WARRI/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has lauded the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a compassionate leader deeply committed to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The governor made the remarks during a colourful homecoming ceremony held at the palace of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, where he praised her legislative track record and acknowledged her contributions to national development through purposeful advocacy and empowerment initiatives.
Addressing a jubilant crowd that thronged the palace grounds from as early as 7 a.m., Oborevwori said Nigerians were fortunate to have a First Lady whose humility and compassion continue to resonate across communities.
“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 stated.
He noted that the visit marked Senator Tinubu’s third official trip to Delta State within two years, recalling her August 2024 visit to flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme for the South-South in Asaba, as well as 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.
Oborevwori particularly commended the First Lady’s respect for traditional institutions, recalling how, during a previous visit, she deliberately honoured royal fathers outside the formal programme schedule.
“That singular act of love and respect made a lot of things easier for me as governor. Even when we were in the opposition, she showed us love. God will continue to bless you,” he said.
The governor 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 has represented Nigeria with dignity on the international stage.
Reaffirming Delta State’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Oborevwori, who alongside his wife, Deaconess Tobore, received the First Lady at Osubi Airport, assured her that the state would continue to align with the President’s reform-driven policies.
“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 added.
The governor also used the occasion to highlight ongoing infrastructural development 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 rich cultural displays, describing her visit to Warri as a heartfelt homecoming.
She thanked the Olu of Warri for the honour accorded her and noted that special considerations were made to accommodate her within the traditional framework. She described her Itsekiri heritage as foundational to her values and public service.
Reflecting on national unity, the First Lady observed that the coincidental alignment of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period was a divine reminder of the need for harmony and collective purpose, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divides.
As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, she announced a N50 million empowerment support package for 1,000 women engaged in petty trading in the kingdom and pledged additional collaboration with the state government to support young men.
Earlier, Ogiame Atuwatse III described the First Lady’s visit as divinely ordained and symbolic of a new season of unity, healing and alignment for the Niger Delta and the nation at large. He praised her humility, grace and unwavering support for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring her of the kingdom’s prayers while presenting sealed requests on behalf of the people.
Dignitaries at the event included former Governor Senator 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, as well as top government officials and traditional leaders.
The colourful reception was marked by cultural displays, solidarity chants and a strong show of affection for the First Lady, underscoring what the governor described as the enduring support of the people for leadership anchored on service, unity and compassion.
