In a concerted effort to bolster women's roles in entrepreneurship and leadership within Delta State, Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, the queen consort of the Warri Kingdom, has launched the "Established Her Enterprise" program.
This initiative, orchestrated in collaboration with the Women Allying Women and the Royal Iwere Foundation, underscores the pivotal role of women in nation-building and seeks to equip them with essential skills to thrive in today's idea-driven economy.
The program's inauguration took place at the royal palace in Warri, drawing numerous young women eager to enhance their entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities. Addressing the attendees, Olori Atuwatse III emphasized the indispensable contributions of women to societal development. She articulated that for women to effectively navigate and excel in a rapidly evolving world, acquiring robust leadership and entrepreneurial skills is paramount. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of cultural identity, asserting that individuals rooted in a strong sense of self and heritage are better positioned to make meaningful societal impacts.
The "Established Her Enterprise" program is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Elevate Africa and the Royal Iwere Foundation. This partnership is dedicated to empowering youth, with a particular focus on young women, by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to realize their potential and contribute effectively to their communities and the broader nation.
Participants in the Elevate Africa Fellowship hail from various regions across the continent, offering a diverse and enriching learning environment. The curriculum encompasses a wide array of subjects delivered by specialists from multiple fields, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.
The program also featured a segment at the Clever-Mind Educational Centre, an institution established under the auspices of His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III. Femi Taiwo, the Programme Adviser, underscored the royal couple's unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering educational initiatives through their foundations, the Royal Iwere Foundation and Elevate Africa Fellowship. He remarked that the event's success, marked by participation from various regions, is a testament to the positive influence these foundations exert within the Warri Kingdom and beyond.
A highlight of the event was the business pitch session, where two attendees who presented compelling business ideas were each awarded ₦500,000. This financial support aims to catalyze the implementation of their entrepreneurial ventures, further exemplifying the program's commitment to translating training into tangible economic empowerment.
Furthermore, the Elevate Africa Fellowship, championed by Their Royal Majesties Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III, represents a strategic investment in Africa's future. With a $1 million commitment, the fellowship supports mid-career African professionals making significant impacts in sectors such as health, agriculture, governance, technology, and the creative industries. From a pool of 3,447 applicants across 37 countries, 18 individuals from 13 nations were selected, reflecting the fellowship's dedication to excellence and transformative potential.