In the heart of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III is redefining what it means to be a queen. More than a ceremonial title, her role as Queen Consort has become a platform for bold and compassionate leadership. Through the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), she has taken on the challenges of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment — not with fanfare, but with focus and deep commitment to her people.
Education is one of Olori Atuwatse III’s strongest pillars. She launched the Teacher’s Training Programme to improve the quality of instruction in public schools, believing that a single trained teacher can impact thousands of futures. She didn’t stop there. The establishment of the Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo STEM and Innovation Lab has created opportunities for young girls in the Warri Kingdom to explore science and technology — sectors they are often excluded from. This focus on education as empowerment reflects her long-term vision for community-led growth.
Her commitment to gender equality is also striking. Through the Royal Iwere Foundation Skills Institute (RIFSI), she has helped fund and support over 5,000 women-led small businesses, ensuring that economic opportunity doesn’t remain a privilege for the few. From fashion to farming, these women now generate income, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy. Olori sees women not as beneficiaries, but as builders of society — and her initiatives reflect that belief.
Beyond economics and education, she has nurtured initiatives that promote wellness and compassion. Her Love Garden Project has provided food to underserved communities, while Wuwu Ore, which means “compassionate heart,” addresses health and social care needs for the vulnerable. These programs are rooted in empathy and cultural pride, balancing practical support with a strong sense of dignity and tradition.
In every action, Olori Atuwatse III proves that royalty can be more than heritage — it can be a catalyst for transformation. Her work is lifting lives, reshaping systems, and building bridges across generations. With grace and grit, she’s rewriting the narrative of what African queenship looks like in the 21st century — not just symbolic, but deeply impactful.
