Tara Fela-Durotoye receives the Royal Order of Iweri Award from the Olu of Warri, honoring her excellence and cultural impactTara Fela-Durotoye ROI Award recognition reached a new height in September 2025 as the House of Tara International founder was honored with the Royal Order of Iweri (ROI) Award by His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri. The award was presented during the 4th Coronation Anniversary celebrations in Warri, Delta State.
The ROI Award, established by royal proclamation on August 24, 2024, is among the most prestigious honors in the Warri Kingdom, celebrating individuals who exemplify integrity, excellence, leadership, and cultural pride in service to Nigeria and humanity.
Tara Fela-Durotoye, widely recognized as a pioneer in Nigeria’s beauty and entrepreneurial space, joins an elite circle of honorees.
Her work through House of Tara International has transformed the beauty industry while advocating for female empowerment, cultural identity, and entrepreneurial excellence for over two decades.
“I am very, very excited for different reasons,” Tara shared emotionally. “The most cherished and loved Ogiame is one of the most respected monarchs in Nigeria. When someone of such caliber honors you, you feel that you have a double honor.”
The ceremony, one of the highlights of the Olu’s anniversary week, also honored Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, founder of World of Light Bible Church, and Dr. Helen Boyo Ekwueme, a cultural preservationist and philanthropist.
His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, praised the awardees for their “unwavering contributions to the growth and pride of the Warri Kingdom.”
In line with his dedication to cultural continuity, the monarch presented cash awards to children who excelled in an Isekiri language competition, reinforcing the kingdom’s focus on preserving indigenous heritage.
The Royal Order of Iweri (ROI) is a royal distinction instituted in 2024 to recognize individuals—sons, daughters, or allies of the Warri Kingdom—who embody the values of service, excellence, cultural promotion, and moral integrity.
It serves not only as a symbol of honor but as an emblem of the Warri Kingdom’s aspiration to reward legacy-building efforts and uplift national pride.
The Tara Fela-Durotoye ROI Award stands as a testament to the impact of Nigerian entrepreneurs who blend business success with social change. Through training programs, retail outlets, and national campaigns, Tara has empowered thousands of women across Africa.
Her journey illustrates how entrepreneurship can become a vehicle for cultural revival, economic growth, and personal empowerment.
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