By Jon Paul
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday described Nigerians as fortunate to have a humble and compassionate First Lady who genuinely cares for the poor and vulnerable.
The governor made the remarks at a grand homecoming reception held in honour of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, at the palace of the Olu of Warri.
Addressing a jubilant crowd that gathered at the palace grounds from as early as 7 a.m., Oborevwori praised the First Lady’s record of public service, particularly her tenure in the Senate, where he said she distinguished herself through policy advocacy that positively impacted Nigerians.
He joined the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in celebrating her as a worthy daughter of the Itsekiri nation with an outstanding track record in public life.
“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 noted that the visit marked the First Lady’s third official trip to Delta State in two years. He recalled her August 2024 visit to Asaba to flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme for the South-South, 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.
He commended her respect for traditional institutions, recounting how she had previously taken time outside her official schedule to honour royal fathers during an earlier visit.
“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,” Oborevwori stated.
The governor also referenced her participation at the 4th National Prayer Congress in the United States, where she was publicly acknowledged, describing her as a global icon who represented Nigeria with dignity.
Reaffirming Delta State’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his reform agenda, Oborevwori, alongside his wife, Deaconess Tobore, who received the First Lady at Osubi Airport, assured her of the state’s alignment 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.
The governor also highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects 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 plans to extend the project towards the Nigerian Ports Authority corridor.
In her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and cultural displays, describing her visit as an emotional homecoming. She thanked the Olu of Warri for the honour accorded her and acknowledged the special considerations made within the traditional framework.
She described her Itsekiri heritage as foundational to her values and public service and called for national unity, noting the coincidence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period as a call for togetherness. Citing Psalm 133, she urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divides.
As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady announced a N50 million empowerment package for 1,000 women engaged in petty trading in the kingdom and pledged additional support for young men in collaboration with the state government.
Earlier, the Olu of Warri described the visit as symbolic of a new season of unity and healing for the Niger Delta and the country. He praised her humility and steadfast support for her husband and assured her of the kingdom’s prayers and goodwill, presenting sealed requests on behalf of the people.
The colourful ceremony drew several dignitaries, including former Delta State Governor 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 event featured cultural displays, solidarity chants and a large turnout of supporters, reflecting what Governor Oborevwori described as the people’s strong backing for leadership anchored on service and compassion.
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