Delta State Government under the stewardship of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into the last quarter of 2023 took an unprecedented step to revamp and restore the lost glory of Warri popularly referred to as ‘Oil City’ through the award and subsequent groundbreaking ceremony of the N78 billion contract for the construction of three flyovers, one cloverleaf and road expansion works within the Warri and Effurun metropolis awarded to construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited.
This project and others that the administration has expressed commitment to execute are expected to reinvigorate and boost the nightlife, cultural and entertainment industry in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun.
Already, some notable Deltans particularly Chief Engr. Dr. Wilson Edun Olley, the Aboludero of Warri kingdom has keyed into the government initiative to make Warri a centre of attraction especially in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the people through the establishment of Opuaro Museum located at Victory Street, Off Isaiah Road, Ubeji Town, behind NNPC, Warri, Delta State.
Sunday, January 1, 2024, was a spectacular day at the famous Opuaro Museum as various cultural dance groups came to celebrate the new year with Chief Engr. Dr. Wilson Edun Olley, the Aboludero of Warri kingdom and his family in their unique traditional attires.
The dance troupes from Itsekiri, Calabar, Yoruba, Ijaw, Urhobo, Agogo boys, the Warri Trumpeters and others gave live performances to the amazement of everyone present.
Founder of the renowned Opuaro Museum first of his kind in the Niger Delta Region, Chief Engr. Dr. Wilson Edun Olley, who was so elated by the display of love showered on him, thanked the various dance troupes for coming to celebrate the new year with him and his family, an act, he will never forget in a lifetime.
Warri Voice Newspaper can attest that the museum has a significant number of artefacts ranging from Oba of Benin, Oni of Ife, Festac 1977, Slave trade etc, pictures of Itsekiri heroes and live animals, images of Itsekiri things related to Warri Kingdom such as Clay work, terracotta, bronze figures and cast iron pieces, and ancient art related to the early times of ancient Nigeria.
The Opuaro Museum is an institution rich in history and cultural significance of Warri Kingdom from the 1st Olu of Warri Kingdom to the present 21st century Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR Olu of Warri Kingdom.
The Opuaro Museum is one of its kind Tourist attraction in the entire Niger Delta Region of Nigeria to visit with family and friends, if one wants to be well relaxed and at the same time be enlightened and connected with his ancestral roots.
