By Dr Adeniyi Ifetayo
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, on Thursday led the Itsekiri nation in a grand reception for Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, conferring on her the prestigious chieftaincy title of Utukpa-Oritse of Warri Kingdom meaning Bearer of Light and Prosperity.
At a colourful ceremony held at his palace and witnessed by a jubilant crowd, the revered monarch 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.
“This is not by accident. This moment reflects God’s unique plan. Your life and service represent light and prosperity, and today we recognise that grace upon you.”
The palace grounds were filled to capacity as traditional chiefs, political leaders and cultural troupes gathered in celebration of what the monarch described as a historic homecoming for a “worthy daughter of the Itsekiri nation.”
Praising her humility and steadfast support for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Olu said the honour bestowed on the First Lady was both cultural and spiritual.
“You have carried yourself with dignity, grace and unwavering commitment to service. The kingdom assures you of our prayers and support as you continue to stand in the gap for Nigeria.”
The monarch also presented sealed requests on behalf of the Warri Kingdom, expressing confidence in strengthened collaboration between the traditional institution and the Federal Government.
In her response, an emotional Senator Tinubu described the reception as deeply personal and profoundly moving.
“This is home, my Itsekiri heritage is foundational to who I am. It shaped my values and my public life.”
She thanked the monarch for the honour, noting that special traditional considerations were made to accommodate her within the kingdom’s customs.
Reflecting on national unity, the First Lady pointed to the coincidental observance of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period as a divine call for togetherness.
“God is speaking to us as a nation,” she said. “We must rise above ethnic and religious divides and embrace unity.”
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 youths in collaboration with the Delta State Government.
Earlier, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, joined the monarch in celebrating the First Lady, describing her as “humble, compassionate and deeply committed to the poor and vulnerable.”
“We can all attest to how she stood firm during her time in the Senate,” the governor said. “Nigerians are blessed to have a First Lady who genuinely cares for our communities.”
Oborevwori reaffirmed the state’s support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects in Warri and environs, including the completion of the Trans-Warri Road and the Enerhen flyover.
The ceremony attracted an array of dignitaries including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, lawmakers, federal appointees and traditional rulers.
The event climaxed with cultural displays, solidarity chants and the formal investiture of the First Lady as Utukpa-Oritse of Warri Kingdom, a title the monarch said signifies a divine mandate to bring light, hope and prosperity to the people.
As the royal drums resounded across the ancient kingdom, the Olu declared: “Today, Warri celebrates not just a daughter, but a destiny intertwined with the progress of our nation.”
