The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, bestowed the highest honor in the Warri Kingdom, the Royal Order of Iwẹrẹ (ROI), on Senator Chantal Moussokoura, the Deputy Senate President of Côte d’Ivoire.
The prestigious conferment took place during a Warri Women Townhall Meeting, which held at the palace of the Olu of Warri on Friday.
The event marked a significant highlight of Senator Fanny’s visit to the Warri Kingdom, where she is warmly welcomed, given her maternal roots in the region.
During her keynote address at the Townhall, themed “The Role of Women in Community Development,” Senator Chantal stressed the crucial role of education in driving societal progress. “When women are educated, they approach every task with class. Education is key to development and economic growth. When a woman leads, the community benefits, the family thrives, and the entire nation reaps the rewards.” Fanny said.
As part of her contribution to the Warri Kingdom, Senator Fanny announced plans to build a bilingual primary school in Warri by September 2025, aimed at empowering local children and giving back to the community.
In his speech, Ogiame Atuwatse III noted the importance of fostering relationships between African nations, particularly through the empowerment of women. He commended Senator Chantal for her dedication to advancing women’s education and leadership, stating that her contributions would help elevate the Warri Kingdom and Africa as a whole.
Senator Chantal Fanny expressed her gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her and reiterated her commitment to promoting women’s empowerment across the continent. She stated that investing in the education of girls and women is one of the most effective ways to ensure sustainable development in Africa.
The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria also spoke at the event, commending the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Other notable speakers at the event included Mrs. Tara Fela Durotoye, Founder of House of Tara; Hon. Orode Uduaghan, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Girl Child Development; Dr. Toyin Agbolayah, Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development; and Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Caroline Ajuyah. While the speeches were largely consistent with the theme of the Townhall, these leaders emphasized the importance of women’s roles in community development, advocating for more policies and programs to uplift women and girls.
During the event, Hon. Orode Uduaghan shared insights into the progress of the Delta State government’s initiatives through her ministry, including the training of 250 girls in various skill acquisition programs. This initiative, she noted, aims to equip young women with the tools needed to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The Warri Women Townhall Meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss the critical role women play in shaping their communities, ensuring that empowerment, education, and leadership continue to drive Africa’s growth and development. The event concluded with renewed commitments to fostering collaboration across borders and promoting women’s voices in shaping the future.
, on Senator Chantal Moussokoura, the Deputy Senate President of Côte d’Ivoire.){kind=link}