Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, a blessing to Nigerians – Sheriff Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday described Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a blessing to the nation, saying her humility and compassion continue to impact the lives of ordinary citizens.

The governor spoke at a grand homecoming reception held in her honour at the palace of the Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, where a jubilant crowd gathered from as early as 7 am to welcome her.

Addressing the cheering audience, Oborevwori praised the First Lady’s record in the Senate, noting that she “stood tall in the Red Chambers” and committed her time and energy to policy advocacy that positively affected Nigerians.

“We can all attest to how she stood firm during her time in the Senate,” the governor said. “Nigerians are blessed to have a humble and compassionate First Lady who genuinely cares for the poor and vulnerable in our communities.”

He highlighted that the visit marked her third official trip to Delta State in two years, recalling her August 2024 visit to flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme for the South-South in Asaba and 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.

Oborevwori also commended her 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 said.

The governor further referenced her participation at the 4th National Prayer Congress in the United States, where she was publicly recognised 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 reforms, Oborevwori who received the First Lady alongside his wife, Deaconess Tobore, 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.

He also outlined 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 further extensions planned toward the Nigerian Ports Authority corridor.

In her remarks, Senator Tinubu described the reception as emotional and heartwarming, calling her visit a true homecoming. She thanked the Olu of Warri for the honour accorded her and reflected on national unity, noting the coincidence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period as a call for togetherness, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divides. She also 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.