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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori , on Thursday, February 26, 2026 described Nigerians as fortunate to have a humble and compassionate First Lady who genuinely cares for the poor and vulnerable.

The governor spoke at a grand homecoming reception held in honour of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, at the palace of the Olu of Warri.

Addressing a jubilant crowd that filled the palace grounds from the early hours of the morning, Oborevwori praised the First Lady’s years in the Senate, noting that she consistently distinguished herself in the Red Chambers through people-focused legislation and advocacy.

He joined the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, in celebrating Senator Tinubu as a worthy daughter of the Itsekiri nation with an outstanding record of public service.

“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 Senator Tinubu’s third official visit to Delta State in two years, recalling her August 2024 visit to Asaba to flag off the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme for the South-South, as well as her March 2025 visit to launch the Free to Shine programme, during which 10,000 professional kits were distributed to midwives across the region.

He particularly commended the First Lady’s respect for traditional institutions, recounting how she had, on a previous visit, taken time outside the formal programme to honour royal fathers.

“That singular act of love and respect made a lot of things easier for me as governor. Even when we were in the opposition, she showed us love. God will continue to bless you,” Oborevwori said.

The governor also lauded Senator Tinubu’s international recognition, referencing her participation at the 4th National Prayer Congress in the United States, where she was publicly acknowledged as a highly respected woman.

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

Reaffirming Delta State’s support for President Bola Tinubu and his reforms, Oborevwori assured the First Lady that the state would continue to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda for national development.

“Please tell our leader, 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 governor also highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects in Warri and its environs, including the completion of the over 20-kilometre Trans-Warri Road with 15 bridges and the Enerhen flyover constructed by Julius Berger, with further extensions planned towards the Nigerian Ports Authority corridor.

In her remarks, Senator Tinubu described the reception and cultural displays as deeply moving, calling her visit a true homecoming filled with gratitude and pride.

She thanked the Olu of Warri for the honour accorded her and said her Itsekiri heritage had played a foundational role in shaping her values and public life.

Reflecting on national unity, the First Lady noted the coincidence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim fasting period, urging Nigerians to embrace unity beyond ethnic and religious lines.

As part of her Renewed Hope Initiative, she announced a ₦50 million empowerment package for 1,000 women engaged in petty trading in the kingdom and pledged additional support for young men in collaboration with the state government.

Earlier, Ogiame Atuwatse III described the visit as divinely ordained and symbolic of a new season of unity and healing for the Niger Delta and Nigeria, praising the First Lady’s humility, grace, and unwavering support for her husband.

The colourful ceremony attracted top political leaders, including former governors , lawmakers, senior government officials, and traditional rulers, and was marked by vibrant cultural performances and solidarity chants celebrating what the governor described as the people’s “organic and unwavering support” for leadership anchored on service and compassion.