The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Mama Iwere, have announced a new initiative called 'Iam Itsekiri' to unite Itsekiri people across the globe. The movement, set to launch under the authority of the Palace of the Warri Kingdom, aims to foster a shared heritage and sense of belonging through a media-driven cultural campaign and a dedicated mobile application.
According to the royal couple, the initiative is built around the meaning of the name Itsekiri, which translates to 'blessing surrounds us.' The platform seeks to strengthen identity, pride, and unity among Itsekiris, while also welcoming friends and allies who identify with the kingdom's values. His Majesty emphasized that the movement redefines Itsekiri identity beyond geography and population size, noting that 'history has shown that communities driven by a strong idea can grow into influential movements.'
The 'Iam Itsekiri' movement embraces three groups: those born Itsekiri, those who became part of the family through marriage, and friends of Itsekiri who share the community's values. This inclusive approach broadens participation while preserving cultural pride and heritage.
The accompanying mobile application functions as a 'digital village,' allowing users to access updates from the Palace, connect with fellow Itsekiris worldwide, and engage with cultural content covering language, traditions, customs, and indigenous cuisine. The app will be available on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store. To amplify the movement, the #IAmItsekiri Challenge encourages participants to share personal stories and experiences that reflect their Itsekiri identity.
His Majesty described the initiative as 'not nostalgia, but strategy,' aimed at preserving Itsekiri heritage, strengthening community bonds, and projecting the blessings and values of the Itsekiri people onto the global stage. For more information, visit the official [Iam Itsekiri](https://iamitsekiri.com) website.
