Warri Kingdom welcomed the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, for a landmark one-day visit centred on Pan-African dialogue, cultural leadership, and Africa-centred development.
Hosted by Their Royal Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the 21st Olu of Warri Kingdom, and Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, the engagement explored how Africa’s traditional institutions and values-based leadership can help drive inclusive growth across the continent and within the wider Commonwealth.
A Welcome Rooted in Heritage
The Secretary-General and her delegation, including Ambassador Kwabena Osei-Danquah, Chief of Staff and Senior Director, Secretary-General’s Office, were formally received by senior Chiefs of His Majesty’s Royal Court and a cultural reception by the Olobe community.
Proceedings opened with the ceremonial entrance of the Secretary-General, followed by the arrival of Their Majesties and the rendition of the Itsekiri anthem, the Nigerian national anthem, and the Commonwealth anthem, reflecting the convergence of institutional identity, national belonging, and global citizenship.
Leadership That Prioritises People
In his remarks, His Royal Majesty emphasised the responsibility of leadership to prioritise people, patience, and long-term stewardship over short-term gain, particularly within resource-rich African communities.
“We cannot build Africa’s future by playing a speed game. Development is patient work. Hence, we must raise minimum standards for how our people live: exposure, environment, dignity, and opportunity,” His Majesty said.
Dialogue with Stakeholders and Beneficiaries
The engagement continued with strategic dialogue featuring Board members of the Royal Iwere Foundation and community partners, including Mrs Alero Aboyowa Ayida-Otobo, CEO, The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), and Mrs Ebisan Akisanya, Coordinator, Corporate Responsibility and National Programs, Chevron Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Trustees, WIMBIZ.
Beneficiaries of flagship initiatives also shared their stories, including participants in the EstablishHer Entrepreneurship Fund and Academy, children ambassadors from the Climate Action Club, and students from the Olori Atuwatse III Love Gardens agrotech farms. These presentations highlighted how youth leadership, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and climate awareness translate continental ambition into practical, local-to-global impact.
Africa’s Role in the Commonwealth
Addressing the gathering, Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey underscored Africa’s central role within the Commonwealth and praised leadership rooted in service, culture, and accountability.
“The strength of the Commonwealth does not lie in institutions alone, but in communities where leadership listens before it speaks and serves before it commands,” she noted.
Discussions throughout the visit explored how African-led platforms and partnerships can connect local knowledge to continental and global ecosystems, ensuring collaboration enhances community ownership and dignity.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
In her welcome address, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, described Warri Kingdom’s leadership philosophy as one of connection between tradition and innovation, grassroots realities and global opportunity.
“Our role is to act as a bridge. To ensure that Africa’s ideas, skills, and potential are not lost for lack of access, and that development is something people can see, touch, and claim within their daily lives,” she said.
Moments from the Visit
Highlights from the day, including the cultural reception, dialogue sessions, and community engagements.
