Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Modern African Queen, and Founder of Elevate Africa
As the year draws to a close, I reflect deeply on the many experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped 2024.
This year has been a journey of profound growth, resilience, and transformation for me- one that has deepened my understanding of leadership, service, and the importance of staying true to one’s calling.
My heart is filled with immense gratitude for the blessings of family, faith, and community.
I have felt God’s steadfast presence in every milestone and moment, guiding me and illuminating my path.
The unwavering support of my soulmate and husband, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has been a source of strength, as has the love of our children and the enduring spirit of the Warri Kingdom.
The bonds of kinship and community that hold us together have grown stronger, reminding me that true leadership is rooted in service, humility, and a commitment to the collective good.
This year has also been a time of remarkable achievements — filled with personal growth, purposeful action, and impactful initiatives. From the quiet moments of reflection to the dynamic stages of global advocacy, I have found renewed purpose in championing the causes that matter deeply: empowering women, preserving our heritage, nurturing the next generation, and envisioning a thriving Africa.
Looking back, I see not just what we have accomplished but the seeds we have planted for the future. The year has reaffirmed my unwavering commitment to uplifting the people of Warri, fostering innovation, and rallying for Africa’s potential.
It has been a year that called for courage, vision, and faith — and through it all, I have been reminded that the journey toward meaningful change is one we walk together, hand in hand.
Reflections on 2024
Empowering the Great People of Warri
The heartbeat of my work remains the people of the Warri Kingdom. This year, through the Royal Iwere Foundation, we deepened our impact in education, empowerment, and environmental advocacy.. The Teacher Training Program equipped educators with the skills to inspire a generation, while the STEM boot camps held at our STEM innovation lab provided young minds with tools to build a future defined by innovation and creativity.
In keeping with the spirit of nurturing the next generation, the Storytime with Mama Iwere brought joy, storytelling, and innovation to the children of the Warri Kingdom. Storytime was not only a time of fun it reinforced the importance of community, creativity, and literacy.
Furthermore, our Soup Kitchen programme served over 20,000 people this year, providing essential meals and nourishment to those in need. These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being, dignity, and prosperity of every member of our kingdom.
Women in Warri continued to flourish through programs such as EstablishHer, which upskilled women entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of independence and economic growth. Our work has always centered on providing opportunities and tools that amplify the inherent strength and resilience of Warri’s people.
Elevate Africa: A Rallying Cry for the Continent
Hosting Elevate Africa under the theme The Africa We See was the defining moment of 2024. This conference was more than an event; it was a movement to reimagine Africa’s potential. My keynote, which became a rallying cry for transformation, resonated widely and was featured on platforms like CNN. It reminded us of the power of unity, collaboration, and bold visions.
Healing Spaces
Creating Healing Spaces this year with my covenant circle was a deeply fulfilling initiative. The retreats provided women with opportunities for spiritual renewal, emotional healing, and personal growth. Witnessing women leave these sessions with clarity and strength reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of safe, nurturing environments.
Freedom of the City of London
Receiving the Freedom of the City of London in 2024 was an honor that connected me to a legacy shared by global icons such as Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana. This recognition was not just a personal milestone but a testament to the growing relevance of African leadership and culture on the global stage. It reminded me of the responsibility we carry as modern leaders to bridge tradition and progress, and to continue advocating for Africa’s rich heritage in international spaces.
Women Allying Women: A Celebration of Unity and Collaboration
Another highlight of 2024 was the Allying Women event, a powerful gathering focused on fostering collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment among women. This event emphasized the importance of solidarity and mutual support, showcasing how women can uplift one another to create lasting impact in their communities and industries.
The conversations and connections formed at this event underscored my belief that when women unite, impactful change becomes possible.
Global Advocacy: Continuing the Work of 2023
Building on the momentum of my address at the Reputation Forum in December 2023, I was honored to deliver the keynote at the 14th Africa Achievers Awards at the Palace of Westminster. Speaking on Africa’s Sustainable Future: Redefining Its Global Identity, I emphasized the importance of reclaiming Africa’s rich heritage and leveraging innovation to redefine our global narrative.
Through these platforms, I was able to advocate for the values of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared progress.
Vision for 2025
Empowering the People of Warri
We will scale the Royal Iwere Foundation’s programs, particularly those focused on education and empowerment. We aim to touch more lives by expanding the Teacher Training Program, reaching more schools, and ensuring that the STEM and Innovation Lab becomes a regional hub for learning and innovation.
We will also continue the cherished tradition of StoryTime with Mama Iwere, spreading joy and fostering a love for learning among the children of Warri. Additionally, the Soup Kitchen programme will be expanded to reach even more people, ensuring that no member of our community is left behind.
Elevate Africa: Deepening the Rally for Africa
In 2025, Elevate Africa will continue to grow as a platform for inspiring, equipping, and connecting visionary leaders across the continent.
We will deepen our impact by expanding the conference to new regions and fostering ongoing dialogues on Africa’s potential, leadership, and sustainable development. The Rally for Africa initiative will become a year-round campaign aimed at mobilizing leaders, innovators, and changemakers to envision and build The Africa We See — a continent defined by unity, growth, and bold transformation.
My commitment to amplifying African voices, preserving our rich heritage, and promoting collaboration will remain at the heart of this initiative. Through Elevate Africa, we will continue to showcase African excellence, cultivate leadership, and inspire action that transcends borders.
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
As we look toward 2025, the importance of protecting our environment and natural resources cannot be overstated. My vision includes a stronger focus on conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. We will support initiatives that promote the preservation of our lands, waters, and wildlife, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving, sustainable Africa.
Through partnerships and educational programs, we will advocate for responsible stewardship of the environment and encourage communities to adopt practices that safeguard our ecosystems and biodiversity. Conservation is a responsibility we owe to our ancestors, our children, and our planet.
Women’s Empowerment
Through initiatives like EstablishHer and the Warri Women Empowerment Fund, we will continue to provide women with the resources, funding, and mentorship they need to thrive. I hope to see more women rise as leaders, changemakers, and guardians of our cultural and environmental heritage.
Cultural Advocacy and Leadership
As a modern African Queen, I will continue to advocate for the preservation of our cultural heritage. In 2025, we will host events and conversations that celebrate Africa’s traditions while encouraging innovation and progress. By blending the wisdom of our past with the vision for our future, we can create a legacy that honors our ancestors and inspires generations to come.
Faith and Family as Foundations
At the heart of my vision is the understanding that true leadership begins at home. By prioritizing family and faith, I aim to inspire others to lead with compassion, resilience, and integrity. A strong family unit is the foundation upon which communities and nations are built.
A Message of Gratitude
To the great people of Warri, I am endlessly inspired by your resilience, innovation, and community spirit. You are the foundation of my work and the reason I strive to do more each day. Together, we will continue to build a future that reflects the strength of our heritage and the limitless possibilities ahead.
2025 is not just a continuation of our journey — it is an opportunity to dream bigger, act bolder, and impact more lives. With God’s grace and the strength of our shared purpose, I am confident that the best is yet to come.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
