ICUK Hosts Inaugural Itsekiri Honours Night

The Itsekiri Congress UK (ICUK) held its first-ever Iconic Itsekiri Awards in London, marking a major cultural moment for the Itsekiri diaspora. The ceremony celebrated 19 outstanding individuals as well as two recipients of the ICUK Service Medal.

Three UK-based Chiefs of the Warri Kingdom — Chief Dr. Richmond MacGrey, Chief Samuel Amatoritsero, and Chief Dr. Mogbeyiteren Eyeoyibo — attended the event, alongside the current President of Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), Mr Ily Maisanda and the immediate past President, Mr Ayo Akinfe who all helped in presenting the awards.

Recipients were recognised for contributions spanning traditional leadership, aviation, community service, women empowerment, digital preservation, investment and philanthropy. Honourees included Chief Francis Omatseye, Captain Robert Emmanuel Hayes, Mrs. Lucky Evelyn Mene, Ms. Omayeli Diana Odeli and several others. A posthumous award was given to the late Mrs. Agnes Urowoli Inoniyegha.

The ICUK Service Medals went to former president Dr. Emmanuel Towuaghantse and former financial secretary Mrs. Toju Isiakpere, both honoured for years of dedicated organisational service.

ICUK President, Mr. Sunny Oritsegbubemi Okuku, delivered a rousing keynote, while Vice President Mrs. Martina Kirk closed the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks. Leaders said the awards reaffirm the strength and unity of the global Iwere community.