L-R: Olu of Warrri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lII and Nigeria’s first lady and wife of President Bola Tinubu, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu during the visit of the latter to Warri Kingdom on Thursday
By Samuel Ogude
Nigeria’s first lady and wife of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu visited the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lII and empowered about one thousand women with N50 Million and some undisclosed amount of money for the men.
The wife of the President who arrived Warri on Thursday was accorded rousy welcome not only by the Ogiame Atuwatse lII and the entire palace but Itsekiri nation. In her brief speech, Senator Oluremi Tinubu sued for unity of Nigerians for God to bless the country, Nigeria just as she enjoined Itsekiri nation to forget personal interests and work together to attain progress in the land.
Her words:” Nigeria has to be united. When they are saying there is religions battle between christians and muslims, look at the way God did it:” both started the fasting and length period the same day. What is that telling us? Love, unity. When we are united, that is when God commands His blessings..Itsekiri has to come together in respective of interest…”
L-R: (front row)Nigeria’s first lady and wife of President Bola Tinubu, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu and the Olu of Warrri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lII during the visit of the former to Warri Kingdom on Thursday
Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu who said she is proud to be the daughter of the soil expressed joy for warm reception accorded her by her people and promised to do more for the people of the kingdom to the best of her knowledge. For the avoidance of doubt, she announced that has empowered one thousand women directly with sum of fifty million and undisclosed sum of money for the men- which, according to her, is entrusted with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to her, she has no choice but come to associate with her root due to the support His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse lII has given her family in one hand and the present administration on the other. Her words:” l came here because His Royal Ogiame has given me such a tremendous support since the beginning of this administration. He himself and his wife have come to Villa countless times and our house in Lagos. I told Mr. President, it is high time l came to Warri Kingdom… at least to show my gratitude and pay my homage to the land.”
The first lady whose speech was interjected with Itsekiri dialect, said, she is proud of the cultural background- Itsekiri- which she comes from saying whatever she is today is as result of her upbringing in Itsekiri culture. Her words: ‘’Itsekiri culture is has influenced me over the years, whoever I am today stems from upbringing, the culture, the teaching…’’ She thanked the Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, traditional rulers of different kingdoms both far and near for the reception given to her and re-emphasized her support for the Itsekiri nation in particular and Delta State in general.
Earlier in his address, Delta State Governor, Rt. Sheriff Oborevwori expressed gratitude for the wife of the President for the support she has given to his administration in general and his family in particular. According to him, the first lady has not only supported him but other Governors in the country. While calling on other Deltans outside the state to emulate the virtue of the first lady, he assured the Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu of Deltans’ massive support during the 2007 elections.
Across section of the people during the visit on Thursday, Nigeria’s first lady and wife of President Bola Tinubu, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu.
His words: “l also appreciate the support you have given to other governors across the country…” Earlier in his address, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lII expressed gratitude to the wife of President for the visit. According to him, her coming to Warri Kingdom is not a blessing to Itsekiri nation but the entire Niger Delta. He said, when people are ready to forgive and forget the past, it gives room for peace and prosperity among the people.
His words: “Your coming is a golden opportunity to begin a new chapter not just in Delta State but entire Niger Delta”. He said, the first lady has been a role model for younger generations of girls and therefore urged her to continue with good doing. His words:” Young girls are inspired by your life: your simplicity, humility and your unwavering support…” The Royal Father expressed gratitude for all the first lady has done for his people and the country at large.
The programme which was attended by top government functionaries including Speaker, Delta State House Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, captains of industry, traditional rulers, among others, was described as unique in its respect.