His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Mama Iwere, have unveiled a new cultural movement called 'Iam Itsekiri' designed to unite Itsekiri people and their friends across the globe. The initiative, which will be launched under the authority of the Palace of the Warri Kingdom, includes a media-driven campaign and a dedicated mobile application to serve as a digital gathering place for the community.
The movement is built on the central meaning of the name Itsekiri, which translates to 'blessing surrounds us,' according to His Majesty. The platform aims to strengthen identity, pride, and unity among Itsekiris while extending a sense of belonging to friends and allies of the kingdom. The initiative redefines Itsekiri identity beyond geography and population size, with His Majesty emphasizing that communities driven by strong ideas can grow into influential movements.
Speaking on the vision, His Majesty stated, "To say 'I am Itsekiri' is to make an active declaration that one belongs to a people that blessing follows." The movement welcomes three groups: those born Itsekiri, those who became part of the family through marriage, and friends of Itsekiri who identify with the values and ideals of the people. This approach broadens participation while preserving the cultural pride and heritage of the kingdom.
The Iam Itsekiri application functions as a digital village where users can access updates from the Palace and the kingdom, connect with fellow Itsekiris globally, and engage with cultural content that promotes language, traditions, customs, and indigenous cuisine. The app will soon be available on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store. The movement is being amplified through the #IAmItsekiri Challenge, which encourages participants to share personal stories, testimonies, and experiences that reflect the Itsekiri identity.
His Majesty described the initiative as "not nostalgia, but strategy," aimed at preserving Itsekiri heritage, strengthening community bonds, and projecting the blessing and values of the Itsekiri people onto the global stage. This launch represents a significant step in leveraging digital tools for cultural preservation and community engagement, potentially setting a precedent for other ethnic groups.
