L-R: Chief Brown Mene,(5th) flanked by other Chiefs in the Kingdom while addressing press on Monday
By Samuel Ogude
The Itsekiri nation is set to celebrate the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, with a 10-day programme highlighting the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, unity and remarkable developmental strides.
The anniversary celebration, scheduled to hold from August 14 to August 23, 2026, will bring together Itsekiri sons and daughters from across Nigeria and the diaspora at the monarch’s palace in Warri to commemorate five years of his reign.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Palace of the Olu of Warri on Monday, the Ogwa-Olusan of Warri Kingdom, Chief Brown Mene, who represented the Anniversary Oversight Committee and Subcommittee Chairpersons on behalf of the monarch, said this year’s celebration is themed: “Global Homecoming: Celebrating Our Cultural Renaissance, Unity and Transformational Progress.” Chief Mene explained that the anniversary would showcase the kingdom’s cultural heritage while reflecting on the achievements recorded under the reign of Ogiame Atuwatse III.
According to him, the 10-day programme will feature community engagement activities, traditional dances, sporting events, cultural exhibitions, royal homage by various communities, family heirloom displays, the Royal Boat Regatta, bike and scooter competitions, and Itsekiri language competitions in both Ode-Itsekiri and Warri. He noted that the celebration marks five years of visionary leadership anchored on peace, innovation, cultural revival and global engagement.
Chief Mene said the kingdom has made significant investments in digital literacy, software engineering and entrepreneurship to position Itsekiri youths for opportunities in the rapidly evolving global digital economy. According to him, the innovation hub will help dismantle outdated stereotypes about the kingdom while equipping young people with the skills required to thrive in the technology-driven world.
“Thus the lauching of Iwere Innovation Hub will dismantle old stereotype thereby driving digital literacy, software engineering, and entreneurship directly into the hearts of Warri Kingdom”, he said. Chief Mene further stated that the reign of Ogiame Atuwatse III has witnessed a strategic shift towards a knowledge-based and digital economy, complementing the kingdom’s traditional economic strengths”, he said.
Other activities lined up for the celebration include a praise day, Warri Unity Games, football matches, and a thanksgiving service to conclude the anniversary. He called on Itsekiri sons and daughters, friends of the kingdom and the general public to participate in the celebration, describing it as an opportunity to showcase the unity, culture and transformational progress of Warri Kingdom under the leadership of Ogiame Atuwatse III.