Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III & The Royal Iwere Foundation Partner with Omilola Oshikoya to Launch Innovative Business Incubator Program

Warri, Nigeria, February 16th, 2024 – Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri & Olori Atuwatse III, in collaboration with Omilola Oshikoya, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a groundbreaking business incubator program in the Kingdom of Warri, Nigeria.

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.

In discussions regarding the partnership, Omilola 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 startups and developers in Warri, we aim to provide a nurturing environment that catalyzes tech ideas into viable businesses.”

“Entrepreneurship and innovation are integral to driving economic progress,” Omilola emphasized. “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.”

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.

The 12-week resident pre-seed incubator program, spearheaded by Omilola Oshikoya, is designed to provide participants with comprehensive business training, mentorship, and resources. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to develop robust business plans and pitch their ideas effectively.

About The Incubator Program

The incubator program, led by Omilola Oshikoya, is committed to fostering economic prosperity in Africa through innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and gender and income equality. Its objective is to establish a robust pipeline of high-quality, high-value startups and scalable, bankable enterprises for the startup ecosystem. The incubator program aims to contribute to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. These goals are Goal 1: no poverty, Goal 4 – quality education, Goal 5 – gender equality, Goal 8 – decent work and economic growth and Goal 9 – industry, innovation and infrastructure.