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  • Olu of Warri canvasses sustainable youth empowerment for economic growth

    Olu of Warri canvasses sustainable youth empowerment for economic growth

    The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has reiterated belief in the empowerment of youths with the right cultural African values,  leadership and entrepreneurship skills acquisition as a veritable tool in driving a sustainable growth and development of nations across Africa continent.

    Ogiame Atuwatse III, reaffirmed this in Warri on Wednesday at a dinner in honour of the 2025 Elevate Africa Fellowship, (a group of young vibrant and innovative minds, drawn from selected African countries) who had been on tour of some states in Nigeria, as part of the exposure to learn about the  culture, education and business prospects of partner nations.

    The members of the Elevate Africa Fellowship had earlier in the day paid homage to the monarch at his palace (Aghofen) in Warri where they were treated to the rich-cultural display of the Iwere kingdom and made presentations of gifts to the traditional ruler.

    Speaking at the dinner at his Warri residence, Ogiame Atuwatse III maintained that no nation can make any meaningful progress without a conscious and deliberate youth empowerment program that would take into cognizance African uniqueness, interns of environment and cultural values.

    According to the monarch; “It is imperative to bring the people to Warri Kingdom so that they can identify with our people to show them the aspect of the culture which symbolises African identity”.

    Her Royal Majesty Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III, welcomed Elevate Africa Fellowship members, noting that as ambassadors of their various countries they were invited to the kingdom to show them different aspects of African’s  culture in Warri Kingdom. 

    Read Also: Olu of Warri decries exploitation of Niger Delta mangrove

    She said: “As founder of of Elevate Africa, it is right for us to bring them to Warri Kingdom and show them our culture. Our culture is our identity, if you don’t know who you are, you don’t know your identity”.

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Elevate Africa Fellowship, Daniel Ikuenobe, described Elevate Africa, an initiative of His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, as a social impact organization working in collaboration with the media and other development partners like Royal Iwere Foundation which is run by Her Royal Majesty Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III. 

    He clarified that while the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) focuses on empowerment, environment and  education of Warri community and its environs, Elevate Africa works globally with special focus in promoting Africa continent.

     According to him, Elevate Africa deals with leadership, trade and investment and  cultural heritage needs of the people in the continent. He said:” We all as  a group came together to identify career leaders across the continent and do transformative work”. 

    Bola Edward, Chief Executive officer and Co-founder of Proud Africa Root who is a part of Elevate Africa Fellowship said, they create education content and entertainment for children and teenagers who are future leaders. 

    She said:” We raise leaders who  Africans have been hoping for and we have to start from the cradle- the children”.

    Other members of the fellowship who also spoke include Mohammad Bihan from Egypt, Amayan from Tunisa and Grace Nelson from Ghana. 

    They all expressed joy to be  part of  Elevate Africa Fellowship just as they promised to contribute their knowledge in the training, education and transformation of human race especially Africans for good.

    The August visitors in the month of March who specialize in different fields of human endeavours, expressed joy to have visited Nigeria especially Warri Kingdom  to  be part of Elevate Africa Fellowship to transform the people for good.

  • Olu of Warri decries exploitation of Niger Delta mangrove

    Olu of Warri decries exploitation of Niger Delta mangrove

    HIS Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, has called on leaders in the Niger Delta to rise against the continuous exploitation of the mangroves in the region.

    He urged the leaders to establish a framework to protect the mangroves from unchecked exploitation.

    Speaking yesterday at the opening of an exhibition, ‘The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, The Mangrove and Art’, by John Edwin Debebs in Lagos, the monarch advised the leaders to ensure that any economic benefit derived from the mangrove served the communities in the region first.

    He said: “Let us stand proud in the knowledge that our land, our heritage and our future are not for sale.”

    The Ahmed Bashir Sodangi-led National Gallery of Art (NGA) is one of the lead sponsors collaborating with Crimson Fussion to organise the exhibition.

    He stressed that ‘’if we are not taking care of our land and environment, ultimately we are disappearing.’’

    He described the mangrove as the lungs of the people’s heritage that sustained their life.

    “They are the lungs of our heritage. They sustain our way of life. They protect our shores. They preserve our identity. And yet, while we have looked upon them for generations, others, from afar, have begun to look at them differently.

    Read Also: Olu of Warri hails  Lagos Polo Club on ‘impactful’ tournament

    “Through satellite images, through the lens of economic speculation, and the intentions of hurting the collective sovereignty of the people of the Niger Delta.

    ‘’The world now acknowledges what we have always known, that mangroves are among the most efficient carbon sources on this planet,” he noted.

    He said the gathering at the exhibition was not only to appreciate the beauty of artistic expression but to confront an issue that was as immediate as it was historical.

  • Olu of Warri urges protection of N’Delta mangrove, ecosystem

    Olu of Warri urges protection of N’Delta mangrove, ecosystem

    His Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) has stressed the importance among communities and Niger Delta in protecting the vital ecosystems of the mangroves just as he kicked against its economic exploitation.

    Ogiame stated this when he inaugurated ‘The Mangrove Exhibition’, an art exhibition which took place at the Wings Office Complex on Victoria Island, Lagos also noted that it numerous benefit to both the environment and human societies cannot be over-emphasized .

    The event, curated by Oriiz Onuwaje of Crimson Fusion Curators, brought together art, culture, and environmental advocacy to highlight the critical role of mangroves in the Niger Delta and the urgent need to protect them.

    Ogiame in his speech at the opening titled ‘The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangroves and Art’ emphasized the cultural and ecological significance of the mangroves, calling them “the lungs of our heritage.”

    He stated, ” We gather not only to appreciate the beauty of artistic expression but to confront an issue that is as immediate as it is historical, the fate of the Niger Delta mangroves.

    “They sustain our way of life, protect our shores, and preserve our identity. And yet, while we have looked upon them for generations, others from afar have begun to look at them differently through satellite images, through the lenses of economic speculation, and with intentions that threaten the collective sovereignty of the people of the Niger Delta.

    “For centuries, the people of the Niger Delta have lived with and through the mangroves. These lands are more than just ecosystems; they sustain our way of life, protect our shores, and preserve our identity.”

    His Majesty underscored the dual threat of climate change and economic exploitation, warning against the commodification of carbon credits by foreign interests.

    “We will not allow our heritage to be exploited by those who neither understand its significance nor bear the cost of its destruction,” he declared.

    The exhibition, which features evocative paintings by Dr. John Ed Debes, serves as both a celebration of the mangroves’ beauty and a call to action.

    The Olu of Warri praised the artworks as “a force for change,” saying, “Dr. Debes has masterfully captured the soul of our mangroves, translating their silent cries onto canvas. Let these works serve as both inspiration and warning.”

    The event also highlighted the role of art in driving environmental awareness. Oriiz Onuwaje, the curator, was commended for creating a platform that merges art with advocacy.

    “Through his meticulous curation, a platform has been created, urging us all to see the mangroves not just as landscapes but as lifelines,” His Majesty noted.

    His Royal Majesty called for unity among Niger Delta leaders and communities to protect the mangroves from unchecked exploitation. “Let us establish a framework to protect our mangroves and ensure that any economic benefits derived from them serve our communities first,” he urged.

    His speech resonated as a rallying cry for environmental justice and cultural preservation.

    The Mangrove Exhibition will run until March 18, 2025, offering visitors a chance to engage with the intersection of art, climate change, and the vital ecosystems of the Niger Delta. As the Olu of Warri concluded, “May this exhibition ignite a movement. May it awaken the consciousness of our people. And may it be said in history that here, today, the defence of our mangroves began.”

    The event was supported by National Gallery of Art, The National Council of Climate Change Secretariat, Atlantic Marine, Oando Clean Energy, NCF, Crimson Fusion among others.

  • 64 schools to compete for N10m prize Olu of Warri’s quiz, debate

    64 schools to compete for N10m prize Olu of Warri’s quiz, debate

    Sixty-four schools drawn from across Warri and other neighbouring kingdoms in Delta State are set to participate in the 2025 Ogiame Atuwatse III Intercollegiate Quiz and Debate Competition.

    Recall that His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III announced the N10 million-grand prize competition last October, through his Sole Representative Liaison to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Prince Collins Edema.

    Speaking at a news conference at Nana College, Warri, Edema noted that the maiden quiz and debate competition were borne out of the monarch’s desire for children of Warri Kingdom and Delta State at large, to be educated.

    Edema, who was flanked by team members of the project, including the Quiz Project Lead, Coker Tuoyo, expressed the traditional ruler’s gratitude to the educators and students for their readiness to participate in the competition.

    Read Also: Tears as families mourn victims of Enugu tanker fire tragedy

    “I want to convey the heartfelt gratitude of His Majesty to all schools present here today, for being available to participate in this intercollegiate competition.

    “The education of the Warri child and of course, the Delta child is dear to the heart of His Majesty. This is why we are having this competition,” the Olu of Warri’s sole representative said.

    Hinting that the competition would explore science subjects and current affairs, he said besides the N10 million prize, participants would go home with other gift prizes.

    The Project Lead, Tuoyo, stressed that the competition hoped to nurture young minds educationally.

    According to him, 64 schools divided into 16 groups are earmarked to partake in the competition, which will be split into eight rounds, beginning from January, to culminate in June.

  • Olu of Warri canvasses unity for development

    Olu of Warri canvasses unity for development

    The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called on all Itsekiris, at home and abroad, to unite and contribute to the growth and greatness of the Warri Kingdom. 

    His Majesty made the statement during a town hall meeting at the palace in Warri, alongside Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III and the Deputy Senate President of Côte d’Ivoire, Senator Fanny Moussokoura Chantal.

    Reflecting on his coronation speech in 2021, Ogiame Atuwatse III reaffirmed his call for all Itsekiris to return and play their part in strengthening the kingdom.

    “If you identify yourself as an Itsekiri by your father, mother, or grandparents, you are welcome to come back home and contribute your quota to the greatness of our kingdom,” he stated. “I say it again today: any Itsekiri blood who wants to come forward will be fully embraced and encouraged.”

    The monarch emphasised inclusivity, urging the community to welcome those seeking to partner in the kingdom’s development. “We must open our minds and hearts because many more will come to join us, not to compete but to associate and help us build. We must be accommodative,” he added.

    Addressing gender roles, Ogiame Atuwatse III highlighted the importance of women in the development of the Warri Kingdom.

    “Women are not excluded from leadership when it comes to human development. Any woman with the capacity and ability to make her community better should come forward. It is not only men that will make Warri Kingdom great; men and women together will build our future,” the monarch said.

    He encouraged women to share their ideas and perspectives, emphasizing that contributions from both genders are vital for progress.

    The Olu of Warri also inspired youths to take pride in their identity and contribute to the kingdom’s future.

    “As a young boy or girl, do you believe in yourself? If you believe you can contribute to the growth of the Warri Kingdom, come forward and make your ideas known. You will not be rejected but encouraged,” he assured.

    His Majesty announced plans to honor Itsekiris excelling in their careers and skills through the Royal Order of Iwere awards, which began in August 2024.

    “The awards will not only be restricted to those of Itsekiri extraction. This kingdom stands for excellence, and we must recognize those who embody that standard,” he noted, presenting an award to Côte d’Ivoire’s Senator Chantal during the event.

    The historic visit by Senator Fanny Moussokoura Chantal, a strong advocate for women’s leadership and the First Vice President of the ECOWAS Female Parliament Association (ECOFEPA), underscores the Warri Kingdom’s commitment to regional collaboration and sustainable development.

    Senator Chantal commended the Olu of Warri for his vision and efforts in empowering women and fostering unity.

    The meeting served as a platform to strengthen ties between the Warri Kingdom and Côte d’Ivoire, promoting shared values of progress and empowerment.

  • Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III host Côte d’Ivoire’s Dep. Senate President

    Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III host Côte d’Ivoire’s Dep. Senate President

    In a historic moment for diplomacy, cultural exchange, and female leadership, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III are set to host Senator Fanny Moussokoura Chantel, Deputy Senate President of Côte d’Ivoire and 1st Vice President of the ECOWAS Female Parliament Association (ECOFEPA).

    Taking place from 23rd to 25th January 2025, this visit underscores the Warri Kingdom’s commitment to forging international partnerships and advancing sustainable development across Africa.

    Described as a milestone in fostering regional collaboration and promoting the role of women in leadership, the three-day visit will feature impactful events that spotlight the Warri Kingdom’s rich heritage, commitment to empowerment, and dedication to environmental sustainability.

    The Royal Court of the Warri Kingdom emphasised the importance of this engagement, stating that it represents not just a celebration of shared values but a bold step towards creating a lasting legacy of cooperation and progress between the Warri Kingdom and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

    “This visit represents a unique opportunity to celebrate our shared values, strengthen our collaboration, and create meaningful dialogue for the betterment of our communities,” said His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III added, “It is a privilege to welcome Senator Chantal to the Warri Kingdom. Together, we will explore ways to empower women, preserve our heritage, and advance sustainable development across Africa.”

    Programme Highlights

    Day 1: January 23, 2025

    The visit begins with a grand cultural reception at the airport, offering a vibrant display of the Warri Kingdom’s rich heritage and traditions. This ceremonial welcome will set the tone for three days of high-profile engagements.

    Day 2: January 24, 2025

     The second day features the Women’s Town Hall Meeting, hosted by His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with Senator Chantel as the keynote speaker. Discussions will centre on women’s empowerment and sustainable community development, with distinguished attendees including:

    Dr. Toyin Agbolayah, Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Community Development.

    Hon. Commissioner Orode Uduaghan, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Girl Child Development.

    Senator Chantal will then visit the Royal Iwere Foundation project site and participate in a tree-planting ceremony at the Orugbo Love Garden, symbolising a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.

    The day concludes with a private dinner hosted by Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, bringing together the visiting dignitary and select high-profile guests for an evening of dialogue and camaraderie.

    Day 3: Strengthening Ties

     The final day will provide an opportunity for regional dialogue, reinforcing ties between the Warri Kingdom and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

    A Milestone for Female Leadership and Regional Collaboration

    Senator Chantal, a leading advocate for female leadership and regional cooperation, brings a wealth of experience in advancing the role of women across West Africa. Her visit represents an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, share ideas, and address pressing regional issues.

    The Royal Court has expressed its excitement about the visit, highlighting its importance in building bridges and creating a legacy of collaboration and progress.

    This historic occasion underscores the Warri Kingdom’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships that promote empowerment, sustainability, and unity across the West African region.

  • Olu of Warri’s Rep condemns oil pipelines destruction in Delta

    Olu of Warri’s Rep condemns oil pipelines destruction in Delta

    •Assures Chevron, others of safe operational environment

    Following the attack on crude oil pipelines along Dibi-Olero-Abiteye Fields last weekend, the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri/Liaison Officer to Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Joint Venture partners, Prince Collins Edema, has restated the commitment of the Itsekiri Nation to ensuring a safe environment for oil multinationals, including Chevron Nigeria Limited.

    In a statement made available to reporters in Warri, the monarch’s representative condemned the destruction, describing it as “alien to the ideology of the struggle of the Itsekiri Nation, to get a better deal for our people in terms of employment, infrastructure and welfare.”

    Edema continued: “It has come to the knowledge of the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri/Liaison Officer to NNPCL and its JV Partners that there is palpable air of disenchantment with Chevron Nigeria Limited over issues of employment of people of the host communities, particularly in the three Warris of Warri South-West, Warri North and Warri South Local Government Areas, -an advocacy, this office has actively been engaging with Chevron to accommodate Itsekiri people.

    “While His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, empathises with Chevron over the recent attack on its pipelines in the Dibi-Olero-Abiteye trunk line and Flow Stations, it is important to use this opportunity to appeal to our youths to remain calm, as this office is actively engaging Chevron over unresolved unemployment issues

    Read Also: Oniba urges residents to seek approval for activities on swampy lands

    “We understand that our youths are frustrated over the situation that portrays that Chevron is taking people from Host Communities for granted, but such frustration cannot be allowed to metamorphose into such lawless behavior as attacking critical assets by any of our people.

    “We restate our commitment to a safe and warm operational environment to Chevron and other IOCs in Itsekiri land, even as we trust that security agencies will spare no stone unturned in fishing out perpetrators of the pipeline destruction.

    “It is also noteworthy to mention that the condemnable incident is not connected to the legal channels our people have been exploring to address lingering employment issues with Chevron.

    “We shall continue to engage with Chevron to find ways of absorbing qualified Itsekiris into the crude oil giant and other oil and gas companies operating in Warri Kingdom.”

    Meanwhile, Itsekiri leaders of Dibi/Olero oil field host communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, have also condemned the blast on the trunk line.

    The leaders who cut across 14 communities, described the Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM), which claimed responsibility for the destruction, as “faceless” in a statement.

    Among the communities’ leaders were Chief Francis Omatseye, Chief Mike Odeli, Evangelist Tony Aderojo, Canaan Ajagbawa, Itse Orugboh, Simeon Iluwa, Dr. Jeffrey Wilkie, Dr. Eyide Michael Ugeoritsete, David Odeli, Isaac Dorsu, Billy Ofesi, Duris Orugboh, Eniyan Tonwe, Roland Ukuesan and Jerry Atiene.

    They declared the group’s action as “not only reckless, but also detrimental to the environment, the local economy and the livelihoods of residents.”

    Calling on security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the suspects, they dissociated the communities from them, stating, “we must not allow criminal elements to exploit or use false narratives to create divisions or disrupt the harmonious relationship between the host communities and Chevron that we have worked hard to build over the years.

  • Olu of Warri’s Rep condemns oil pipeline destruction in Delta

    Olu of Warri’s Rep condemns oil pipeline destruction in Delta

    Following the attack on crude oil pipelines along the Dibi-Olero-Abiteye Fields last weekend, Prince Collins Edema, the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri and Liaison Officer to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Joint Venture partners, has restated the Itsekiri nation’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for oil multinationals, including Chevron Nigeria Limited.

    In a statement made available to reporters in Warri, Prince Edema condemned the destruction, describing it as “alien to the ideology of the struggle of the Itsekiri Nation, which aims to secure better employment, infrastructure, and welfare for our people.”

    Edema said: “It has come to the knowledge of the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri/Liaison Officer to NNPCL and its JV Partners that there is a palpable air of disenchantment with Chevron Nigeria Limited over issues of employment of people of the host communities, particularly in the three Warris of Warri South-West, Warri North and Warri South Local Government Areas, advocacy, this office has actively been engaging with Chevron to accommodate Itsekiri people.

    “While His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, empathizes with Chevron over the recent attack on its pipelines in the Dibi-Olero-Abiteye trunk line and Flow Stations, it is important to use this opportunity to appeal to our youths to remain calm, as this office is actively engaging Chevron over unresolved unemployment issues

    “We understand that our youths are frustrated over the situation that portrays Chevron is taking people from Host Communities for granted, but such frustration cannot be allowed to metamorphose into such lawless behaviour as attacking critical assets by any of our people.

    “We restate our commitment to a safe and warm operational environment to Chevron and other IOCs in Itsekiri land, even as we trust that security agencies will spare no stone unturned in fishing out perpetrators of the pipeline destruction.

    “It is also noteworthy to mention that the condemnable incident is not connected to the legal channels our people have been exploring to address lingering employment issues with Chevron.

    “We shall continue to engage with Chevron to find ways of absorbing qualified Itsekiris into the crude oil giant and other oil and gas companies operating in Warri Kingdom.”

    Meanwhile, Itsekiri leaders of Dibi/Olero oil field host communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, have also condemned the blast on the trunk line.

    The leaders who cut across 14 communities, described the Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM), which claimed responsibility for the destruction, as “faceless” in a statement.

    Read Also: Delta communities protest against oil firm, demand host status recognition

    Among the communities’ leaders were Chief Francis Omatseye, Chief Mike Odeli, Evangelist Tony Aderojo, Canaan Ajagbawa, Itse Orugboh, Simeon Iluwa, Dr. Jeffrey Wilkie, Dr. Eyide Michael Ugeoritsete, David Odeli, Isaac Dorsu, Billy Ofesi, Duris Orugboh, Eniyan Tonwe, Roland Ukuesan and Jerry Atiene.

    They declared the group’s action as “not only reckless but also detrimental to the environment, the local economy and the livelihoods of residents.”

    Calling on security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the suspects, they dissociated the communities from them, stating, “We must not allow criminal elements to exploit or use false narratives to create divisions or disrupt the harmonious relationship between the host communities and Chevron that we have worked hard to build over the years.

  • Floods of tributes as Olu of Warri, wife mark 10th wedding anniversary

    Floods of tributes as Olu of Warri, wife mark 10th wedding anniversary

    Many indigenes of Warri kingdom, at the weekend joined the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III and his wife, Olori Atuwatse III, to celebrate their 10th year of marriage anniversary.

    Garbed in gorgeous attires, the Itsekiri first family had blown minds away with delectable family photos on social media, some of which were accompanied by a heartfelt message by Olori Atuwatse III to her husband, the king.

    In her message on Instagram, the queen recalled their early beginnings, expressing gratitude to God for the family they have made, with hope for the next 50 years plus in bliss.

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    Their teeming subjects and friends, who expressed delight over the joyous occasion, joined friends and well-wishers to congratulate them.

    In their message, Collins Edema, Chief Executive Officer of Rucotech Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, wished the celebrators more “love” and “laughter.”

    On behalf of the management and staff, in a statement late Friday, Edema said: “On this special day, we celebrate our benefactor, father, revered monarch- His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR and our Olori Atuwatse III on their 10th wedding anniversary. Congratulations on another year of love and laughter. May your love story keep inspiring us all.”

    The couple had a grand wedding ceremony in Benin City, Edo state in 2014. Their union is blessed with three children, two boys and a girl.

  • Olu of Warri dissolves Itsekiri youth leadership

    Olu of Warri dissolves Itsekiri youth leadership

    The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has dissolved the leadership of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC).                                  

    The monarch announced the dissolutionn”at a well attended Itsekiri Youths Assembly,” following “failure of the youth body to successfully adopt a new constitution and conduct election to elect new executives at the National and Chapter levels.”    

    According to reports, the process of installing leaders of the body was “by selection of persons loyal to certain leaders,” in the past 30 years

    Atuwatse III also declared that nobody above age 40 should operate as a youth in the Kingdom.

    Read Also: Olu of Warri charges subjects to build communities

    He appointed Presidents of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) and National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS) as the core of a committee to draft a new constitution for the INYC, with Chiefs Omolubi Newuwumi and Wilson Olley as Advisers.           

    The constitution drafting committee, which is likely to have more members, has the end of January 2025 to conclude its assignment, “for a new executive council of the INYC to be elected.”