His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, has launched the Iwere Trust Foundation (ITF) with a personal donation of ₦750 million to drive the socio-economic development of the Itsekiri nation, in a historic move marking his 4th coronation anniversary.
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Unveiling the initiative before thousands of subjects, traditional leaders, and well-wishers at his Aghofen Palace, the monarch declared that true progress for the Itsekiri people must be championed by Itsekiris themselves.
“It is only the Itsekiri people that can truly develop themselves and their ancestral homeland,” the Olu stated. “I have sown my seed of commitment with ₦750 million, and I now call on every well-meaning Itsekiri across the world to join me in watering these seeds of collective development.”
The announcement was met with resounding applause and chants of “Oba-oke, Oba-omi, Ogiame Suoooii!” from the crowd.
The Olu, who will serve as Chairman of the Fund, explained that the ITF is designed to mobilize resources and execute transformative projects that will directly benefit Itsekiri communities. The foundation aims to turn the promise of progress into tangible realities, reflecting the king’s vision for a prosperous and self-reliant nation.
Observers hailed the launch as a defining moment in the monarch’s reign, marking a shift from symbolism to concrete action. The foundation is seen as a rallying call for unity and self-driven development, providing a perfect climax to the anniversary celebrations and a gift of hope for the future.
