Olu of Warri Advocates Tolerance, Shared Prosperity at AIM Congress 2026

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, has called for greater tolerance, inclusion and mutual understanding as essential pathways to peace, social cohesion and sustainable prosperity across Africa.

The monarch made the call while delivering a guest speech at an event of the AIM Congress 2026 in the United Arab Emirates, themed “World Governments as Incubators for Tolerance and Shared Growth.”

His Majesty and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III joined His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates, as well as other government leaders and representatives of global institutions at the high-level gathering.

Speaking on the theme “Tolerance as a Tool for Advancing Peace, Social Cohesion and Shared Prosperity: The Case of Africa,” the Olu of Warri stressed the far-reaching impact of tolerance and inclusion in creating societies where people can coexist peacefully and contribute meaningfully to development.

He noted that Africa possesses significant opportunities to transform its diversity into an advantage by promoting mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation among communities, institutions and nations.

According to the monarch, embracing these values can help strengthen social cohesion while creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.

A major highlight of the engagement was the signing of a Cooperation Protocol between the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the Royal Iwere Foundation.

The agreement was signed by His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, representing a shared commitment to strengthening institutional relationships and promoting meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange and collaborative initiatives.

The partnership is expected to provide a platform for greater cooperation between the two institutions while supporting programmes aimed at promoting tolerance, cultural understanding and peaceful coexistence.

The landmark engagement also highlights the evolving role of traditional institutions and cultural leadership in addressing contemporary social and developmental challenges.

For the Olu of Warri, the international platform provided an opportunity to demonstrate how Africa’s traditional leadership can contribute to global conversations on peace, cultural diplomacy, inclusion and sustainable development.

The engagement further reinforces the Royal Iwere Foundation’s growing role in building partnerships beyond Nigeria and creating avenues through which African cultural values can contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous global community.