Olu of Warri launches Royal Iwere awards to honour integrity

His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, has unveiled the maiden Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) Awards, a historic initiative aimed at celebrating integrity, hard work, and value creation among the people of Warri and beyond.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony on Saturday at his Aghofen (palace) in Warri, Delta State, as part of activities lined up for the ongoing fourth coronation anniversary, the revered monarch declared that the time had come for Iwere land to celebrate its greatest asset — its people — not merely for wealth or status, but for character and contributions to society.

“Culture determines so much in not just the identity, but also the destiny of the people. And as Africans, the king and his palace, as custodians of culture, are critical to shaping not just the values, but also the trajectory of his people,” Ogiame said.

According to him, the new award seeks to redress decades of neglect in recognising ordinary people who, through resilience, sacrifice, and innovation, have brought pride to their communities.

“We are neither here to judge nor condemn how anyone conducts their personal business. But we are here to amplify and celebrate integrity, and set worthy examples for our children and our children’s children,” the Olu stressed.

The monarch further explained that the ROI Awards were designed to create a new culture of celebration that fosters unity, pride, and godliness among the Itsekiri and the wider Warri community.

“I want our people to be glad, to be excited, when they are called to come home, as we want them to associate home with the place that honours and dignifies them,” he noted.

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Recipients of the prestigious award will automatically become members of the Royal Iwere Society, a body established two years ago to drive cultural, social, and economic transformation in Warri. Members will also play a key role in screening future nominees.

“Workshops, exhibitions, lectures, debates and so much more will come out of this society. And all this will cause Warri to become a social, cultural, economic mecca,” Ogiame Atuwatse III assured.

Significantly, the Olu emphasised that the awards will not be restricted to Itsekiri sons and daughters alone, but to anyone who calls Warri home, whether by birth, naturalisation, association, or residence.

Looking beyond the awards, the monarch reiterated his coronation-day vision of collective prosperity. “We have no intention to prosper in isolation to the exclusion of our neighbours… The Lord has placed us to be a force for good in this land called Nigeria, and we have every intention to shine as much as God will allow us,” he affirmed.

The maiden ROI Awards mark a turning point in Warri’s cultural renaissance, with His Majesty urging all Nigerians to embrace the values of redemption, integrity, and communal honour.

Recipients honoured with the awards included Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor, Founder and General Overseer of Word of Life Bible Church; Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Director of Con Oil Plc; Mr. Oti Ikomi; Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Boyo-Ekwueme; Mrs. Eva Omaghomi; Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye; and Hon. (Dr.) Godwin Ebosa.

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