The Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), the humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy, launched the “Read and Reach Edition” of its “Storytime with Mama Iwere” literacy initiative on, May 27, 2025. The launch coincides with this year’s Children’s Day celebration and marks a renewed commitment to providing quality education and reading resources to children in underserved communities across the Warri Kingdom.
As part of the initiative, the Foundation donated 200 copies of Her Majesty’s self-authored children’s storybooks to libraries and over 200 school pack essentials to children across four schools: Cavagina Primary School, International Unity School, Edah Primary School, and Akurajor Primary School.
The “Read and Reach” edition also aims to embed cultural pride and heritage by featuring readings of Her Majesty’s books, “The Singing Stars Find Their Beat” and “The Twins Holiday Adventure Pt 1.” Additionally, 100 outstanding pupils, with 25 from each participating school, will eceive special gift packages including Her Majesty’s authored storybooks and educational materials in recognition of their academic performance and participation.
Over the past three years, “Storytime with Mama Iwere” has expanded beyond a literacy project, fostering curiosity, expanding vocabulary, and nurturing the cognitive and emotional development of over 1,200 young learners.
Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, addressed the core mission of “Storytime with Mama Iwere,” stating, “Every child deserves the right to dream and the tools to chase those dreams. Storytime with Mama Iwere is more than just reading a book: it is about opening the windows of the mind, nurturing the power of imagination, and building the confidence to engage with the world. We want our children in Warri to read, learn, and lead. The Read and Reach edition is our way of saying: you are seen, you are capable, and you belong on the global stage.”
Zion Oshiobugie, Project Lead for the Royal Iwere Foundation, elaborated on the foundation’s mission: “The mission of Royal Iwere Foundation is simple yet profound: to ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed. Literacy is foundational, the gateway to knowledge, confidence, and leadership. And with this edition, we’re not only reading with the children, we are reaching them, right where they are.”
The Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) is dedicated to developing the human capital potential of the Warri Kingdom by addressing socio-economic needs through indigenous and collaborative solutions. It aims to tackle obstacles and vulnerabilities hindering the Kingdom’s development and its capacity to compete internationally through targeted SDG-oriented initiatives.
