Nigerian King Visits West Bank Settlement Region

Ogiama Etsawase III, the King of the Kingdom of Warri in Nigeria, visited the Benjamin region in the West Bank on Tuesday with a delegation from his country. The monarch, the 21st ruler of the over 500-year-old kingdom located in Nigeria's Delta State, was hosted by Yisrael Gantz, the Head of the Benjamin Regional Council and Chairman of the Yesha Council. The visit included a tour of the Psagot Winery, where Gantz presented the region's history and development, and a visit to the ancient site of Shiloh. King Etsawase III, who also leads the Itsekiri people and has experience in the energy sector, is on a broader international delegation to Israel aimed at exploring future cooperation.

The Benjamin Regional Council stated that the king's visit is part of an effort to expand its ties with leaders and public figures in Africa and globally. The council is actively working to broaden connections with international leaders, particularly from African nations, aligning with Gantz's initiatives. Concurrently, the council is advancing plans for a power station in the future Rantis industrial zone as part of its economic and infrastructural development programs.

At Psagot Winery, the delegation sampled local wines and learned about the region's wine and agricultural industries. Eliana Pessantin, Director of the Benjamin Regional Council's Foreign Desk, guided the visitors through ancient Shiloh, detailing its history as the site of the Tabernacle and its biblical significance, along with archaeological findings.

Gantz expressed his pleasure in hosting the Nigerian king, highlighting the biblical land's ability to attract global leaders. He emphasized that visitors to the region witness the deep connection of the people of Israel to their land and stated the council's commitment to building partnerships and opening Benjamin to the world, translating these connections into support for Israel and its settlements.