Olu of Warri launches Iwere Trust Foundation with ₦750m seed fund to empower Itsekiri communities through self-driven development

Olu of Warri His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has launched the Iwere Trust Foundation with a personal donation of ₦750 million, setting a powerful precedent for self-led development in the Itsekiri nation.

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The monarch announced the initiative during the celebration of his 4th coronation anniversary at the Aghofen Palace, calling on all Itsekiris worldwide to rally behind the vision.

The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd chanting “Oba-oke, Oba-omi, Ogiame Suoooii!” in unified joy and support.

“It is only the Itsekiri people that can truly develop themselves and their ancestral homeland,” Ogiame declared.

He emphasized that the foundation is not just symbolic but a vehicle for tangible change, with him serving as the Chairman of the Fund.

The Iwere Trust Foundation is set to execute socio-economic projects that directly benefit local communities, ensuring resources are channeled where they are needed most.

Observers have described the initiative as a defining moment in the monarch’s reign. More than just a coronation gesture, it is being celebrated as a gift of hope and a roadmap to prosperity.

This bold move signals a cultural and economic awakening among the Itsekiri people — one led by a visionary leader who is not only speaking about change but funding it.

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As a royal legacy in motion, the Olu’s seed donation invites Itsekiris across the globe to unite in nurturing a future rooted in dignity, progress, and self-reliance.