Giant Women In Media visits Olu of Warri, seeks stronger public awareness of palace activities 

The Giant Women in Media (GWIM), during a visit to the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has pressed for stronger communication lines between the throne and journalists working across the region in a bid to showcase palace achievements and milestones to the general public.

The GWIM delegation, led by the organisation’s President, Ms. Clementina Olomu, alongside members and regional representatives, emphasised media support for the Warri Kingdom and outlined ways it hopes to encourage clearer public engagement with palace activities.

Olomu’s address to His Majesty centred on her praise for the wisdom and maturity demonstrated by the monarch during his fourth coronation, praising the Council of Chiefs who were also present. 

GWIM President also commended what she described as an open-door approach within the palace, noting its accommodating and receptive atmosphere. 

Her remarks pointed to the environment created under the Olu’s leadership as one that welcomed conversation with those connected to the region’s development.

Speaking as an Itsekiri woman, Olomu explained that she brought her media mileage and expertise as a mutual contribution to the palace. 

She also stated that her willingness to participate as a stakeholder stemmed from what she had heard about the milestones and achievements associated with His Majesty in Warri and beyond. 

Furthermore, she reiterated her intention to support the dissemination of information about the monarch’s work.

Olomu appealed for greater public visibility of the Olu’s works, achievements, and milestones, stressing that wider communication would help manage concerns of individuals she described as antagonists and enemies of progress within the region. 

Continuing, she referenced the diverse tribes and ethnic groups within the Warri domain, noting that its unique composition required clarity in communicating palace actions.

Her suggestions included a call for structured interaction between the palace and journalists operating locally. 

Olomu described the media as essential stakeholders in the region’s growth and stated that regular dialogue would help address issues specific to the ethnic groups within the area. 

She urged agitators and those with differing interests to take their petitions and grievances to the palace for attention. 

She noted that the Director of Special Duties and Administration, Chief Samuel Omebeyinje, who is also the Olugbo of Warri Kingdom, together with Elder Kenneth Iyebe, would receive such submissions and ensure that feedback reaches those who presented them.

She extended the appeal to sponsors behind various agitations, calling on them to desist from what she described as a pattern of creating crises during coronation anniversaries through unwarranted and frivolous demands. 

According to her, the use of falsehood to fuel tension had been a tactic since the days of oil companies such as Chevron and Shell and had contributed to stalled development in the region.

Her call for unity included a message of support for His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III. She expressed the view recorded in the release that success and progress could be achieved through collective backing for the Olu of Warri and urged all concerned to work together toward greater stability in the kingdom.

Olomu reflected on the longstanding ties among communities in Warri, stating that 95 percent of the Urhobos,  Ijaws, and other ethic groups in the area were descendants of the Itsekirs and vice versa. 

She also appealed to residents to avoid violence, stay away from crises, and cooperate with the Olu in building what she described as a greater and more admired kingdom.

With the attention also shifting to preparations for the 5th coronation anniversary of Olu of Warri in 2026, Olomu encouraged all groups to ensure the event becomes a landmark success free of negative characterisations. 

While expressing appreciation for the reception given to the delegation, Olomu prayed for all to witness the 40th coronation anniversary and future commemorations. She also identified GWIM as a collective of journalists who lead their respective news blogs and command significant social media mileage. 

Responding, His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, thanked the visiting team for coming. 

The visit ended with the organisation reaffirming its readiness to support palace communication and strengthen ties between the throne, the media, and communities across the Warri Kingdom. 

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