To stimulate economic development and prosperity in Warri Kingdom, the Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri and his wife, the Queen Consort have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Founder of the Royal Iwere Foundation Partner in collaboration with Omilola Oshikoya to launch Innovative Business Incubator Program.

The incubator program, developed and operated by Omilola Oshikoya with support from the Crown and its humanitarian development organisation, the Royal Iwere Foundation aims to foster economic growth and prosperity in the Kingdom, with far-reaching implications for Nigeria and the African continent.

This initiative aligns with Ogiame Atuwatse III’s visionary global master plan, which aims to position Warri as a pivotal hub for global business operations and technological innovation.

Following the successful completion of the inaugural phase, the Olu of Warri Tech Challenge, a strategic partnership has been formed to host selected participants in Warri, Delta State, for a comprehensive three-month pre-seed incubator program.

Shedding more light on the partnership, Oshikoya stated, “Our mission is to cultivate economic prosperity in Africa, beginning with the Kingdom of Warri. Through an innovative technology incubator program tailored for early-stage to pre-seed start-ups and developers in Warri, we aim to provide a nurturing environment that catalyses tech ideas into viable businesses. Entrepreneurship and innovation are integral to driving economic progress.

“Our focus on market-creating innovations targeting non-consumption/non-consumers is crucial for sustainable development. We believe that by fostering innovation, we can address the challenges facing Africa and create opportunities for growth and prosperity.”

Recall that the success of the Olu of Warri Tech Challenge in 2022 underscores the region’s potential for technological innovation. With over 600 applications received and the emergence of promising ventures like Oghenetejiri Onosajerhe’s accessible electronic book reader for the visually impaired community, the incubator program aims to build on this momentum.