Olu of Warri: Family Values Crucial in Addressing Insecurity

By Abdullahi Alhassan

Kaduna, Kaduna state, Nigeria - September 18, 2025(Series news online)

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has emphasized the need to strengthen family values to tackle Nigeria's insecurity challenges. Speaking at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Kaduna State, the monarch highlighted the crucial role traditional institutions play in shaping societal norms and moral fabric.

According to Ogiame Atuwatse III, the family is the foundation of character development in Nigeria's collectivist society, influencing community responses to insecurity. "Nigeria faces widespread insecurity, including terrorism, kidnappings, and organized crime, often involving community members acting against traditional moral norms," he noted.

The royal father expressed concern that traditional institutions are marginalized in Nigeria's Constitution, yet they are expected to contribute to local security without adequate resources. Despite this, he emphasized that traditional institutions remain vital in shaping societal norms and values.

Ogiame Atuwatse III shared his personal experiences, attributing his discipline to his family, particularly his uncles who served in the Nigerian Air Force and Army. He stressed the importance of balancing discipline with compassion, urging traditional institutions to remain unbiased arbiters of justice.

Citing Proverbs 19:21 ("You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail"), the monarch called on Nigerians to work together to build a secure and prosperous society. "Let us fight for it. Let us build it. And let us win not just for ourselves, but for generations yet to come," he declared.

The Olu of Warri's call to action underscores the need for collective effort in addressing Nigeria's insecurity challenges. By strengthening family values and promoting traditional institutions, Nigerians can work towards a more secure and prosperous future.