By Adeniyi Ifetayo
His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Mama Iwere, have spearheaded a cultural identity movement and digital platform known as Iam Itsekiri, aimed at uniting Itsekiri people and their friends across the world around a shared heritage and sense of belonging.
The initiative, set to be launched soon under the authority of the Palace of the Warri Kingdom, is designed to connect Itsekiris at home and in the diaspora through a media-driven cultural campaign and a dedicated mobile application that serves as a digital gathering place for members of the community.
Speaking on the vision behind the project, His Majesty said the movement is built around a central truth that the name Itsekiri means “blessing surrounds us,” adding that the platform seeks to strengthen identity, pride and unity among the people while extending that sense of belonging to friends and allies of the kingdom.
According to them, the initiative redefines Itsekiri identity beyond geography and population size, stressing that history has shown that communities driven by a strong idea can grow into influential movements.
“To say ‘I am Itsekiri’ is to make an active declaration that one belongs to a people that blessing follows,” His Majesty stated.
Their Majesties explained that the movement welcomes three groups into one community those born Itsekiri, those who became part of the family through marriage, and friends of Itsekiri who identify with the values and ideals of the people.
The approach, they noted, broadens participation while preserving the cultural pride and heritage of the kingdom.
Their Majesties further disclosed that the Iam Itsekiri application functions as a digital village where users can access updates from the Palace and the kingdom, connect with fellow Itsekiris across the globe, and engage with cultural content that promotes language, traditions, customs and indigenous cuisine. The app will soon be available on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
They added that the movement is being amplified through the #IAmItsekiri Challenge, which encourages participants to share personal stories, testimonies and experiences that reflect the Itsekiri identity.
According to His His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, the initiative is “not nostalgia, but strategy,” aimed at preserving Itsekiri heritage, strengthening community bonds and projecting the blessing and values of the Itsekiri people onto the global stage.
