His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III the Olu of Warri has conferred the Royal Order of Iwere Award on Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor, popularly known as Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, and six other distinguished sons and daughters of the kingdom, on Saturday.
This took place at Aghofen (Olu of Warri Palace), Warri, Delta State, as part of activities lined up to celebrate the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse, the 21st Olu of Warri.
Speaking after his conferment, Oritsejafor, expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler, describing the honour as a generous award.
The cleric, who quoted from Psalms 133, noted the unity in the kingdom, just as he prayed for more blessings on the kingdom.
Oritsejafor (often referred to as “Papa Ayo”) advocates for social justice, good governance, and empowerment of the underprivileged, offers scholarships to students across educational levels, irrespective of faith or ethnicity; also partners with Flight Micro Finance Bank for annual community empowerment programmes.
Others who were honoured alongside the cleric are Ebi Omatsola, Director of Con Oil Plc, Oti Ikomi, Helen Boyo-Ekwueme, Eva Omaghomi, Tara Fela-Durotoye and Godwin Ebosa.
The Royal Order of Iwere is a prestigious award in the Kingdom of Warri, second only to chieftaincy conferment.
It was established on August 24, 2024, by royal proclamation. Recipients of the award become members of the Royal Iwere Society, helping to screen future nominees.
The awards recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation and who exemplify values like integrity, hard work, and redemption.
Purpose:
The Royal Order of Iwere recognises and celebrates distinguished Itsekiri individuals for their achievements and contributions to the nation.
Membership:
Recipients of the award automatically become members of the Royal Iwere Society.
Selection process:
The society plays a role in screening future nominees and recipients of the award.
Significance:
The award is considered a high honor, second only to chieftaincy titles within the Kingdom.
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Values:
The awards highlight and celebrate values such as education, hard work, integrity and positive societal impact.
Community impact:
The Royal Iwere Society aims to be a.platform for dynamic initiatives,elevating the society to global prominence and positioning Warri as a leading socio-cultural and economic hub.
Inauguration:
The Royal Order of Iwere was inaugurated during the 3rd Coronation Anniversary celebrations of the Olu of Warri, where ten distinguished individuals were decorated.
Past recipients include prominent figures such as Sam Amuka-Pemu, publisher of Vanguard Newspaper; Amaju Melvin Pinnick, Nigeria’s representative to FIFA; Julius Dediare Rone, CEO of UTM Energy Limited; Ajoritsedere Awosika, a distinguished personality, and Master Eworitsewarami Justin Wilbert, recognised for academic excellence.
