Family Values Crucial for Addressing Nigeria’s Insecurity – Olu of Warri

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has called for a renewed focus on strengthening family values as a crucial force for enhancing national security, emphasizing the pivotal role traditional institutions play in shaping societal norms and moral fabric.

He is speaking at Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji Kaduna state to senior military officers and other paramilitary agencies attending a Three weeks training tagged Haske Biyu.

The Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III shared personal reflections on discipline instilled by his family, notably uncles who served in Nigeria’s Air Force and Army, highlighting how their example underscored core values like integrity, punctuality and boldness in adversity.

Ogiame Atuwatse III stressed traditional rulers are custodians of values, influencing communities through their conduct and decisions, acting as “societal thermostats” setting moral and cultural temperatures.

He emphasized the family is where character is formed in Nigeria’s collectivist society, impacting community reputation and responses to insecurity like terrorism and banditry.

“Nigeria faces widespread insecurity including terrorism, kidnappings and organized crime often involving community members acting against traditional moral norms.

Ogiame Atuwatse III noted traditional institutions are sidelined in Nigeria’s Constitution yet expected to contribute to local security without adequate resources.

He highlighted traditional institutions were original storytellers shaping societal norms and remain relevant today amid digital influences.

Ogiame Atuwatse III recounted growing up near Warri’s naval base (NNS Umalokun), admiring military discipline, and his aborted youthful plan to merge royal heritage with military service, citing Proverbs 19:21 (“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail”) as a guiding biblical verse.

The traditional ruler urged balancing discipline with compassion (“not just the rod, but the rice”), stressing traditional institutions must remain unbiased justice arbiters, trusted guides holding communities’ moral fabric together.

“The strength to fight comes from God. The victory also comes from God. Still, in this fight, we must also wield wisdom… Let us fight for it. Let us build it. And let us win not just for ourselves, but for generations yet to come.”