Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday described Nigeria as blessed to have a humble and compassionate First Lady in Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom he said genuinely cares for the poor and vulnerable across communities.
Governor Oborevwori made the remark at a grand homecoming reception held in honour of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the palace of the Olu of Warri.
Addressing a jubilant crowd that thronged the palace grounds from as early as 7:00 a.m., the governor commended Senator Tinubu’s impactful tenure in the Senate, noting that she distinguished herself in the Red Chamber through sustained policy advocacy and legislative contributions that positively affected Nigerians.
He joined His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in celebrating the First Lady, describing her as a worthy daughter of the Itsekiri nation with an outstanding record of public service and national commitment.
“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,” Oborevwori stated.
The governor noted that the visit marked Senator Tinubu’s third official trip to Delta State within two years.
He recalled 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.
Governor Oborevwori particularly commended the First Lady’s reverence for traditional institutions, recalling that during a previous visit, she made a deliberate effort to honour 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.
He also lauded Senator Tinubu’s international recognition, referencing her participation at the 4th National Prayer Congress in the United States, where she was publicly acknowledged as a highly respected woman.
“It is fitting to call you a global icon. We are proud of the way you represented Nigeria on the global stage,” he added.
Reaffirming Delta State’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his reform agenda, 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 in pursuit of national progress.
“Please convey to Mr. President that Delta State stands firmly with him and his reforms for a better nation. You can always count on our support,” the governor said.
He also used the occasion to highlight ongoing infrastructural advancements in Warri and its environs, including the completion of the over 20-kilometre Trans-Warri Road with 15 bridges, as well as the Enerhen Flyover constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with plans underway for further extension towards the Nigerian Ports Authority corridor.
In her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed deep emotion at the warm reception and cultural displays, describing her visit to Warri as a heartfelt homecoming marked by gratitude and pride.
She thanked the Olu of Warri for the honour bestowed upon her, noting that special considerations were made within the traditional framework to accommodate her.
She described her Itsekiri heritage as foundational to her values and public service ethos.
Reflecting on national unity, the First Lady observed the coincidental alignment of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period as a divine call to unity, urging Nigerians to embrace togetherness beyond ethnic and religious divides.
As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Tinubu announced a ₦50 million empowerment 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.
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 Nigeria at large.
He noted that the honour conferred on her reflected a unique divine purpose and praised her humility, grace, and steadfast support for her husband, President Tinubu.
The monarch assured her of the kingdom’s prayers and goodwill, while presenting sealed requests on behalf of the people.
The colourful reception attracted prominent dignitaries, including former Delta State 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; and other top government officials and traditional leaders.
The event featured vibrant cultural displays, solidarity chants, and an overwhelming show of affection for the First Lady, underscoring what Governor Oborevwori described as the “organic and unwavering support” of the people for purposeful leadership anchored on service and compassion.
