Manny Ita –
The ancient Warri Kingdom was a scene of historic pageantry on Thursday as the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Utukpa-Oritse (The Light of God) on the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The conferment, which marks her as the first recipient of the title in the history of the kingdom, was the focal point of a grand homecoming reception attended by top government officials, including Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Reflecting on the honor, a visibly moved Senator Tinubu noted the rarity of the gesture, stating, “Ogiame had to rewrite the constitution to accommodate me, because I know Itsekiri doesn’t give title to someone who already had title.” She described her Itsekiri maternal heritage as foundational to her values and public life, expressing deep gratitude for the support received from the monarch since the inception of the current administration.
Addressing the gathered crowd, the First Lady made an impassioned plea for national unity, drawing a spiritual parallel from the current calendar. “Nigeria has to be united. People are saying there is religious battle between Christians and Muslims. Look at the way God did it, both started the fasting and Lent period the same time. What is that telling us?” she asked. Citing Psalm 133, she reminded the audience that “where there is unity, there is prosperity,” and urged Nigerians to transcend ethnic and political divides for the sake of collective progress.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in his remarks, described the First Lady as a “global icon” and a blessing to the nation. He praised her consistency in caring for the vulnerable, noting that her impact in Delta State has been tangible through initiatives like the Renewed Hope empowerment program and the Free to Shine healthcare campaign. “We are blessed to have a humble and compassionate First Lady who genuinely cares for the poor and vulnerable in our communities,” the Governor asserted, further reaffirming Delta State’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.
The Olu of Warri characterized the visit as “divinely ordained,” symbolizing a new season of healing for the Niger Delta. To mark the occasion, Senator Tinubu announced a N50 million empowerment grant for 1,000 women petty traders in the kingdom under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The ceremony concluded with a vibrant display of Itsekiri culture, witnessed by dignitaries including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and NDDC Chairman Chiedu Ebie, underscoring what participants described as a landmark moment for regional and national alignment.
