By Ayomide Otitoju
The palace grounds of Warri came alive on Tuesday as Nigeria’s Atlanta ’96 Olympic football gold medalists headlined a novelty match to celebrate the fourth coronation anniversary of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri.
The exhibition game, which featured Super Eagles legends alongside youthful chiefs and sons of the kingdom, drew thousands of dignitaries, traditional leaders, and supporters. The spectacle blended nostalgia with festivity, as the veterans showcased their skills before an electrified crowd, symbolizing unity under the monarch’s reign.
Beyond the pitch, the day also highlighted Ogiame Atuwatse III’s commitment to community development. Earlier in the day, the monarch commissioned the Renewed Hope Mother and Childcare Hospital at Ugbuwangwe, an 80-bed facility built in collaboration with the Presidency through the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The hospital, designed to deliver quality medical care to mothers and children, was described as a milestone in the kingdom’s healthcare and socio-economic development.
The celebrations also placed emphasis on cultural heritage. Children took to the palace courtyard with performances in the Itsekiri language, including storytelling and recitations, reinforcing the monarch’s drive to preserve and promote indigenous traditions.
The anniversary festivities continue today with a regatta on the Warri River, showcasing the kingdom’s maritime heritage in a colorful display of culture and tradition.
