Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, Requests Oneness, Women Empowerment at Palace Meeting in Delta
Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, Requests Oneness, Women Empowerment at Palace Meeting in Delta.
The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called on all Itsekiris, both 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.
First left A chief of warri kingdom. (2nd Left) . Amb of Côte d’Ivoire to nigeria. (Middle)His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III. ( First right) Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III and (last right standing) Côte d’Ivoire Deputy Senate President, Senator Fanny Moussokoura Chantal, at the Palace of the Olu of Warri 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 emphasized 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 the youth 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.
