In celebration of excellence, legacy, and cultural pride, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, renowned beauty entrepreneur and founder of House of Tara, Tara Fela-Durotoye, as well as Dr. Mrs. Helen Boyo-Ekueme, wife of Nigeria’s former Vice President, Late Alex Ekueme, were among distinguished recipients of the Royal Order of Iwere (ROI) Awards, conferred by His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri.
The prestigious honour, second only to chieftaincy titles in the Iwere Kingdom, recognises exceptional Itsekiri individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation.
At the second edition of the awards, which also featured the presentation of cash prizes to winners of an Itsekiri language competition, recipients were celebrated not just for personal success, but for their dedication to uplifting the Iwere Kingdom and beyond.
The Olu of Warri in his address emphasised the importance of culture in shaping identity and destiny, declaring that the ROI Awards aim to spotlight values such as integrity, industry, education, and redemption.
“We are what we celebrate. And the Royal Iwere Society will be a platform to project excellence, not only to honor, but to inspire.”
Papa Oritsejafor, visibly moved by the recognition, recited Psalm 133 in his acceptance, calling for continued unity among the sons and daughters of Iwereland.
Other honorees included Dr. Moses Omatsola, ex Conoil Limited Managing Director and Mr. Oti Ikomi, Chairman of the Itsekiri Renaissance Group.
The event also had representatives from Atlanta and Fulton County, Georgia, in the United States of America (USA) who disclosed a signed Memorandum of Ûderstanding (MoU) with the Warri Kingdom, outlining collaboration in education, business, transportation, and culture.
His Majesty in his closing remarks reiterated the call on all sons and daughters of Itsekiri nation to identify with the kingdom and foster unity, excellence, and global recognition for Iwereland.
Amaju Pinnick, a pioneering recipient of the award and former President of the Nigeria Football Federation was among notable dignitaries and teeming Itsekiri natives who attended the ceremony.
