Olu of Warri honours oil mogul Rone with distinguished award

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, conferred the inaugural Royal Order of Iwere Distinguished Award on oil mogul and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigeria’s first indigenous Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG), Dr Julius Rone, over the weekend.

Dr. Rone, who is Group Managing Director of UTM Offshore Ltd, was honoured on Saturday alongside other accomplished Itsekiri personalities in a grand ceremony held at Aghofen, the Palace of the Olu of Warri, to celebrate the third coronation anniversary of the Monarch.

The Royal Iwere Society is devoted to fostering a culture of performance and excellence by honouring Itsekiri individuals who have made exceptional and significant strides in their respective fields.

In conferring the award, the Olu of Warri commended Dr. Rone for his exceptional achievements, which have deeply resonated with the Itsekiri Kingdom, setting exemplary standards for future generations and fostering a pioneering spirit that fortifies the cultural and economic fabric of the Warri Kingdom.

The monarch further stated that Dr Rone’s dedication and impact have not only elevated his personal stature but also contributed to the overall enrichment of the Warri Kingdom and beyond.

Speaking after receiving his royal honour, Rone expressed deep appreciation to the Olu of Warri while describing the Royal Iwere Society Award as his most cherished conferment, restating his unalloyed loyalty and support to the Monarch.

“I thank God for the great honour done to me today by the most respected and most revered monarch in the world, the Olu of Warri. I have been honoured around the world, but this is the best award I have received. I want to assure you and pledge my unreserved loyalty to you and promise that we will support you to take Warri to where you want to take it.”

“I am filled with joy in my heart because I am a palace boy. My father served four Monarchs in this Warri kingdom. So, for me to be honoured today shows that charity begins at home,” he said.

The UTM boss stressed that the reign of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III has brought blessings and prosperity, leading to the achievement of outstanding feats in various fields by Itsekiri sons and daughters, including his pioneering role in establishing Nigeria’s first indigenous Floating LNG company.

“I believe that the blessings that Itsekiri sons and daughters will receive under your reign will be unprecedented. Your son is developing the first Nigerian Floating LNG; the first black man to develop a floating LNG,” Dr Rone stated.

When completed, the UTM FLNG is expected to produce 2.8 million metric tonnes of natural gas, 450 metric tonnes of LPG, and other liquids per annum for export and domestic consumption. This is expected to leapfrog the national economy by ensuring the availability of gas at lower costs, as well as generate massive employment and multi-million Naira business opportunities for Nigerians.

Other dignitaries honoured with the Royal Iwere Society Award include the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka; Nigeria’s representative on Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and member of the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick; Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe; Mr. Ade Mabo; Mr. Alfred Temile; Dr. Mrs. Ajoritsedere Awosika; Master Eworitsewarami Justin Wilbert; and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.