Across Africa, the future of communities is shaped by the opportunities created for women to lead, build, and prosper.
In Warri, the EstablishHER Graduation and Induction Ceremony brought together a remarkable gathering to celebrate courage, discipline, and enterprise. Through the work of the Royal Iwere Foundation, women who had spent the past six months strengthening their confidence, sharpening their business skills, and preparing to build ventures that support their families and contribute meaningfully to their communities were honoured.
At the same time, a new cohort was welcomed into the EstablishHER Academy, women who have chosen to invest in their ideas and in their future.
As International Women's Day is marked, this year's theme, Give to Gain, reflects this journey. These women invested time, commitment, and belief in themselves; in return, they gained knowledge, clarity, and a community committed to shared progress.
During the ceremony, 108 women entrepreneurs graduated from Cohort 1, while 208 new participants were inducted into the academy. The ₦150 million EstablishHER Entrepreneurship Fund was also launched, an initiative designed to expand access to capital for women entrepreneurs.
The fund strengthens the EstablishHER Academy, supports the EstablishHER Hub, and introduces a marketplace lending platform that provides women access to financing at single-digit interest with annual repayment.
This work continues through strong partnerships. Olori Atuwatse III extends sincere appreciation to programme partners, The Osahon Okunbo Foundation and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, whose support advances this vision of women-led enterprise and economic participation.
Women across the Warri Kingdom demonstrate enterprise and leadership every day. When women gain access to knowledge, networks, mentorship, and capital, families flourish and communities prosper.
She wishes everyone a Happy International Women's Day.
