The Olori of Warri Kingdom, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Ashley Ogiame Atuwatse III, has said the last five years of her tenure alongside her husband, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, have been devoted to building human capacity, empowering women, preserving Itsekiri culture and creating stronger connections among Itsekiris at home and in the diaspora.
The Olori, who spoke yesterday during an exclusive interaction with selected journalists at her residence in Warri as part of activities marking the Olu’s fifth coronation anniversary, said the progress recorded in the kingdom’s women empowerment programmes had become one of the most gratifying aspects of her royal responsibilities.
According to her, the elevation of women within the Warri Kingdom has become increasingly visible, with women, particularly wives of chiefs, becoming more confident, recognised and willing to take ownership of their voices and responsibilities.
“Seeing how the women in the kingdom have become more naturally elevated, I always give the stories of how the chiefs’ wives have now become more esteemed in many ways and more recognised,” she said.
She added that women were increasingly moving beyond seeking permission to participate in community affairs to becoming active owners of their voices and initiatives.
“I really love the esteem of women in the kingdom, and I’m really thankful for that,” she said.
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(The Sun)