Olu of Warri seeks prayers for armed forces

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III on Thursday canvassed for national prayers for the Nigerian armed forces and all other paramilitary agencies in the country as they tackle the myriads of insecurity confronting the nation.

Making the call while hosting the convener of an advocacy group, Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies, Mrs. Mary Fatile, who led the group on a courtesy visit to the monarch in his palace in Warri, Atuwatse emphasised the need to continue to pray “for strong sense of professionalism from the top to the bottom and patriotism devoid of bias or ethnicity.”

The Olu of Warri noted that even though the Nigerian armed forces, by their training and capacity, are up to the task, they required divine support through massive prayers and information by well-meaning members of the public to conquer.

Consequently, the monarch charged Nigerians to continue to support them with prayers and needed information at all times.

Advertisement

Earlier, the Convener of Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies, Fatile, listed part of the group’s advocacy mandate as seeking the support of traditional rulers across the country “to galvanise community support for our armed forces and other security agencies.”

This she said was “in recognition of the pivotal role the traditional institution plays in Nigeria as catalyst and agent of mobilisation for policy implementation, review and policy option on peace building and reconciliation, crime eradication, infrastructural development and preservation of our cultural heritage.”

She also disclosed that as part of efforts to further spread the campaign, the group would be organising a two-day event with the theme ‘Security in Nigeria and Civilians Participation’ to be held in Lagos, “where Nigerians drawn from all walks of life will be equipped with requisite knowledge on the enormous efforts of the military and other security agencies in ensuring that the reign of terror by enemies of the state is over, especially as we approach the 2023 general elections.”

She spoke further, “The highlighted roles of the traditional institution, when juxtaposed with our mission and vision, form a common front of collaboration towards achieving the desired dream of Nigeria by Nigerians.

“There is an urgent need to engage and mobilise Nigerians for special prayers and support for our gallant soldiers and other security agents who sacrifice their lives in the defence of Nigeria as well as the fight against the various forms of insecurity bedeviling the country.

“The need to cooperate with our security agencies by availing them with information that will enhance intelligence gathering towards eradicating all forms of enemies of peace and tranquility in Nigeria can never be over emphasised.

“To this effect, we humbly request your Royal Majesty to prevail on our youths to join in the campaign and also to end all forms of vandalism, oil theft and other forms of activities that are inimical to the progress of the Niger Delta region and the country at large.

“We have taken this campaign to various communities, churches, mosques and parks across Nigeria and we are optimistic that bringing it to the Big Heart of the Nation – Delta State, will achieve positive result as experienced elsewhere, with the support of His Royal Majesty.”