In Nigeria’s Oil Heartland, Olori Atuwatse III Sees a Different Resource

In Nigeria’s oil heartland, Olori Atuwatse III sees a different resource

The Warri Kingdom is situated in the heart of Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta, a region whose petroleum wealth has helped fuel one of Africa’s largest economies for decades. But many surrounding communities lack basic infrastructure, clean drinking water, schools and healthcare. “The kingdom sadly suffers from what I call the resource curse,” the queen consort, Olori Atuwatse III, told CNN’s Larry Madowo. “Everything is taken out, but nothin…

SPOTLIGHT: How Olori Atuwatse III Is Redefining Royalty In Warri Kingdom

There is a striking image that captures the essence of modern royalty in the Niger Delta. It isn’t a picture of a crown or a great palace throne. Rather, it is the sight of a woman dressed in crisp white, stepping off a boat into a remote, muddy riverine community, holding the hands of local children and listening to the concerns of the market. Meet the rightful Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, and she is on a mission to r…