By Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has used the 66th birthday of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to highlight the place of social intervention in public service, saying positions of influence should translate into practical support for vulnerable citizens.
The governor’s position was contained in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Monday, as the First Lady marked her birthday alongside tributes from political leaders and organisations across the country.
Oborevwori said Tinubu’s engagements with women, children and other vulnerable groups demonstrated what he considered an important dimension of public service beyond the formal responsibilities attached to public office.
He particularly pointed to her involvement in social welfare, empowerment and human capital development, saying such interventions could contribute to efforts aimed at improving the living conditions of disadvantaged Nigerians.
The governor also acknowledged programmes associated with the Renewed Hope Initiative, through which the First Lady has pursued interventions in areas including education, healthcare, agriculture, economic empowerment and support for vulnerable groups.
Rather than treating the position of First Lady as essentially ceremonial, Oborevwori said Tinubu had used the platform to draw attention to the welfare of families and communities facing economic and social difficulties.
He attributed this approach partly to her background in education and public service, as well as her years as a federal lawmaker before becoming First Lady.
Tinubu represented Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Senate for three terms, between 2011 and 2023, before assuming her current role following the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
Oborevwori also spoke about the First Lady’s support for the President, saying her public engagements and humanitarian programmes had complemented some of the administration’s efforts targeted at vulnerable Nigerians.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, we celebrate an Amazon who has continued to support her beloved husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in making life meaningful for the downtrodden and less privileged in our society,” the governor said.
He described her commitment to women and children as deserving of recognition, particularly at a period when governments were under pressure to respond to the social and economic challenges confronting households.
The governor wished Tinubu good health and strength in the years ahead, while expressing the hope that she would continue her humanitarian and public-service engagements.
