July 2024
Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III had the honour of delivering the keynote address titled “Africa’s Sustainable Future: Redefining its Global Identity,” at the 14th edition of the Africa Achievers Awards – an annual awards ceremony celebrating African excellence through recognizing and honoring notable individuals and organizations in Africa across multiple industries contributing immensely to the growth and development of the continent on Saturday, 13 July 2024 at the Palace of Westminister, House of Lords in London, United Kingdom.
Her Majesty’s speech focused on how Africa’s traditions, from sustainable textile practices to communal support systems, are crucial to building a brighter future emphasising the importance of reclaiming her rich heritage and innovative practices, often overlooked globally. “By embracing and celebrating our unique stories, we can redefine Africa’s identity and foster mutual respect and collaboration within our communities and on the global stage. Our greatest assets as Africans are our youths, there is a need to invest in them, share our stories, and proudly present our authentic selves to the world. Together, we can elevate Africa, set global trends, and create a sustainable future where we lead with confidence and self-knowledge.”
August 2024
The Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), the humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy held a masterclass edition of its Teachers’ Training Program-an initiative that uses blended learning techniques for effective teaching, including modern methods for improved classroom delivery which are in line with SDG 4 for 36 early childhood educators across Delta State at the maiden edition of the SDG Summer Camp hosted by the office of the Special Adviser on SDG, Delta State – Diana Eyo-Enoette at the Valley Stream British Academy grounds, Sapele on Monday 12 August 2024.
The masterclass, themed “Equipping and Empowering Early Childhood Educators”, featured sessions on “Emotional Intelligence, Managing Classroom Behaviour, Positive Discipline and Safeguarding and Professional Development” led by education experts; Patricia Onyejekwe, Montessori Expert & co-founder of Homeschool Network and Zion Oshiobugie, Education Practitioner & founder CleverMinds Educational Foundation. The sessions included resource materials for hands-on practical learning and interactive group learning among the participants. Furthermore, 3 teachers who showed exceptional participation were appreciated by Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwaste III with educational gift bags, while the 33 others were presented with certificates and received travel support from Their Majesties.
Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom and global SDG advocate was ceremonially inaugurated as Matron and Lead of the Plastic Tide Turner SDGs Challenge Group in line with SDG 14 at the maiden edition of the SDG Summer Camp hosted by the office of the Special Adviser on SDG, Delta State – Diana Eyo-Enoette at the Valley Stream British Academy grounds, Sapele on Tuesday 13 August 2024.
At the ceremony with top dignitaries and stakeholders of Delta present, Her Majesty commended the efforts of the organisers, and partners, highlighting how the values derived from the camp would leave the children with a better understanding of the SDGs, a refined worldview and the values of critical thinking, adaptable problem-solving, and innovation, change-making, curiosity, knowledge seeking, all critical pillars for nation building.
Story Time with Mama Iwere, the literacy development initiative of the Royal Iwere Foundation held its 5th edition with 100 children at the inaugural Scouts for SDGs Summer Camp, in partnership with the Delta State Government on Tuesday 13 August at Valley Stream British Academy, Sapele.
Reading her self-authored children’s book “The Twins’ Holiday Adventure Part 1,” Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III educated the enthusiastic children on the importance of addressing societal challenges—a theme that aligned closely with the camp’s mission. The experience delighted the children and reinforced RIF’s commitment to bridging the literacy gap through our initiative.
At the end of the event, 100 kids received gift packs from Her Majesty, and 29 others who displayed exceptional participation during the story reading were rewarded with autographed copies of Her Majesty’s storybook, and stationery items.
The Royal Iwere Foundation provided free medical services to over 1300 residents of Warri South LGA from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 August through the 6th edition of her free medical outreach, Wuwu Ore.
The free medical outreach provided free birth certificates, medical services, essential medications, 100 eyeglasses, and 96 life-changing surgeries, including Lipoma, Herniorrhaphy (Hernia), Myomectomy (Fibroid), and Cataract surgeries, to the residents of Warri South Local Government Area, including 8 riverine communities: Ajigba, Inorin, Kpisan, Ode-Itsekiri, Omadino, Orugbo, Ugbodede, Usele.
The initiative demonstrates RIF’s commitment to bridging the access to healthcare gap through the provision of quality healthcare to underserved communities in the Warri Kingdom. Through her free medical outreach program, Wuwu Ore, RIF is dedicated to building a healthier Warri Kingdom, one outreach at a time.
The Royal Iwere Foundation nurtured 50 children; the next generation of Stem giants at the 2nd edition of its Stem Hub Bootcamp in Warri Delta State. The intensive 5-day boot camp held in partnership with TakeLead Technologies, Abuja provided 50 primary school pupils from six primary schools; Monesto International School, Model Scholars International School, Cleverminds Free Primary School, Holy Cross Nursery & Primary School, Morning Star Nursery & Primary School, and Merit Nursery & Primary School in communities across Warri South LGA a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from Thursday 15 August to Tuesday 20 August 2024 at the Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbor STEM Lab, Cleverminds Free Primary School, Iyara.
STEM education is fundamental for the success of the next generation, fostering innovation, empowerment, and transformation in an ever-evolving world. Thus, the Royal Iwere Foundation’s Stem Hub Bootcamp is a crucial part of its mission to equip the children of Warri Kingdom and by extension the South-South with the necessary skills and knowledge to become future leaders.
The 3rd coronation anniversary celebration of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, revered monarch of Warri Kingdom held from August 19th to 25th, 2024 in the kingdom of Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, in a vibrant atmosphere highlighting the rich heritage and traditions of the kingdom. The atmosphere was lively as people from the Warri kingdom and beyond, and guests from all corners of the globe came together to honour His Majesty.
The week-long celebration included a range of activities and events to honor the occasion. These activities comprised a pre-coronation Anniversary thanksgiving, homage paying, a coronation anniversary lecture and symposium focused on ‘The Challenges of Minority Ethnic Groups within the Nigerian State,’ a captivating stage play titled “Echoes of Our Ancestry” by the Royal Iwere Society, and an anniversary address by HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR. A standout moment was the victory of the Ebiren-Olori of Warri Kingdom football team, a remarkable group of women who secured a well-deserved 1:0 win in a friendly match against the Eminent Ladies Club of Warri. Additionally, the Royal Order of Iwere award was presented to 10 deserving individuals from the Iwere Kingdom. Each event highlighted the rich history, culture, and accomplishments of the Warri Kingdom.
The 3rd coronation anniversary celebrations climaxed with a thanksgiving ceremony – a moment dedicated to honouring the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward with hope and determination, and a pledge to continue serving with humility and dedication for the continued progress of the Warri Kingdom on Sunday, 25 August 2024. The 3rd coronation anniversary celebrations was a testament to the enduring legacy and relevance of Ogiame Atuwatse III, an exemplary leader and symbol of hope for the Iwere people.
OGIAME SUO!!!
The Royal Iwere Foundation Love Gardens project has evolved significantly since its inception, with the recent launch of its 5th and 6th gardens at Jelu Primary School in Omadino Community and Yonwuren College in Ugbuwangue Community, both situated in the heart of Warri Kingdom.
Under the guidance of her esteemed visionary, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, RIF reaffirmed its dedication to empowering children by instilling a passion for agriculture, thereby equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for cultivating their food. These new gardens, building upon the achievements of the existing gardens, will supply fresh and nutritious crops and vegetables to the rural communities.
Having involved over 800 children across 4 schools to date, the Love Gardens project has provided optimism, a source of sustenance, and harmony within communities. With each newly planted garden, RIF is sowing the seeds of well-being, sustainability, and a more promising future for all.