The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has urged Nigeria to confront what he described as its gravest battle—the fight against moral decay—warning that the country cannot overcome insecurity through military firepower alone.
Speaking at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna, during the final training exercise Haske Biyu 2025 for senior officers, the monarch stressed that the foundations of discipline, order, and moral clarity have eroded, leaving society vulnerable to criminality and unrest.
He noted that lasting peace depends on the strength of families and traditional institutions, which once served as the custodians of values and discipline.
The Olu highlighted how insecurity thrives in communities where family upbringing has weakened and traditional authority has lost influence.
He recalled that in earlier times, storytelling, proverbs, and communal living acted as safeguards for morality, while rulers and elders guided behaviour through cultural norms. He argued that these mechanisms must be revived to complement the work of the armed forces.
Underscoring the role of traditional rulers in peacebuilding, he lamented that they are often sidelined by government despite being expected to mediate conflicts, gather intelligence, and maintain order.
He maintained that monarchs should be empowered with constitutional recognition and resources, enabling them to act as unbiased custodians of justice and trusted voices in their communities.
The monarch also drew from his personal experiences, describing how discipline, honesty, and courage shaped his childhood through the examples of military relatives.
While he never joined the Navy, he said the principles embodied by the armed forces continue to inspire his vision for society.
He urged officers to balance discipline with compassion, arguing that sustainable change requires both firmness and empathy.
According to him, while weapons may silence enemies, only values can rebuild nations, and the true fight for Nigeria’s survival lies in the homes, schools, and communities where the next generation is shaped.
The Olu of Warri further challenged traditional rulers and military leaders to work in partnership, combining the soldier’s discipline with the ruler’s moral compass.
He maintained that the values upheld today will determine the strength of the nation tomorrow, stressing that traditional institutions can remain relevant by preparing for the future rather than resisting change.
The lecture formed part of the ongoing senior course exercise at AFCSC, attended by the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, and the Deputy Commandant, Rear Admiral Aniefiok Uko, alongside other top military officers.
