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ITSEKIRI-OWNED BUSINESSES LEAD SUPPORT FOR GLOBAL HOMECOMING 2026 IN WARRI KINGDOM
Indigenous brands unite to celebrate heritage, culture and the 5th Coronation Anniversary of Ogiame Atuwatse III
By prince Benson Davies
The spirit of community and enterprise is driving preparations for the Itsekiri Global Homecoming 2026, as leading indigenous Itsekiri brands announce their support for the week-long celebration scheduled to hold across the Warri Kingdom from August 16 to 23, 2026.
The Homecoming, convened under the authority of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, and coordinated by The Royal Order of Iwere, ROI, is designed as a global gathering of Itsekiri people, friends of the Kingdom, and international allies. The 2026 edition holds special significance as it will also commemorate the 5th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty, while spotlighting the culture, history, and future aspirations of the Iwere people.
In what organisers describe as a strong show of homegrown pride, several indigenous businesses have committed resources and platforms to ensure a memorable experience for guests expected from across Nigeria and the diaspora. Among them are Overland Airways, VouchLinks, and REYON Water. Overland Airways will facilitate the movement of guests into the region, providing critical connectivity for returnees and visitors. VouchLinks, a Nigerian peer-to-peer recommendation platform, will leverage its digital infrastructure to drive awareness and trusted engagement around Homecoming activities. REYON Water comes on board as the Hydration Partner, ensuring refreshment for participants across the various events.
The network of indigenous partners has also been joined by Agile Cycle, an electric mobility venture that will serve as the Official Mobility Partner. The company will provide sustainable transport solutions throughout the week and will be central to the much-anticipated Scooter Ride experience with His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, which has already generated wide interest as one of the signature moments of the Homecoming.
Their involvement adds to a growing list of corporate and institutional supporters that include MAGGI from Nestlé Nigeria, Sterling Bank, Seaman’s Schnapps, Loatsad Promomedia, Enugu Air, and ORÍKÌ. Together, these organisations are helping to shape a programme that blends tradition with enterprise.
Speaking on the development, Ade Mabo, a member of The Royal Order of Iwere and the IGHC Organising Committee, expressed appreciation for the wave of support. He noted that the commitment of Itsekiri-owned businesses demonstrates the depth of talent and entrepreneurship within the community and a shared resolve to celebrate heritage while creating opportunities for growth. He added that the support reflects a collective belief in the power of unity to project the Kingdom’s identity to a global audience.
The Itsekiri Global Homecoming will unfold over seven days with a robust lineup of activities. These include royal ceremonies, cultural performances, culinary showcases, business and development dialogues, heritage tours, and entertainment. The celebrations will also feature the iconic Royal Warri River Regatta and will culminate in events marking the 5th Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri.
With momentum building and more partners coming on board, the Homecoming is positioning itself as both a cultural reunion and an economic platform. It aims to strengthen bonds among Itsekiri people worldwide, promote enterprise, and present the Warri Kingdom as a destination of heritage, innovation, and hospitality to Nigeria and the world.
