted that Nigeria’s electoral politics is shaped by regional balancing, party structures, and grassroots mobilisation, factors that may complicate the opposition’s strategy. “Coalitions are powerful, but they only work when ideological differences are managed and when leadership ambitions are carefully negotiated,” he explained.
The question of who will eventually emerge as the coalition’s presidential candidate remains one of the most sensitive issues. Both Obi and Atiku previously contested the presidency in the 2023 election, while Amaechi (former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation) also ran in the APC presidential primaries that produced Tinubu as candidate. Negotiations over the presidential ticket are therefore expected to become a central issue as coalition talks progress.
Political historian Dr. Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, believes the coalition’s success will depend on whether it can present a clear national vision rather than merely an anti-Tinubu agenda. According to him, “Nigerians are not only interested in defeating incumbents; they want to know what comes after. A coalition must offer policy credibility.”
Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling APC dismiss the coalition as politically exaggerated. Some party leaders argue that the opposition alliance lacks cohesion and may eventually collapse under internal rivalry. They maintain that President Tinubu still commands strong political structures nationwide and remains well-positioned ahead of the 2027 race.
Despite the skepticism, the emerging ADC coalition has already intensified political discussions across the country. For many observers, the alliance represents the first serious attempt to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape since the 2023 general election.
Whether the collaboration between Obi, Atiku and Amaechi will ultimately succeed in unseating Tinubu remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the battle for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency has quietly begun, with coalition politics once again emerging as a decisive factor in the nation’s democratic trajectory..
society
UNIPGC AFRICA Seals Strategic Partnership with Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation for Capacity Building Initiatives Spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Kenya
*UNIPGC AFRICA Seals Strategic Partnership with Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation for Capacity Building Initiatives Spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Kenya
In a significant step toward strengthening sustainable development and leadership capacity across Africa, *UNIPGC AFRICA* has officially sealed a strategic partnership with *Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation (GVEF)* to implement impactful capacity-building projects. The initiative is spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Republic of Kenya.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a *Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)* by key representatives of both organizations. Signatories to the agreement include *H.E. Amb. Jonathan Ojadah*, Global President of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC); *Amb. Jase Carlos Sousa,* Member of the UNIPGC Supreme Council; and *H.E. Maj. (Rtd.) Dr. Dhadho Godhana*, Executive Governor of Tana River County.
The MoU establishes a robust framework of cooperation between *UNIPGC* and *GVEF* reflecting a shared vision and strong alignment of values in promoting sustainable development, peace, and inclusive governance across Africa.
Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate on a wide range of development initiatives, including the promotion of *democracy and good governance*, *climate change education and environmental sustainability*, *health promotion through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Youth capacity building through Robust Film Production Ecosystem, sports development and gender equality and empowerment of marginalized communities*.
The partnership will also actively support and advance the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)*.
As part of the collaboration, UNIPGC and GVEF have committed to establishing effective channels for joint action through the design and implementation of programs and projects that address shared development priorities. These initiatives will focus on strengthening leadership capacity, promoting inclusive participation in governance, and enhancing community-based development efforts.
Furthermore, the partnership will encourage mutual institutional support, enabling both organizations to provide *technical expertise, strategic guidance, and moral support* toward the successful implementation of their initiatives.
This landmark collaboration marks a major milestone in advancing cross-sector partnerships aimed at fostering *sustainable development, social inclusion, and transformational leadership across Africa*, while reinforcing the collective commitment of both organizations to achieving the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goals*
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