Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a N50 million empowerment package for 1,000 Itsekiri women engaged in petty trading, pledging further collaboration with the Delta State Government to support young men in the community.
The First Lady made the announcement on Thursday during a grand reception held in her honour at the palace of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, describing her visit to Warri as a deeply personal homecoming rooted in heritage and gratitude.
Addressing a large crowd at the palace grounds, Mrs Tinubu reflected on her Itsekiri ancestry, noting that it played a foundational role in shaping her values and approach to public service.
She spoke partly in Itsekiri language, expressing pride in her roots and appreciation for the warm reception.
The First Lady commended the monarch for the honour accorded her and acknowledged the traditional courtesies extended to accommodate her within the kingdom’s customs.
Touching on national issues, she called for unity across ethnic and religious lines.
She referenced the simultaneous observance of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period as symbolic of divine guidance toward togetherness, urging Nigerians to embrace harmony and mutual respect.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who welcomed the First Lady, described her as compassionate and committed to uplifting vulnerable citizens.
He praised her record in the Senate, saying she consistently championed policies that positively impacted Nigerians.
The governor joined the monarch in celebrating her as a distinguished daughter of the Itsekiri nation, applauding her dedication to public service and steadfast support for her husband, Bola Tinubu.
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 flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme for the South-South region in Asaba, as well as her March 2025 visit to launch the Free to Shine programme, during which thousands of professional kits were distributed to midwives across the region to strengthen healthcare delivery.
He further commended her respect for traditional institutions, recounting how she made time during a previous visit to honour royal fathers beyond the formal schedule.
Reaffirming Delta State’s backing for the President’s reform agenda, the governor assured the First Lady that the state would continue to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda to advance national development.
He also highlighted key infrastructure projects in Warri and surrounding areas, including the completion of the over 20-kilometre Trans-Warri Road with multiple bridges and the Enerhen flyover constructed by Julius Berger, with additional extensions planned.
In his remarks, the Olu of Warri described the visit as symbolic and divinely orchestrated, expressing optimism about a new phase of unity and progress for the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
He lauded the First Lady’s humility and grace, offering prayers and presenting requests on behalf of the kingdom.
The colourful ceremony attracted prominent figures, including former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, lawmakers, senior government officials and traditional leaders.
Cultural performances and solidarity chants marked the occasion, reflecting what Governor Oborevwori described as strong grassroots support for leadership anchored on service and compassion.
