•Decorated with Iwere’s highest honour by Olu of Warri

From Ben Dunno, Warri

The Iwere Kingdom, Delta State, stood still last week when the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, conferred the highest honour of the kingdom, Royal Order of Iwere, on the visiting Vice Senate President, Republic of Cote d’ivoire, Fanny Moussokoura Chantal. It was for her outstanding commitment to the empowerment of women, especially, the girl child both in her country and other parts of Africa.

Chantal is an Itsekiri by her maternal lineage, arrived Iwere kingdom since on Wednesday after being away for for over 50years. The Olu presented the award to her during the women empowerment workshop organised by the kingdom titled; “The Role of Women in Community Development,” at the Palace (Aghofen), Warri South Local Government.

Ogiame Atuwatse said: “The kingdom will continue to recognise and honour any Itsekiri son or daughter who distinguishes himself or herself in the kingdom.” He charged all people of Itseriki Kingdom to come forth with ideas that would move the kingdom forward: “Such a person will be recognised.

“God is interested in Itsekiri and Warri Kingdom. Our minds, our attitudes must be open for people to partner with to build our kingdom” He urged Chantal as an illustrious daughter of the kingdom to continue to do good for the growth of Warri Kingdom.

The Senator thanked the monarch for the award. She appreciated God for being able to visit again the kingdom left 59 years ago. She promised to do her best by contributing her quota to the growth of the kingdom just as she has done to Ivory Coast and other parts of the world.

She promised to establish bilingual primary school in Warri and carry the Olori along in her all doings. She charged women to be role models and take care of their families and be in position of leadership as she has found herself in political sphere.

Olori Ogiame Atuwatse was grateful to the Senator and her entirely family including her mother for the visit: “The visit of the Senator is symbolic. Just as the Senator has been connected to her ancestral home, so also, other Itsekiri in the world will be connected home to contribute their quota to the development of the kingdom.”

She also spoke on the need for women to take their places in leadership positions and take care of their homes.