Olori Atuwatse III’s Foundation concludes Phase 1 of EstablishHERProgramme in partnership with Stanbic IBTC Bank

The Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), the humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy, has concluded the first phase of its flagship EstablishHER Entrepreneurship Fund, marking a defining moment in its mission to advance women-led entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta. Over eight weeks, 140 women participated in an intensive learning journey rooted in neuroscience, leadership theory, and contextual African realities, designed to reform mindsets, heal trauma, align purpose, and ignite the creation of lasting legacies.

Phase 1, themed EstablishHER, was more than a training programme; it was a transformative experience that reshaped identities, built resilience, and cultivated a new confidence amongst the women who took part. Participants reported significant shifts in their self-perception, with fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt giving way to clarity, boldness, and resilience. From a pre-programme recognition rate of 45 per cent, more than 81 per cent of participants can now identify and reframe internal biases. Confidence surged, with 99 per cent affirming improved focus and mental organisation, while leadership capacity flourished as women embraced their archetypes and committed to building enterprises that will deliver generational impact. The EstablishHER community itself emerged as one of the programme’s strongest outcomes, with participants forming enduring networks of collaboration and mentorship that will continue long beyond the structured sessions.

Reflecting on the impact of Phase 1, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Visioner/CEO of RIF, reaffirmed the vision behind the initiative: “The transformation we have witnessed in these remarkable women affirms our belief that true change begins from within. Phase 1 was about breaking barriers, healing identities, and rediscovering purpose. As we step into Phase 2, UpscaleHER, we carry forward a community of women not only ready to dream but equipped to build, innovate, and lead. We are not only raising entrepreneurs; we are shaping architects of legacy whose voices will reverberate through generations.” The journey of Phase 1 was enriched by distinguished facilitators such as Dr Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu, Global Real Estate Investment Strategist & Wealth Creation Coach; Mrs Abosede George-Ogan, Founder, Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN); Mrs Tale Alimi, CEO of Rouzo & Founder, Rouzo Economic Advancement Foundation (REAF); Queen Murielle Michael-Jean, CEO & Founder, Raising The Standard International; Ms Winifred Abe, CEO Derfini Beauty/Derfini Skin, and Joshua Eze, Head of Strategy, RIF & Project Lead, EstablishHER, whose expertise brought depth and richness to the experience. From sessions on breaking internal biases, personal branding, leadership presence, and crisis simulations, to explorations of wealth, intergenerational impact, archetypes of womanhood, and grassroots mindset shifts, participants were immersed in a holistic process that fused reflective healing with practical business tools. Through these engagements, they not only discovered their capacity for resilience and innovation but also learned to reframe failure as a stepping stone to growth, align their vision with purpose, and harness the power of community.

Building on this momentum, the Royal Iwere Foundation now turns to Phase 2, titled UpscaleHER, an eight-week business and digital skills track that will equip participants with in-demand tools for entrepreneurship, career advancement, financial literacy, branding, and innovation. This next phase
will provide workshops, sector-specific immersions, and hands-on business development designed to translate the identity and leadership transformation of Phase 1 into tangible enterprise growth.

Commenting on the transition to Phase 2, Joshua Eze, Head of Strategy at the Foundation and Project
Lead for EstablishHER, remarked:
“Phase 1 dismantled internal barriers and built resilience; Phase 2 will provide the technical, digital,
and financial skills needed to translate this new mindset into sustainable enterprises. Our mission is
not only to create entrepreneurs but to anchor a network of women who will strengthen local economies and compete globally.” In her remarks, Ogechukwuabiago Ezeobiorah, Chief Operations Officer of RIF, highlighted the holistic design of the EstablishHER journey: “The journey of EstablishHER reflects our holistic approach, starting from identity, moving through leadership, and advancing towards business scale-up. Phase 2 is where knowledge becomes action, vision translates into enterprise, and local businesses are positioned for regional and international
impact.” The conclusion of Phase 1 and the anticipation of Phase 2 reaffirm the RIF’s commitment to its broader
mission: to unlock the potential of women, strengthen local economies, and position the Warri Kingdom as a hub of entrepreneurial innovation in the South-South region and beyond.

Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF) is the humanitarian arm of Their Royal Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, 21st Olu of Warri and Olori Atuwaste III, Queen Consort. RIF is a strategic rethink by the Warri Kingdom Monarchy to develop the human capital potential of its people by addressing the socio-economic needs through providing Indigenous and collaborative solutions. RIF is dedicated to effectively tackling obstacles and vulnerabilities that could hinder the Kingdom’s continuous development and its capacity to compete internationally through targeted SDG-oriented initiatives.