The Warri Kingdom is located in the heart of Nigeria’s Niger Delta oil region, whose oil resources have supported one of Africa’s largest economies for decades.
However, many surrounding areas lack basic infrastructure, clean drinking water, schools, and healthcare.
“Sadly, the kingdom is suffering from what I call the resource curse,” the queen’s consort, Olori Atuwatse III, told CNN’s Larry Madowo.
“Everything is taken out, but nothing develops.”
When Emiko Tsola ascended the throne as Ogiame Atuwatse III in 2021, becoming the 21st Olu, or Warri King, he and his wife set out to reshape the modern monarchy.
The King established the Olori Agency, creating an official platform for the Queen to lead development initiatives focused on women, children and education.
“I didn’t take it glamorously,” she said. “What I felt was a weight. What I felt was a responsibility…a responsibility to use this foundation of privilege to serve.”
The King and Queen established the Royal Iwere Foundation in 2021, which is currently focused on three pillars: education, empowerment and the environment. This approach has led to programs ranging from STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and environmental projects to entrepreneurship initiatives created to help women develop sustainable businesses. They work together toward one goal.
“Everything is centered around human capital development,” said Olori Atuwatse III.
Olori Atuwatse III, speaking at the graduation ceremony of EstablishHer, a six-month business and leadership program launched by the foundation in March, said that since its launch, 44 participants have formally registered their businesses, while others have secured new customers, expanded their businesses and gained access to mentorship, professional networks and financing. The foundation also announced a 150 million naira (approximately $110,000) loan facility to support women’s business growth.
“Our greatest resource is our human resources,” Olori Atuwatse III told CNN. “My vision, my hope, is to develop talent so that people can build our communities.”
For the Queen, economic development begins long before someone starts a business.
“To really change anything, you first have to change not only how you think, but how you think,” she said.
She learned that lesson personally.
The Queen has spoken publicly about experiencing postnatal anxiety after the birth of her son, saying in 2018 that the experience was a “spiritual breakthrough” that changed her understanding of purpose and leadership. It now shapes how she approaches everything from youth development to women’s empowerment.
The philosophy extends beyond the Wari kingdom.
Olori Atuwatse III committed $1 million to developing Africa’s emerging leaders through the Elevate Africa Fellowship, a 10-month mentorship program for mid-career professionals she and her husband founded, arguing that collaboration across the continent is essential for long-term progress.
She also wants to change the way Africans view themselves.
Olori Atuwatse III says this effort is not just about improving one community.
It’s about helping to change the way Africans, and the rest of the world, view the continent.
“We must uplift Africa across the continent,” she said. “Nigeria cannot be elevated in isolation.”
For the Queen, the legacy she hopes to leave behind is not measured in barrels of oil, but in people of confidence and power.
“We don’t think Africa is a problem to be solved,” she said. “We believe that Africa is rich. Africa is resilient. Africa’s excellence needs to be further expanded.”
