The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has officially commissioned the Renewed Hope Mother and Childcare Hospital at Ugbuwangwe, a landmark initiative that not only strengthens healthcare in the kingdom but also marked the high point of his fourth coronation anniversary celebrations.
The 80-bed, state-of-the-art hospital facility was built by the Presidency through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, with the strong support of the Warri monarch. Designed to deliver quality and specialized medical services for mothers and children, the hospital is being hailed as a timely intervention and a life-changing gift to the community.
Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the commissioning, the Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Ejiro, joined dignitaries and community leaders in celebrating what was described as a “tangible expression of renewed hope and compassion for the vulnerable.”
In his remarks, the Olu of Warri expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s investment in the well-being of his people, noting that the facility would significantly impact healthcare and socio-economic development across the kingdom.
“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 said. “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.”
Beyond healthcare, the day’s celebrations reflected the monarch’s commitment to culture and unity. At the palace, children participated in an Itsekiri Language Competition, thrilling audiences with storytelling, recitations, and spoken-word performances in their native tongue. The initiative, aimed at encouraging youth to preserve their heritage, saw winners presented with prizes.
The festive spirit later shifted to the palace grounds, where an electrifying novelty football match brought together legends of Nigeria’s Atlanta ‘96 Olympic gold medal-winning Super Eagles, alongside chiefs and young people of the kingdom. The match, watched by thousands, provided a thrilling blend of sport, fellowship, and cultural pride.
The anniversary festivities continue today with a traditional Regatta on the Warri River, a spectacular showcase of the kingdom’s rich maritime heritage and a symbol of its enduring cultural vibrancy.
