Lawrence Wilbert: The Reformer of Warri Kingdom

Every African resonates with the famous Chinua Achebe’s statement which says: “ A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground, it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”

This deep and ancient wisdom speaks to the enduring communal spirit that has been the cornerstone of many African societies, including the people of Warri. Yet, in recent years, this sense of togetherness has been threatened by the forces of migration, insecurity, and economic hardship. The pervasive Japa syndrome—the mass exodus of Nigerians, especially the youths, in search of greener pastures abroad—has left many questioning the future of the nation. While many once traveled abroad to acquire knowledge and bring back solutions, today, the reverse seems to be the case. Permit to ask, is the grass actually greener on the other side?

In this turbulent period, the call for unity and leadership has never been more urgent. Amid this climate of uncertainty, one name stands out as a beacon of hope and renewal in the Itsekiri community: Lawrence Anirejuroritse Wilbert. His story is one of commitment, vision, and selfless service—a true reformer and star from Warri Kingdom.

A Reformer Born from the Heart of The Niger Delta

Lawrence Wilbert was born on September 6, 1969, in Benin City, to Goodluck Gilbert and Christy Tebine Wilbert. His roots trace back to a remarkable tapestry of Itsekiri and Nigerian heritage, from the royal lines of Prince Ijala of Oboghoro to the distinguished Wetherly family of Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

A man of many cultural affiliations, Lawrence has always understood the significance of community and legacy. These values have shaped not only his personal life but also his professional journey and his deep commitment to uplifting his people.

A Unifier’s Journey

Chief Lawrence Wilbert’s academic journey is as distinguished as his career and community contributions. He began his education at the renowned Emotan Primary School in Benin City, before moving on to the Federal Government College, Ugwolawo, in present-day Kogi State, where he completed his secondary education. His quest for knowledge then took him beyond Nigeria’s borders, first to Ukraine, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Electromechanical Engineering in 1993 from the Odessa National Polytechnic University, then part of the former Soviet Union.

Continuing his academic pursuit, he further expanded his horizon with a post-graduate diploma in Telecommunications and Computer Networks from South Bank University in London in 1995. This unique combination of engineering and technical studies, alongside his international experiences, provided the solid foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures and fueled his passion for community development.

A Royal Recognition

The extraordinary recognition of his efforts came on Saturday, December 21, 2024, when the 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR conferred on him the chieftaincy title Agura Tete of Warri Kingdom—a title that translates to Star from Tete of Warri Kingdom. With this title came the cherished appellation Ajolaja, meaning “Repairer” or “Unifier” of the nation, a confirmation to Wilbert’s pivotal role in reconciling the fractured pieces of his community and charting the course for a renewed Warri Kingdom.

Contributions to Community Development

I have never seen anyone attempt to deny the light that comes from the star. Lawrence Wilbert’s contribution to communtiy development, is a force so undeniable that it illuminates every endeavor he touches.

Some of the notable community roles and projects he has spearheaded include:

1.Acting Executive Secretary of the Itsekiri Trust Fund, a non-profit and non-political organization established by His Majesty, The Olu of Warri.

2.Chairman, Stillwaters Estate Residents Association,
Chairman, Federal Government College, Ugwolawo, alumni association
Past president-general of the alumni coalition of the Federal Unity colleges, which includes all Federal Government Colleges, Federal Government Girls Colleges, Kings and Queens college.
3.Ikara Primary School, sponsored by NPDC

4.Ikara Community Town Hall, sponsored by Enageed Resources

5.The Itsekiri Health Insurance Program, a program of the Itsekiri Trust Fund with partners including such notable associations as the Alpha May Club, Ugbajo Itsekiri USA etc

6.Stillwaters Gardens Estate Community Road Rehabilitation and 24-7 electricity power supply

The Vision of a United Kingdom

For Chief Lawrence Wilbert, the journey has been about more than just personal success; it has been about using his talents, resources, and connections to build something greater. His career, marked by strategic initiatives and community-driven projects, serves as a model for those seeking to create lasting change from within.

Whether in business, social activism, or education, Wilbert has consistently demonstrated that the path to a better future for the Itsekiri people is one paved with unity, empowerment, and an unshakable commitment to the welfare of all.

His philosophy centers around the idea of reconnecting the scattered Itsekiri communities across the globe commencing from his immediate community- Ikara of Ikpoba Okha.

It is a call to action for Itsekiris, and indeed Nigerians, to rediscover the value of communal ties, collaboration, and collective progress. In the face of challenges like economic hardship, political instability, and widespread migration, his leadership is an inspiring reminder that home is not just a place but a network of people, values, and shared aspirations.

In a world where individuals can easily be swept away by the tide of uncertainty and division, Lawrence Wilbert stands firm as a reminder that true leadership is about service, sacrifice, and, above all, bringing people together for the common good. His work has just begun, but already, the light he brings to Warri Kingdom shines brighter than ever—much like the moon that calls the kinsmen together.