Warri – Warri Kingdom is positioning its youths to take advantage of emerging opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship as part of efforts to drive economic transformation under the reign of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR.
The initiative is one of the major highlights of activities marking the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu, with the Federal Government partnering the kingdom through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to promote tourism, attract investment and support youth development.
The Chairman of the Anniversary Oversight Committee and Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Oma Eyewuoma, represented by Chief Brown Mene, disclosed this on Monday at a press conference held at the Olu of Warri Palace, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to Eyewuoma, the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Itsekiri people but also to showcase the developmental vision of the present reign.
He said the establishment and activities of the Iwere Innovation Hub were central to the kingdom’s youth-focused agenda, providing opportunities in digital literacy, software engineering and entrepreneurship.
The initiative, he said, was designed to prepare young people for the changing global economy while reducing overdependence on the traditional oil-based economy.
“His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, Olu of Warri, recognises that the future of Warri Kingdom lies in its youths,” he said.
Eyewuoma said the digital initiative was also aimed at changing perceptions about Warri by demonstrating the capacity of its young people to participate meaningfully in the technology-driven economy.
“Therefore, gentlemen of the press, under the reign of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, Olu of Warri, there is a shift from crude oil to a thriving digital economy,” he said.
Beyond youth empowerment, the Federal Government’s partnership with the kingdom is expected to strengthen tourism and investment opportunities by using the anniversary to showcase Warri’s rich cultural heritage.
The 10-day celebration, themed “Global Home Coming – Celebrating our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress,” will run from August 14 to 23, 2026, with activities spread across Warri and Ode-Itsekiri.
The programme will combine cultural celebration with sporting, educational and community-oriented activities.
Highlights include cultural displays, exhibitions of family heirlooms, traditional dances, a royal boat regatta, sporting competitions, children’s activities and homage-paying ceremonies by communities within the kingdom.
The anniversary will commence on Friday, August 14, with a Praise Day at Nana College, Warri, while the Warri Unity Game will take place at Federal Government College, Warri, on Saturday.
The Grand Finale, featuring Bini Riva Live, is scheduled for Oboghoro on Sunday, August 16.
Other activities include a bike and scooter competition at Ode-Itsekiri and an Itsekiri Language Competition for children on August 17.
Homage-paying ceremonies are scheduled for August 18 to 21 at Aghofen and other designated locations, while the Royal Boat Regatta will hold on August 20.
The main anniversary celebration is scheduled for August 21, followed by a football match on August 22. The programme will climax with a thanksgiving service in Warri on Sunday, August 23.
The committee called on the media to play a leading role in projecting the cultural heritage and developmental achievements of Warri Kingdom to audiences within Nigeria and across the world.
Eyewuoma said the press conference was organised to provide the media with information that would enable them effectively communicate the significance of the anniversary.
“The chief reason for this press conference is for you as the Fourth Estate of the Realm to disseminate this Royal message to the world,” he said.
Those present at the press conference included the Ogwolusan of Warri, Chief Brown Mene; Uwangue of Warri Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Awala; Oshodin of Warri Kingdom, Chief Tony Onuwaje; Secretary, Warri Council of Chiefs and Olulaye of Warri Kingdom, Chief Eugene Ikomi; Iye of Warri Kingdom, Chief Esther Okotie-Eboh; and Olujuwa of Warri Kingdom, Chief Elijah Temile, among others.
