Comr. Lily-white O. Esigbone, President of Itsekiri Youth Elites, Indigenous Minority Rights Activist and Member, Civil Rights Council (Warri Branch), Advocates for Patriotism and Development Among Itsekiri Political Elites

Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Location: Warri, Delta State

Comrade Lily-white O. Esigbone, President of the Itsekiri Youth Elites and a member of the Civil Rights Council (Warri Branch), has issued a passionate appeal to Itsekiri political elites, urging them to place patriotism and the development of Warri Kingdom and the broader Itsekiri Nation above personal or partisan interests.

Speaking from his residence in Warri, Comr. Lily-white expressed concern over the underdevelopment of Itsekiri land, despite its vast natural and coastal wealth. He lamented that many Itsekiri elites continue to invest heavily in Lagos and Abuja, while neglecting their own homeland.

> “It is sad to see the beautiful natural resources of the Itsekiri people going to waste while our people are busy developing Lagos and Abuja. The same sea views that Itsekiri men and women spend billions to acquire elsewhere are right here in Warri — for free. All that is needed is patriotism and individual effort to bring about real transformation,” he stated.

Drawing comparisons with other West African coastal cities such as Lome (Togo) and Cotonou (Benin Republic), Comr. Lily-white emphasized that these areas became tourist and investment hubs not by accident, but through deliberate, patriotic leadership and investment.

> “Cities like Lagos and Uyo in Akwa Ibom were once swamps, yet they’ve been transformed into modern metropolises. What excuse do we have? From Ogheye to Lagos by boat is less than an hour. Why can’t we complete the Koko-Ogheye road for our own benefit? We are watching our homeland waste away.”

He pointed to the transformation of Lagos State as a shining example of what political will, vision, and consistency can achieve:

> “Lagos is a swamp state, yet it now boasts high-rise buildings and iconic bridges connecting mainland and island. This was made possible through vision, commitment, and consistent governance. The same transformation is possible in Itsekiri land, if our leaders act.”

Highlighting local success stories, Comr. Lily-white praised Hon. Godwin Ebosa for turning the once-remote, swampy community of Oboghoro into a flourishing modern hub in the heart of the sea:

> “That transformation is the result of one man’s deliberate vision and commitment. Let this be the benchmark for all Itsekiri leaders. Holding political office must go beyond titles and contracts; it should be about legacy, vision, and development for future generations.”

He also commended non-Itsekiri leaders such as Hon. Francis Waive (Ughelli), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (former Deputy Senate President), and Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for their visible infrastructural and social investments in their respective constituencies:

> “These leaders have shown what is possible when the political will exists. Warri and Itsekiri land deserve no less. We must match their zeal with our own efforts.”

In his concluding remarks, Comr. Lily-white delivered a powerful message to all Itsekiri political actors at both state and national levels:

> “The time is now. Let us end this cycle of neglect. Our children should not have to ask why we failed to develop our homeland when we had the chance. The growth and future of Warri Kingdom and the Itsekiri people depend on the choices we make today.”

He warned that political leaders who prioritize broader Delta interests over those of their own constituents often end up with no legacy to show for it:

> “As a political leader, your constituency, the people who sent you, must come first. Sadly, we have seen leaders who placed Delta interests above those of their Itsekiri people. Today, those same people mock them for failing to develop their homeland. This should be a lesson: your people come first, always. Let us learn from the past to change the future.”