Nigeria Is Blessed to Have Oluremi Tinubu As First Lady —Oborevwori
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has described Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a humble, compassionate and impactful leader whose programmes continue to uplift vulnerable citizens across the country.
Speaking on Thursday at the grand homecoming reception in honour of the First Lady at the palace of the Olu of Warri, the governor said Senator Tinubu’s long record of service and her commitment to national development have made her a blessing to the nation.
A large crowd had gathered at the palace as early as 7 a.m. to welcome Senator Tinubu, whom the governor praised for her outstanding performance during her years in the Senate and for championing policies that positively affected Nigerians.
Oborevwori, who joined the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, in receiving the First Lady, described her as a proud daughter of the Itsekiri nation and an exemplary public servant.
The governor noted that the First Lady’s visit was her third to Delta State in two years. He highlighted her August 2024 visit to launch the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme for the South-South region in Asaba, and her March 2025 return to inaugurate the Free to Shine healthcare initiative where 10,000 midwives received professional kits.
He also commended her deep respect for traditional institutions, recalling how she once visited royal fathers outside the official programme.
“That singular act made many things easier for me as governor. Even when we were in the opposition, she showed us love,” he said.
Oborevwori further praised her growing international recognition, pointing to her honour at the 4th National Prayer Congress in the United States.
“It is fitting to call you a global icon. We are proud of how you represented Nigeria,” he added.
Reaffirming Delta State’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor assured the First Lady that the state would continue to align with ongoing national reforms aimed at building a better Nigeria.
“Please tell Mr. President that Delta State stands firmly with him. You can always count on our support,” he said.
Oborevwori used the occasion to outline landmark infrastructure projects in Warri and surrounding areas, including: Completion of the over 20-km Trans-Warri Road featuring 15 bridges, completion of the Enerhen flyover built by Julius Berger; and planned extensions of the network towards the Nigerian Ports Authority corridor.
In her response, Senator Tinubu expressed joy at the warm reception and cultural displays, describing the event as a true homecoming.
She thanked the Olu of Warri for the honour shown to her and said her Itsekiri heritage shaped her values and approach to service. She also spoke on the importance of unity, noting the alignment of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period as a divine reminder for national togetherness.
As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, she announced a N50 million empowerment package for 1,000 petty traders in Warri Kingdom, with more support for young men to come in partnership with the state government.
Earlier, the Olu of Warri described the First Lady’s visit as divinely significant and symbolic of a new wave of unity and progress for the Niger Delta. He praised her humility and support for President Tinubu and assured her of the kingdom’s continuous prayers.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie, royal fathers and other senior government officials.
The colourful homecoming featured cultural performances, solidarity chants and an enthusiastic display of affection for the First Lady — which Governor Oborevwori described as “organic and unwavering support for leadership rooted in service.”
