By Sunday Apah
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has advocated for enhanced youth empowerment programs that align with authentic African cultural values, leadership principles, and entrepreneurship skills, stating that these elements are essential for fostering sustainable growth and development across the African continent.
Ogiame Atuwatse III made these remarks during a dinner in Warri on Wednesday, held in honor of the 2025 Elevate Africa Fellowship—a group of dynamic and innovative young individuals selected from various African nations.
This fellowship had recently toured several states in Nigeria to explore culture, education, and business opportunities in partner countries.
Earlier in the day, members of the Elevate Africa Fellowship visited the Olu at his palace (Aghofen) in Warri, where they enjoyed a vibrant cultural display from the Iwere kingdom and presented gifts to the traditional ruler.
While addressing guests at the dinner, Ogiame Atuwatse III asserted that meaningful progress in any nation is unattainable without a committed and intentional youth empowerment program that recognizes the uniqueness of Africa’s environment and cultural heritage.
“It is vital to bring people to the Warri Kingdom so they can connect with our community and understand the cultural aspects that symbolize African identity,” he stated.
Her Royal Majesty Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III also welcomed the members of the Elevate Africa Fellowship, emphasizing that as representatives of their countries, their presence in the kingdom was meant to showcase various facets of African culture within the Warri Kingdom.
“As the founder of Elevate Africa, it is essential to bring them to the Warri Kingdom to introduce them to our culture. Our culture is our identity; without understanding where you come from, you cannot know who you are,” she remarked.
Daniel Ikuenobe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Elevate Africa Fellowship, described the initiative, launched by His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, as a social impact organization working collaboratively with media and development partners, including the Royal Iwere Foundation, led by Her Royal Majesty Olori Ogiame Atuwatse III.
He clarified that while the Royal Iwere Foundation focuses on the empowerment, education, and environmental needs of the Warri community and its surroundings, Elevate Africa works globally, specifically to promote the African continent.
“Elevate Africa addresses the leadership, trade, investment, and cultural heritage needs of the people across the continent. Our group has come together to identify emerging leaders and engage in transformative initiatives,” he explained.
Bola Edward, CEO and Co-Founder of Proud Africa Root and a participant in the Elevate Africa Fellowship, emphasized their mission to create educational content and entertainment for children and teenagers who are the future leaders of Africa.
“We aim to cultivate the leaders that Africa has long awaited, starting from the very young—the children,” she stated.
Other fellowship members, including Mohammad Bihan from Egypt, Amayan from Tunisia, and Grace Nelson from Ghana, shared their excitement about being part of the Elevate Africa Fellowship and pledged to contribute their expertise toward the education, training, and upliftment of the African community.
The visiting delegation, consisting of specialists from various fields, expressed their enthusiasm for visiting Nigeria, specifically Warri Kingdom, and their commitment to being part of the Elevate Africa Fellowship aimed at empowering people for the better.
