The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has launched the Iwere Trust Foundation (ITF) with a personal donation of ₦750 million.
To celebrate his 4th coronation anniversary, the foundation was established to aid the socio-economic development of the Itsekiri nation.
Speaking to thousands of subjects, traditional leaders, and well-wishers at his Aghofen Palace, Ogiame Atuwatse III revealed that the Itsekiri people can only progress if Itsekiris themselves do the needful to make it happen.
Urging Itsekiris all over the world to join hands with him to develop their ancestral homeland, he stressed that growth is only possible when unity is assured.
“It is only the Itsekiri people that can truly develop themselves and their ancestral homeland.
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,” he said.
A joyous round of applause trailed his announcement, with chants of “Oba-oke, Oba-omi, Ogiame Suoooii!” ringing out loud from the crowd.
Olu of Warri, who automatically becomes chairman of the Fund, disclosed that the ITF will help to mobilize resources and execute transformative projects that will impact Itsekiri communities positively.
The foundation wants to ensure the pledges of progress become a reality, to further emphasise the monarch’s vision for a successful and self-reliant nation.
Observers described the unveiling as a key moment in Olu of Warri’s reign, stressing that it reaffirms his willingness to trigger the much-needed shift from unfulfilled promises to decisive action.
The Iwere Trust Foundation (ITF) promotes unity and self-driven development, rounding up the anniversary celebrations in the best way possible.
