By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, on Thursday described the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to his palace as divinely ordained and symbolic of a new season of unity, healing and alignment for the Niger Delta and the nation at large.
Speaking at a grand homecoming reception held in her honour at the Warri palace, the revered monarch said the honour conferred on the First Lady reflected God’s unique plan. He praised her humility, grace and steadfast support for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the monarch, her presence in the kingdom signified more than a ceremonial visit, describing it as a spiritual moment of reconnection and renewed hope for the Itsekiri nation and Nigeria. He assured her of the kingdom’s prayers and unwavering support, while presenting sealed requests on behalf of his people.
The colourful reception attracted a jubilant crowd that thronged the palace grounds from as early as 7 a.m., turning the historic venue into a vibrant display of culture, solidarity chants and celebration.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, joined the monarch in celebrating the First Lady, describing her as a worthy daughter of the Itsekiri nation with an outstanding record of public service. He noted that Nigerians are blessed to have a humble and compassionate First Lady who genuinely cares for the poor and vulnerable.
“We can all attest to how she stood firm during her time in the Senate. Nigerians are blessed to have a humble and compassionate First Lady who genuinely cares for the poor and vulnerable in our communities,” the governor said.
Oborevwori highlighted that the visit marked Senator Tinubu’s third official trip to Delta State within two years. He recalled her August 2024 visit to inaugurate the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme for the South-South in Asaba, and her March 2025 visit to launch the Free to Shine programme, during which 10,000 professional kits were distributed to midwives across the region to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The governor particularly commended the First Lady’s respect for traditional institutions, recalling how she had previously taken time outside her formal schedule to honour royal fathers — a gesture he said made governance smoother even during periods when they were in opposition.
He also referenced her participation at the 4th National Prayer Congress in the United States, where she was publicly acknowledged as a highly respected woman, describing her as a global icon who represented Nigeria with dignity.
Reaffirming Delta State’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his reforms, Governor Oborevwori — who, alongside his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, received the First Lady at Osubi Airport — assured her that the state would continue to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Please tell our leader, Mr President, that Delta State stands firmly with him and his reforms for a better nation. You can always count on our support,” he said.
He also outlined ongoing infrastructural strides in Warri and its environs, including the completion of the over 20-kilometre Trans-Warri Road with 15 bridges and the Enerhen flyover constructed by Julius Berger, with further extensions planned towards the Nigerian Ports Authority corridor.
In her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed deep emotion at the reception and cultural displays, describing her visit to Warri as a heartfelt homecoming filled with gratitude and pride. She thanked the Olu of Warri for the honour accorded her and noted that special considerations were made within the traditional framework to accommodate her.
Describing her Itsekiri heritage as foundational to her values and public life, the First Lady urged Nigerians to embrace unity beyond ethnic and religious divides. She pointed to the coincidental overlap of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period as a divine call for togetherness, citing Psalm 133 as a reminder of the blessings of unity.
As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, she announced a N50 million empowerment support package for 1,000 women engaged in petty trading within the kingdom and pledged additional support for young men in collaboration with the state government.
Among dignitaries present were the immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi; Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Chiedu Ebie; and other senior government officials and traditional leaders.
The event concluded with resounding affirmations of solidarity and what Governor Oborevwori described as the “organic and unwavering support” of the people for purposeful leadership anchored on service and compassion.
What's your reaction?
