Remi Tinubu Receives Chieftaincy Title in Warri, Calls for National Unity

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday paid a homecoming visit to Warri Kingdom in Delta State, where she received an honorary chieftaincy title and urged Nigerians to embrace unity beyond ethnic and religious divides.

Warri Kingdom is the First Lady’s maternal ancestral home.

Accompanied by notable traditional rulers from the South West, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Mrs Tinubu was received with a grand ceremony attended by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, members of the National Assembly, and other dignitaries.

During the event at the royal palace of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III conferred on the First Lady the honorary chieftaincy title of Utukpa-Oritse of Warri Kingdom, meaning “Bearer of Light and Prosperity.”

Mrs Tinubu described the occasion as a homecoming filled with gratitude and pride, acknowledging her Itsekiri heritage as foundational to her values and public service.

She announced a N50 million empowerment package for 1,000 women engaged in petty trading in Warri Kingdom through her Renewed Hope Initiative, and pledged further support for young men in collaboration with the Delta State Government.

Reflecting on national unity, Mrs Tinubu highlighted the coinciding Christian Lenten season and Muslim fasting period as a call for togetherness, citing Psalm 133, and emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace unity beyond ethnic and religious divides.

The Olu of Warri described her visit as divinely ordained and symbolic of a new season of unity, healing, and alignment for the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. He praised her humility and strong support for her husband while presenting requests on behalf of the people.

Addressing the crowd at the palace, Governor Oborevwori praised the First Lady’s performance during her time in the Senate, noting that she consistently supported policies that positively impacted Nigerians.

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

Oborevwori noted that the visit marked the First Lady’s third official trip to Delta State in two years. He recalled her August 2024 visit to launch the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme for the South-South in Asaba, and her March 2025 visit to introduce the Free to Shine programme, during which 10,000 professional kits were distributed to midwives across the region.

The governor also commended her respect for traditional institutions and her international recognition, referencing her participation at the 4th National Prayer Congress in the United States.

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

Reaffirming Delta State’s support for President Bola Tinubu and his reforms, the governor assured the First Lady of continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Please tell 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.

The visit also provided a platform for the governor to outline ongoing infrastructure projects in Warri, including the Trans-Warri Road and the Enerhen flyover, with plans for further expansion toward the Nigerian Ports Authority corridor.