Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III met President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday for the first time since his coronation in August 2021.
The monarch was received by the president at the State House, Abuja.
A statement by presidential spokesman Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as saying, “I’m grateful for your visit and impressed by your patriotism. I’ve taken note of your requests, and will work on them as soon as politically possible.”
The Olu of Warri had last December met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at a Christmas carol service held at the State House.
The respected monarch said his reason for visiting the president was primarily to thank him for sending a high-powered delegation to his coronation as the 21st monarch of the Kingdom, “and for your kind felicitation, goodwill and solidarity.”
He also reiterated the loyalty of the Itsekiri people to “one united Nigeria, as we support your government’s aspiration to provide security and economic prosperity to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, creed or religion.”
The Olu drew attention to what he called “some burning issues that are dear to our hearts.”
The issues included the under-utilisation of the four ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, all in Delta State, reconstitution of the NDDC Board, immortalising the first finance minister of the country, Festus Okotie-Eboh; and resuscitation of the Ogidigben EPZ project, which has reportedly been abandoned.
On the NDDC board, he said he believed the president would soon reconstitute it.
“Putting our people first is the only way to make our lives better,” the Olu said.
