His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, officially opened the Renewed Hope Mother and Childcare Hospital at Ugbuwangwe yesterday, August 19, a landmark event that served as a cornerstone of his fourth coronation anniversary celebrations and a powerful symbol of his reign's focus on holistic development and compassion for the vulnerable.
The state-of-the-art, 80-bed facility, built by the Presidency through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure, with the staunch support of the Warri monarch, is hailed as a timely and critical addition to the community's healthcare infrastructure. Designed to provide quality and specialized medical services for mothers and children, the hospital was presented as a tangible gift of "renewed hope" and a brighter, healthier future for countless families in the kingdom.
The commissioning ceremony, attended by dignitaries and community leaders, saw the executive governor of Delta state, His Excellency Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his chief of staff, Prince Johnson Ejiro. His Majesty expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government's significant investment in the well-being of his people, marking a major achievement in the kingdom’s journey toward improved healthcare and socio-economic development.
“This hospital is not just a building; it is a testament to our collective commitment to protecting our most precious assets: our mothers and our children,” a palace spokesperson stated. “His Majesty’s desire has always been for development that touches every facet of life, and this institution stands as a monument to that vision.”
While the hospital commissioning represented the day's most enduring legacy, the festive spirit of the Olu’s fourth anniversary was also felt in vibrant events that celebrated the kingdom's culture and unifying spirit.
Earlier at the palace, the future custodians of the Itsekiri heritage took centre stage at an exciting Itsekiri Language Competition. Children thrilled an audience with storytelling, recitations, and spoken word in the native tongue, proudly showcasing the richness of their traditions. Winners were honoured with prizes, an initiative by the throne to encourage the youth to preserve and promote their language.
Later, the palace grounds erupted in excitement for a star-studded novelty football match. In a thrilling spectacle, legends of Nigeria’s famed Atlanta ‘96 Super Eagles Olympic gold medalists team played alongside the kingdom's highly esteemed chiefs and vibrant youth. The electrifying match, cheered on by thousands of dignitaries and supporters, provided an exhilarating culmination to the day, showcasing the kingdom’s unifying passion for sports and community fellowship.
The anniversary celebration continues today with a traditional Regatta on the Warri River, a spectacular display of the kingdom’s rich maritime heritage.