Towards strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the state of Georgia, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, recently made a historic visit to the Georgia State Senate, delivering a speech on African innovation, global collaboration, and the need for cross-border partnerships in addressing global challenges.
Addressing the legislators, the Queen Consort acknowledged the skepticism surrounding African royalty in Western contexts but assured them of her legitimacy, bringing warm greetings from her husband, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the people of Warri.
Olori Atuwatse III highlighted the similarities between Georgia and Warri, praising both for their rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and exceptional cuisine.
She also used the opportunity to introduce the Georgia lawmakers to Elevate Africa, an initiative she leads to foster innovation and showcase Africa’s vast potential.
She said: “Last month, we inaugurated our 2025 Elevate Africa Fellows— 17 remarkable innovators from thirteen African countries. Their work spans from revolutionising agricultural systems to pioneering AI-driven healthcare solutions innovations that contribute meaningful answers to global questions.”
Stressing the urgency of international cooperation, she argued that the world’s growing challenges demand collective solutions, and Africa’s emerging talent pool has much to offer. She extended an invitation for deeper collaboration between African leaders and policymakers in Georgia.
Olori Atuwatse III stated: “The aspirations of the people we serve are the same: dignity, opportunity, and representation that better their lives. So, at Elevate Africa, we are particularly eager to connect with members of Parliament whose expertise and perspectives can offer valuable insights for emerging leaders across our continent.”
Her address concluded with a call for action. “I look forward to continuing our dialogue and exploring concrete ways to collaborate in service of our shared humanity,” she said.
Olori Atuwatse III visit marks a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between Africa and the United States, reinforcing the role of traditional leadership in global discourse.