London, UK – The Itsekiri Congress UK (ICUK), led by President Mr. Sunny Oritsegbubemi Okuku, hosted its landmark inaugural ceremony, the ICUK Black History Month: Iconic Itsekiri Awards, on Saturday the 15th of November at the prestigious Greenwich Maritime Museum in London. The high-profile event celebrated 19 distinguished recipients for their profound and selfless service, alongside the presentation of two prestigious Service Medals.
The ceremony was deeply rooted in traditional and diaspora leadership, being graced by the presence of the three UK-based Chiefs of Warri Kingdom: Chief Dr. Richmond MacGrey, Chief Samuel Amatoritsero, and Chief Dr. Mogbeyiteren Eyeoyibo. Key figures from the wider Nigerian diaspora, including Mr. Ily Maisanda, the current President of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), and Mr. Ayo Akinfe, former CANUK President, also supported in presenting the awards.
Honouring Our Icons of Service and Legacy
The Iconic Itsekiri Award was presented to the following recipients, whose cumulative efforts have strengthened the Iwere Kingdom:
Honourees and Recognition: A Roll Call of Service
The Iconic Itsekiri Award was presented to a cohort of leaders whose contributions span traditional governance, national pioneering, and grassroots community development.
Chiefs and Pioneers of the Kingdom receiving the award include: Chief Francis Omatseye (JP), The Udefi of Warri, recognised for his exemplary leadership; Chief Brown Oritseweyinmi Mene, The Ogwa-Olusan of Warri Kingdom, recognised as a beacon of leadership and a champion of the Itsekiri heritage; and Chief Dr. Richmond Hope MacGrey, The Oritseboluwo of Warri Kingdom, celebrated for his cultural and philanthropic strides; Chief Samuel Amatoritsero, The Oluyemi of Warri Kingdom, honoured for being a visionary investor and youth lover who has created sustainable jobs in Warri and Chief Dr. Mogbeyiteren Eyeoyibo, The Ogholuwarami of Warri Kingdom, celebrated for his leadership roles having served the community in various capacities.
Others that were honoured included elder Statesman Mr. Churchill Park, ex-President of AIF; Barrister Dede Ukuti, who secured ICUK’s legal entity during his tenure as President of ICUK; Barrister Michael Dere Awala for his dedicated service as ICUK Legal Adviser, first ICUK Secretary Ms. Vivienne Orieke (Ilare) for her role in the community. Advanced Nurse Practitioner Madam Rose Ukunoritsemofe Arenyeka, who continues to be a beacon of support for the community and her associations; Broadcasting Pioneer Ms. Omayeli Diana Odeli who has served as a former President of All Itsekiri Forum and presently the President of Warri National Union.
Other distinguished awardees included Cultural Archiver Mrs. Lucky Evelyn Mene; relentless organiser Mr. Evans Amiwero who is a former President of Ugbajo Itsekiri UK; Mr. Julius Temisanren, a cultural displays icon and teacher including being a two term president of Ugbajo Itsekiri UK; Mr. Churchill Abeoritsegbemi Eburajolo (FCCA) and Captain Robert Emmanuel Hayes, a national legend being Nigeria’s first indigenous pilot and a Royal Order of Iwere recipient; digital guardian Mr. Norris Omamofe Orighoye; and community visual storyteller Mrs. Maria Ogholaja-Ogboru. The event included a posthumous honour for Late Mrs. Agnes Urowoli Inoniyegha.
ICUK Service Medals Awarded
In a special segment recognising the transition of leadership and organisational governance, the ICUK Service Medal was formally presented to two former executive officers:
- Dr. Emmanuel Towuaghantse – Former President of ICUK.
- Mrs. Toju Isiakpere – Former Financial Secretary of ICUK.
Mr. Sunny Oritsegbubemi Okuku, President of ICUK, delivered a powerful keynote address. Part of his speech reads; “This inaugural event is a profound declaration that the tireless work being done for our people, both in the UK and back in Nigeria, is seen and deeply appreciated,” President Okuku stated. “The collective strength demonstrated by this group is the true foundation of a unified Iwere Kingdom.”
Mrs. Martina Kirk, Vice President of ICUK, delivered the eloquent vote of thanks.