Olori Atuwatse III: The Queen Redefining Leadership, Lifting The Downtrodden

Olori Atuwatse III is the founder and convener of Elevate Africa, a platform she uses to make life meaningful for people who lack the means to stand well and be counted.

Through this entity, she has distinguished herself as a transformational leader whose influence transcends the Warri Kingdom in Delta State and resonates across Nigeria and the African continent.

A visionary committed to community development, education, empowerment and mind transformation, Olori Atuwatse III has successfully combined enterprise, advocacy and philanthropy in ways that continue to inspire many.

With a legal background from the London School of Economics and Political Science and membership of professional organisations, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), she has leveraged her expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to create value across several sectors, including fashion and hospitality.

Beyond enterprise, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom is deeply passionate about mentoring young people and equipping them with practical skills through education and vocational training.

Her commitment to human capital development is evident in the life-changing initiatives she champions through the Royal Iwere Foundation.

Through the foundation, she has launched impactful programmes such as the Teachers’ Training Programme, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo STEM and Innovation Lab, Love Garden Project and Wuwu Ore Initiative — all aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, skills   acquisition and economic opportunities for women, children and underserved communities.

A strong advocate for girl-child education and women’s empowerment, Olori Atuwatse III has provided scholarships to hundreds of children and supported women’s and youth cooperatives through the Royal Iwere Foundation Skills Institute.

Through seed funding, training and financial empowerment initiatives, many beneficiaries have gained pathways to economic independence and improved livelihoods.

Through collaborations with government and development-focused institutions, she continues to champion conversations around women’s economic inclusion, purposeful leadership and sustainable development.

Her appointment to the High-Level Advisory Committee on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender in Nigeria further underscores her growing influence as a respected voice on national development issues.

Olori Atuwatse III, author of the book “Redemption”, is also widely recognised for deepening conversations that inspire transformational leadership and social change. She is happily married to His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame, and they are blessed with three children.

She has delivered speeches and shared insights at prestigious global platforms, including the Global Reputation Forum, the African Achievers Awards, USAFRICA Business Week during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Lagos State Teachers Education Summit, and the University of Oxford Saïd Business School.

Her remarkable contributions have earned her several prestigious recognitions across the world, including the African Achievers Award at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Joe Biden, the Freedom of the City of London Award, and recognition among Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential African Women.

A builder, mentor, and humanitarian, Olori Atuwatse III continues to leave a lasting legacy of hope, empowerment and purposeful leadership in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.