Olu of Warri confers chieftaincy title on First Lady

‎By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has explained why the prestigious title of “Utukpa-Oritse Iwere” of Warri Kingdom was conferred on Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

The First lady was the first recipient of the title in the history of the kingdom.

Speaking ‎‎ during the conferment at a homecoming reception organised in honour of Oluremi Tinubu in Warri on Thursday, Atuwatse said the First Lady, whose mother is from Itshekiri, is one of the reputable daughters of the land.

“The title conferred on you today, reflects God’s unique plan. This is why we brought out all your people to receive you.

‎‎”Indeed, the land and the people recognise when its own come home, and your homecoming comes in a powerful season of reflection, replenishment, love and unity,” he said.
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‎‎The traditional leader further acknowledged the positive impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and commended the president for reaching out to all Nigerians, especially the poor people in remote areas.

‎He said the First Lady’s visit was divinely ordained and symbolised a new season of unity and healing for the people of the Niger Delta.

‎“We are proud of what you have achieved; we are proud of who you have become; and we are proud to call you our own.

‎”Thank you for being a role model to our daughters. We assure you and President Tinubu of our prayers and support.

‎”Thank you for all you have done for your people – the ones we know and the ones we have no clue about, we are grateful, ” he said.

‎Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta also described the First Lady as a “global icon”, considering her influence beyond the shores of Nigeria and Africa.

‎“It is fitting to call you a global icon because we are proud of the way you represented Nigeria on the global stage,” he added.

Oborevwori also commended the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the Free to Shine programme and the distribution of medical kits to midwives in the region.

‎‎He particularly praised Oluremi for her respect for traditional institutions, describing it as “exemplary”.

‎“That singular act of love and respect made a lot of things easier for me as governor,” he said.

‎The governor reassured the First Lady that the people of Delta would continue to support President Tinubu and his reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‎Prominent dignitaries and political leaders attended the event, including the immediate past governor of the state, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Sen. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, and Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Emomotimi Guwor among others.

‎The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi was also at the Olu of Warri’s Palace and was well received by the sons and daughters of Warri Kingdom. (NAN)