The inaugural Warri Unity Games brought together tribes from across Delta State in a celebration of sport, culture, and shared belonging. Conceived by His Royal Majesty Ogiamẹ Atuwatsé III, the inter-tribal competition was created to strengthen the bonds among all peoples who call Warri home, using sport as a common ground for friendship, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. Games including football, tug of war, relay races, and paintball provided an energetic backdrop to a day centred on unity, with the Itsẹkiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko, Bini, and other participating tribes coming together in the spirit of healthy competition.

The games and competition came to a climax with Team Ijaw emerging as overall winners and receiving ₦10 million, while Team Urhobo finished as first runner-up with ₦5 million. The Itsẹkiri team placed second runner-up and received ₦3 million. Beyond the results, the day offered something equally significant: an opportunity for different tribes to compete on the same field, celebrate one another, and strengthen relationships through shared experience.

His Majesty Ogiamẹ Atuwatsé III and Her Majesty Olorì Atuwatsé III were joined by distinguished traditional and public figures, including His Imperial Majesty Obi (Dr.) Gregory Nnamdi Oputa III, His Royal Majesty Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Ataneru Igbi II, and representatives of the Delta State Government. In his remarks, His Majesty reaffirmed the Palace’s commitment to a Warri Kingdom founded on dignity and mutual respect, making clear that the term “slave” has no place in the vocabulary of the Palace or in how any tribe is regarded within the Kingdom.

The Unity Games are intended to become an enduring tradition, as His Majesty announced that the Games will henceforth take place on the first Saturday of every coronation anniversary, creating an annual platform for people to meet, compete, and build stronger bonds. The vision reaches beyond the sporting field: to deepen unity among the tribes, strengthen social cohesion, and build a shared sense of belonging among everyone who calls Warri home.

Warri Unity Games champions celebrating their victory
Their Majesties enjoying the inaugural Warri Unity Games
His Majesty Ogiamẹ Atuwatsé III taking the ceremonial kick-off
Relay racers competing at the Warri Unity Games
His Majesty greeting a distinguished guest at the Unity Games
Paintball competitor navigating the Unity Games course
Itsẹkiri participants preparing for a Unity Games event
Football teams competing at the inaugural Warri Unity Games
Team Ijaw receiving the ₦10 million winners’ prize
His Majesty with the Warri Unity Games champions