The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has emphasized the importance of youth empowerment anchored on African cultural values, leadership skills, and entrepreneurship as pivotal factors in fostering sustainable growth and development across the African continent.
The monarch made this assertion in Warri on Wednesday during a dinner held in honor of the 2025 Elevate Africa Fellowship—a group of young, vibrant, and innovative minds selected from various African countries. The fellowship had been on a tour of several Nigerian states to learn about the culture, education, and business opportunities in partner nations.
Earlier in the day, the members of the Elevate Africa Fellowship visited the monarch at his palace (Aghofen) in Warri, where they were treated to a rich cultural display of the Iwere Kingdom and presented gifts to the traditional ruler.
Speaking at the dinner hosted at his residence in Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III asserted that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without a conscious, strategic youth empowerment program that takes into account the continent’s unique environment and cultural values.
“It is imperative to bring people to Warri Kingdom so they can connect with our people and experience our culture, which embodies the essence of African identity,” said the monarch.
Her Royal Majesty Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III also welcomed the Elevate Africa Fellowship members, acknowledging that as ambassadors of their respective countries, they were invited to Warri Kingdom to experience and appreciate different aspects of African culture.
“As founder of Elevate Africa, it is essential to bring them here to showcase our culture,” she noted. “Our culture is our identity. If you do not know who you are, you cannot understand your identity.”
Daniel Ikuenobe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Elevate Africa Fellowship, described the initiative as a social impact organization that collaborates with media and other development partners, including the Royal Iwere Foundation, which is overseen by Her Royal Majesty Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III.
He clarified that while the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) focuses on empowerment, environment, and education in the Warri community, Elevate Africa has a global focus, with an emphasis on promoting the African continent. “Elevate Africa addresses leadership, trade, investment, and cultural heritage needs across the continent,” he explained. “We have come together to identify future leaders and foster transformative work.”
Bola Edward, CEO and Co-founder of Proud Africa Root, and a member of Elevate Africa Fellowship, shared their mission of creating educational content and entertainment for children and teenagers—future leaders. “We raise the leaders Africans have been hoping for, and we must start with the children,” she stated.
Other fellowship members, including Mohammad Bihan from Egypt, Amayan from Tunisia, and Grace Nelson from Ghana, expressed their excitement about being part of Elevate Africa Fellowship. They vowed to contribute their knowledge to the training, education, and transformation of the African continent for the betterment of all.
The esteemed visitors, who specialize in various fields, expressed their joy at visiting Nigeria, particularly Warri Kingdom, to be part of the Elevate Africa Fellowship and play a role in transforming the people for the better.
