On Friday, March 6, 2026, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, presided over the graduation of 108 women entrepreneurs from Cohort 1 of the EstablishHER Entrepreneurship Academy and Fund, while also inducting 208 new participants into the academy at a ceremony held in Warri, Nigeria.
Convened by the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), the humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy, the event reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment to expanding economic opportunity and entrepreneurial capacity for women across Delta State and the wider South-South region.
A Milestone for EstablishHER
The ceremony brought together faculty members who served as trainers and mentors throughout the six-month academy, including Mrs Winifred E. Abe, CEO, Derfini Beauty; Ms Jobina Arinze, Head, Edo Innovates and Relationship Lead Manager, GirlLEAD Talent Accelerator; Mrs Doubra Emein, Creative Director, BradE Events; Mr Uche Anorue, Lead Consultant, Adiele Hospitality Consults Ltd; Dr Segun Manuel, Lead Trainer, Smogville Solution; Mrs Abosede George-Ogan, Founder, Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN); and Mr John Iyoha, Co-Founder, Mindshift Consultancy Services.
Programme partners, including The Osahon Okunbo Foundation and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, joined community leaders and supporters to celebrate the graduating cohort and welcome Cohort 2 into the EstablishHER ecosystem.
Inside the Programme
EstablishHER is the flagship women's empowerment programme of RIF. Designed as a six-month entrepreneurship academy, it supports underserved women in transitioning from informal petty trading to sustainable small- and medium-scale enterprises through identity transformation, enterprise training, mentorship, access to capital, and market linkages.
Since inception, EstablishHER has impacted more than 5,550 women and supported over 1,700 businesses across multiple communities. Participants build enterprises in trade, agribusiness, fashion, food processing, creative services, and digital commerce.
Structured across three progressive phases, EstablishHER, UpscaleHER, and UnleashHER, the academy begins with identity reformation, trauma healing, purpose alignment, and mindset development before advancing into enterprise development, financial management, branding, leadership, and digital capability training. Participants are then connected to mentorship networks, growth opportunities, and an alumni ecosystem that supports long-term enterprise sustainability.
Her Majesty's Keynote
In her keynote remarks, Her Royal Majesty reflected on the deeper transformation the programme seeks to nurture within participants, noting that the strength of EstablishHER lies in its focus on identity, confidence, and purpose alongside economic empowerment.
"When a woman begins to see herself differently, everything about her possibilities begins to change. EstablishHER was created to help women rediscover their worth, their strength, and their capacity to build something meaningful not only for themselves, but for their families and communities."
N150 Million Fund for Micro Businesses
A major highlight of the event was the launch of a N150 million fund for micro businesses in the South-South. The fund reinforces RIF's commitment to equipping women not only with knowledge and mentorship, but also with the capital required to grow resilient enterprises.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ogechukwu Ezeobiorah, Chief Operations Officer, RIF, described the programme as a long-term investment in women-led enterprises that can sustain families and strengthen local economies.
"EstablishHER is not simply about training women to start businesses. It is about nurturing resilient leaders who can build enduring enterprises. When women are empowered with the right mindset, skills, and support systems, the ripple effect of that empowerment is felt across entire communities."
Recognition for Outstanding Entrepreneurs
The ceremony also honoured five exceptional participants whose commitment and growth distinguished them throughout the programme. Each awardee received a recognition award and a one million naira grant to support business expansion.
The awardees were Clinton Diseye, Resilience & Grit Award; Angela Irikefe, Standard Bearer Award; Emekarhe Eseyoma Tessy, Emerging Impact Leader Award; Esubi Alice John, The Becoming Award; and Ezewu Rukevwe Anabel, Enterprise Excellence Award.
Voices from the Programme
Joshua Eze, Project Lead for EstablishHER, reflected on the intentional design of the programme and the transformation witnessed across the cohort.
"This programme was designed to meet women where they are and walk with them through a journey of discovery, skill development, and enterprise growth. Watching these women evolve from uncertainty to confidence has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this work. Today's graduation is not the end of their journey. It is the beginning of something much greater."
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, valedictorian Eyetomewo Eyituoyo Gift described EstablishHER as a defining chapter in the lives of participants.
"This programme has changed the way we see ourselves and our businesses. Many of us came in with ideas and uncertainty. Today, we leave with knowledge, courage, and a community of women who believe in one another. EstablishHER has given us the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to pursue those dreams."
Volunteers and the Next Cohort
The Foundation also recognised four exceptional volunteers for their dedication and service. The RIF Star Volunteer Awards were presented to Obi Joy Chidinma, Juliet Ewuzie Chinelo, Ogilo Christabel Utseoritselaju, and Lemuel Ifuwe.
For the graduates, the ceremony marked more than the completion of a training programme. It signalled the beginning of a renewed chapter defined by strengthened identity, practical skills, and the courage to pursue larger possibilities. The induction of 208 women into Cohort 2 further signals the continued expansion of the EstablishHER ecosystem across the Niger Delta.
As graduates transition into the alumni network, they will continue to receive mentorship, community support, and access to opportunities designed to sustain and grow their enterprises over time.
For partnerships and programme enquiries: operations@rif.ng.
Moments from the Ceremony
Highlights from the EstablishHER graduation ceremony and Cohort 2 induction in Warri.
