London, England – Queen Atuwatse III, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom in Nigeria and founder of the impactful Elevate Africa Campaign, is set to lead a distinguished delegation of African queens to London. Their visit underscores the critical role of African heritage in shaping the continent’s future through innovative and forward-thinking strategies.
“Our heritage is the guardian of our future,” declared Queen Atuwatse III, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation as a bedrock for Africa’s long-term resilience and progress on the global stage.
Who is Queen Atuwatse III?
Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III is the Queen Consort of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri. Born on May 22, 1986, she is a lawyer, social entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for the empowerment of women and children. A graduate of the London School of Economics, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2010. Queen Atuwatse III is the daughter of the late Nigerian business magnate, Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo.
Lineage:
Queen Atuwatse III’s lineage is rooted in the esteemed Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria. Her husband, Ogiame Atuwatse III, belongs to a noble line of kings who have historically guided the Itsekiri people. Through her marriage, she carries the weight and prestige of this rich heritage.
Goals and Achievements:
Queen Atuwatse III is a dynamic force for positive change. Some of her key achievements and goals include:
Founder of the Elevate Africa Campaign: This initiative is a testament to her vision for a thriving Africa, focusing on empowering a new generation of African leaders and showcasing indigenous solutions. The campaign launched its inaugural fellowship program in March 2025, supporting mid-career African professionals across various sectors.
Champion for Women and Children: She has been involved in numerous initiatives targeting the well-being and empowerment of women and children, including establishing the Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo Stem Innovation Centre.
Philanthropic Work: Through the Royal Iwere Foundation, she has spearheaded programs in education, economic empowerment, and healthcare, demonstrating a deep commitment to uplifting her community and beyond.
Global Recognition: Queen Atuwatse III was the first female African royal to receive the Freedom of the City of London in October 2024, a recognition of her impactful leadership and advocacy on a global scale. She has also been honored with the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her humanitarian efforts.
Contribution to the FLAIR Summit:
Queen Atuwatse III’s leadership in bringing a delegation of African queens to the FLAIR (First Ladies of African Impact & Resilience) Summit in London underscores the crucial role of female leadership in driving Africa’s progress. Her emphasis on integrating heritage with forward-thinking strategies will likely be a central theme of their participation. The summit, scheduled for June 2025, aims to create a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action-oriented outcomes, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063. Her presence and insights will be invaluable in shaping discussions around leveraging cultural heritage for sustainable development and fostering resilience across the continent.
Other Attending African Queens:
While the specific list of other African queens attending the FLAIR Summit alongside Queen Atuwatse III has not been explicitly detailed, the summit’s focus on impactful female leadership suggests the participation of other influential royal figures committed to driving positive change in their respective nations and across Africa. Their collective presence will undoubtedly amplify the summit’s message and impact.
This delegation to London signifies a powerful movement, recognizing the vital contributions of African queens in shaping the continent’s future by honouring its rich heritage while embracing innovation and collaboration.
Comments
About Author
