ABUJA, UAE – His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Mama Iwere, have announced a new initiative aimed at uniting Itsekiri people across the globe. The movement, named ‘Iam Itsekiri’, combines a cultural campaign with a dedicated mobile application to create a digital gathering place for the community.
The initiative, set to launch under the authority of the Palace of the Warri Kingdom, is designed to connect Itsekiris at home and in the diaspora. It will offer a platform for users to access updates from the Palace, connect with fellow Itsekiris, and engage with cultural content promoting language, traditions, and cuisine. The app is expected to be available on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Speaking on the vision, His Majesty emphasized that the movement is built around the meaning of the name Itsekiri: “blessing surrounds us.” He stated, “To say ‘I am Itsekiri’ is to make an active declaration that one belongs to a people that blessing follows.” The initiative seeks to strengthen identity, pride, and unity while extending that sense of belonging to friends and allies of the kingdom.
The movement welcomes three groups: those born Itsekiri, those who joined through marriage, and friends who identify with Itsekiri values. This inclusive approach aims to broaden participation while preserving cultural pride and heritage.
According to the royal couple, the initiative is “not nostalgia, but strategy.” It is intended to preserve Itsekiri heritage, strengthen community bonds, and project the values of the Itsekiri people onto the global stage. History has shown that communities driven by a strong idea can grow into influential movements, and the ‘Iam Itsekiri’ initiative is positioned to do just that.
The movement will be amplified through the #IAmItsekiri Challenge, encouraging participants to share personal stories and experiences that reflect their Itsekiri identity. This digital engagement is expected to foster a sense of belonging and pride among Itsekiris worldwide.
The initiative underscores the importance of cultural identity in an increasingly interconnected world. By leveraging technology, the Olu and Queen Consort aim to ensure that the Itsekiri culture thrives beyond geographical boundaries, uniting a global community under a shared heritage.
As the launch date approaches, the Palace of the Warri Kingdom is expected to provide further details on the app’s release and the challenge’s participation guidelines. The move marks a significant step in using digital platforms to preserve and promote indigenous cultures.
