The Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, expressed optimism that Warri could become a global benchmark within the next twenty years if the ‘Warri Child’ dares to dream beyond obstacles and limitations.
Speaking at the second edition of The Future of the Warri Child seminar, themed:‘Beyond Limit: Unlocking the Potential of the Warri Child’*, Her Majesty described the future of Warri’s children as both *promising and full of potential*.
She reiterated her dedication to fostering a generation of brilliant, confident, and purpose-driven young people.
Reflecting on her own childhood aspirations, Olori Atuwatse III shared with the audience, “At age five, I dreamed of becoming a queen. I never imagined I would meet my husband.” Inspired by the initiative of Prince Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, the sole representative of the Olu of Warri and Liaison to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), who pledged sponsorship for 300 Senior Secondary School 3 students for the upcoming WASSCE, the Queen promised to match the effort by enrolling an additional 300 students for the examination.
In her keynote address, Deaconess Florence Ovweriavwose, a senior lecturer at the College of Education, Warri, explained that the term ‘Warri Child’ encompasses not only those born in Warri but also anyone raised in the city, regardless of their origin.
She lamented that the once-celebrated identities of the ‘Warri boy’ and ‘Warri girl’ have been diminished over the years due to socio-economic challenges, calling for a collective revival through peace and unity. Prince Oritsetimeyin, who organized the seminar under the Cora Care Foundation, described the initiative as a platform to encourage children to discover and pursue their passions.
Veteran sports commentator and broadcaster, Chief Suo Chapele, urged the roughly 1,000 participating students to embrace education, confidence, and resilience, stating: “Warri is full of grit, brilliance, and potential. Growing up in Warri builds confidence. Get educated, own your story, and define yourself to succeed.”
Other facilitators included motivational teacher Tara Fela-Durotoye, who encouraged students to pursue knowledge and live with integrity; art curator Roli Otsemaye, who highlighted the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded peers; and award-winning designer Oghenetejiri Ogodo, who advised the students to remain true to their identity even in the face of rejection or setbacks.
Read also: Olori Atuwatse Calls for More Women Participation in Nation Building
