.Ends anniversary celebration with thanksgiving

By Jimitota Onoyume

The Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III yesterday ended the celebration of his 5th coronation anniversary with a Thanksgiving service , assuring that the throne would shine greater.

The monarch expressed gratitude to God Almighty for His protection and grace upon the kingdom since he ascended the throne five years ago, adding that he would continue to thank God.

“We thank God for the five years of grace, protection , mercies, his glory, provision and tangible presence in our midst. I thank Him in advance for the next five years. By the special grace of God, every single thing we have seen in the last five years is the lord’s doing . As we have surrendered and submitted ourselves to be his vessel in this kingdom, this throne will shine like never before. It is my prayer today that the Lord will give all of us the correct vision to see the things that are before us “, he said.

He enjoined Itsekiri sons and daughters to continue to worship God to enjoy His endless victories.

“We will never be swallowed by any obstacle that dares to put themselves before us ,God has made them stepping stones for us to rise . Thank you for giving us this glorious destiny to appreciate you . To you all the glory , all the adoration forever and ever “, he said.

Earlier Bishop Mike Laju in his homily harped on the significance of expressing gratitude to the Almighty God, saying that Jesus demanded it after healing the ten lepers in the Bible.

Drawing from Colossians 1verse 12, Bishop Laju charged the congratulation to develop the habit of always thanking God, adding he commended the Olu of Warri for showing example since he ascended the throne. He further stressed it that showing God gratitude always also moves Him to release more blessings.

“When Thanksgiving leaves you it brings back something to you just like light when it enters a place something leaves there . Thanksgiving is a deep expression of gratitude to God Almighty. True protection comes from the lord. Jesus demanded Thanksgiving after he healed ten lepers. The Bible says we should give thanks because it is the will of God”, he said.

Prayers were offered for the first family of the Itsekiri nation – the Olu of Warri, his family members , Iwere land , Delta state and the country.

It would be recalled that a ten day programme was unveiled last week by the palace to celebrate the 5th coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri. The anniversary with the theme ” Global home coming – celebrating our cultural Renaissance , unity and transformational progress” attracted Itsekiri sons and daughters in diaspora and other parts of the country .