'There is so much more that unites than divides' Nigerian king tells 'Post' - interview

His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of the Warri Kingdom of Nigeria, has shared his insights on peace and unity during his visit to Israel. The 550 Christian leaders from 51 nations who accompanied him brought a message of healing and understanding. Atuwatse emphasized that for peace to truly exist, one must start from within, with a healed heart.

He explained that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of harmony flowing from a connection to the Creator. Reflecting on the recent conflicts in Nigeria, Atuwatse drew parallels with Israel's own struggles, suggesting that both nations can learn from each other's experiences. He highlighted potential areas of collaboration such as education, technology, infrastructure, and security.

Atuwatse stressed that spiritual unity precedes physical unity, citing the historical ties between African nations and Israel, particularly with Ethiopia. He expressed optimism about the opportunities for partnership between Israel and the African continent, particularly given that roughly half of Africa is Christian. Atuwatse's visit aimed to reveal the truth about the region and foster a deeper understanding among leaders, soldiers, and attendees of the international Christian worship festival Awake Jerusalem, which took place during Sukkot and the anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

Eagles Wings, a global Christian movement, organized Atuwatse's visit, emphasizing the importance of humanizing the other and understanding diverse perspectives to achieve genuine progress. Eagles Wings' founder, Bishop Robert Stearns, echoed Atuwatse's sentiments, noting that this visit marks a significant turning point in human history, as Jews and Christians walk together in solidarity and friendship after 2,000 years of division.