Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has described Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as a blessing to the nation, commending her humility, compassion and dedication to vulnerable Nigerians.
The governor spoke on Thursday at a grand homecoming reception held in honour of the First Lady at the palace of the Ogiame Atuwatse III in Warri, Delta State. The event drew a large crowd of supporters and dignitaries who gathered at the palace grounds from early morning to celebrate her visit.
Addressing the gathering, Oborevwori praised Senator Tinubu’s tenure in the Senate, noting that she stood firm in the Red Chamber and invested her time in policy advocacy that positively impacted citizens.
“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.
He joined the Olu of Warri in celebrating the First Lady as a worthy daughter of the Itsekiri nation with an outstanding record of public service.
Oborevwori noted that the visit marked her 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.
The governor particularly commended the First Lady’s respect for traditional institutions, recounting how she made time during a previous visit 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 stated.
Oborevwori 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 represented Nigeria admirably on the international stage.
Reaffirming Delta State’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his reform agenda, the governor assured the First Lady 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.
He 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 Tinubu expressed appreciation for the reception and cultural displays, describing her visit as an emotional homecoming filled with gratitude and pride.
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 life.
Reflecting on national unity, the First Lady pointed to the coincidental alignment of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period as a divine call for togetherness, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divides.
As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, she 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, Ogiame Atuwatse III described the visit as divinely ordained and symbolic of a new season of unity, healing and alignment for the Niger Delta and Nigeria. The monarch praised the First Lady’s humility and unwavering support for her husband and assured her of the kingdom’s prayers and continued support.
The reception was attended by prominent 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 other government officials and traditional leaders.
The event featured colourful cultural displays and solidarity chants, underscoring what Governor Oborevwori described as the people’s unwavering support for purposeful leadership anchored on service and compassion.
