By Sunday Apah
Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, the queen consort of the Warri kingdom, has again championed the cause of community empowerment by organizing a series of entrepreneurship and leadership training programs titled “Established Her Enterprise” for women in Warri, Delta State.
The initiative, held at the palace on Thursday, was part of Her Majesty’s broader efforts through the Women Allying Women and Royal Iwere Foundation.
In her address to the young women participants, Olori Atuwatse III emphasized the pivotal role women play in nation-building, urging them to develop their leadership and entrepreneurship skills to thrive in a world dominated by innovation and ideas.
She highlighted the significance of preserving African culture and identity, noting that individuals without a strong sense of self are often overlooked in society.
Olori Atuwatse III explained that Elevate Africa, in partnership with the Royal Iwere Foundation, is dedicated to empowering youth, particularly young women, with essential skills to help them fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.
The royal consort announced that participants in the Elevate Africa Fellowship hail from various regions across the continent and will receive education on diverse subjects, thanks to specialists in numerous fields.
She urged the women to fully engage in the program to acquire the foundational skills necessary for success.
In interviews with several participants, Favour Shoba expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by Elevate Africa and Iwere Foundation, noting that the training has equipped her with valuable entrepreneurship skills that she intends to apply to her business for future success.
Esther Okorafor echoed this sentiment, stating that the insights gained from the program would enable her business to make a more significant societal impact.
“I have learned that access to the market is crucial for making an impact and achieving results,” she said. Other participants, including Sharon Amajuwa Ekurene, also shared their appreciation for the learning experience and expressed gratitude to their Majesties for the chance to grow.
Earlier, at the Clever-Mind Educational Centre, which is part of the initiatives founded by His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, Programme Adviser Femi Taiwo spoke about the royal couple’s commitment to nurturing young people and children through their foundations, Royal Iwere Foundation and Elevate Africa Fellowship.
He affirmed that the day’s event, which attracted participants from various regions, is a testament to the positive impact these foundations are making in Warri Kingdom, the state, and nationwide.
The program featured presentations from different Elevate Africa Fellows and culminated in a Q&A session, during which two attendees who pitched their business ideas were awarded ₦500,000 each.
