Warri Will Be Envy of the World Soonest, Olori Atuwatse III Declares

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Wife of Olu of Warri, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, has expressed confidence that Warri will become the envy of the world within the next two decades if the ‘Warri Child’ dares to dream beyond limitations and challenges.

Speaking during the second edition of The Future of the Warri Child seminar themed ‘Beyond Limit: Unlocking the Potential of the Warri Child’ yesterday, Her Majesty described the future of the Warri child as potent and promising.’

She reaffirmed her commitment to nurturing a generation of brilliant, confident and purpose-driven young people.

Recounting her childhood dream, Olori Atuwatse III told the large gathering: “I had a dream at age five that I was going to be a queen. I had no idea that I was going to meet my husband.

“I always said, don’t touch me anyhow, I am going to be a queen. I am determined to bring the world to the Warri child and send the Warri child to the world.”

Encouraged by the initiative of the sole representative of the Olu of Warri and Liaison to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Prince Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, to sponsor 300 Senior Secondary School 3 students for the forthcoming WASSCE, the Queen pledged to match the gesture by enrolling another 300 students in the examination.

A senior lecturer at the College of Education, Warri, Deaconess Florence Ovweriavwose, while delivering a keynote address, explained that the term ‘Warri Child’ refers not only to those born in Warri but also to all who were raised in the city, regardless of origin.

She lamented that the once-celebrated identity of the ‘Warri boy’ and ‘Warri girl’ had been eroded by years of socio-economic decline, urging collective renewal through peace and unity.

“Our foremost priority for renewal is a permanent and non-negotiable commitment to the peaceful and shared identity of the Warri region.

“We must shift our focus from the extraction economy to the intellectual and creative economy, one built on professionalism, talent and innovation,” she said.

Prince Oritsetimeyin, who convened the seminar under the CoraCare Foundation, described the initiative as a platform to inspire children to discover and pursue their passions.

“This vision is not just a statement for us – it is a call to action. Every Warri child, regardless of background, holds a spark of potential that deserves to be seen, nurtured and celebrated.

“We are here to change the narrative by creating spaces where young minds can explore and grow with courage and confidence,” he said.

Veteran sports commentator and broadcaster, Chief Suo Chapele, charged the estimated 1,000 participating students to embrace education, confidence and resilience, saying: “Warri has grit, brilliance and potential. If you passed through Warri, you will have confidence. Get educated, own your story and define yourself to excel.”

Other facilitators included motivational teacher Tara Fela-Durotoye, who urged participants to seek knowledge and live with integrity; art curator Roli Otsemaye, who encouraged students to grow in the company of like-minded peers; and award-winning designer, Oghenetejiri Ogodo, who advised them to stay true to their identity despite rejection or failure.

Representatives from Ruth Foundation, NDLEA, Safari Water and the Executive Secretary of Cora Care Foundation, Coker Tuoyo, also addressed the students.