Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the prestigious title of Utukpa-Oritse of the Warri Kingdom in Delta State, recognising her years of public service and humanitarian work. The honour was bestowed on Thursday during a colourful ceremony hosted by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in Warri. According to a statement from her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady used the occasion to emphasise the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria. The title Utukpa-Oritse, also known as Ugbone or “Light of God,” symbolises the kingdom’s appreciation for her advocacy for women’s empowerment and social welfare initiatives. With maternal roots in Warri, Senator Tinubu described the recognition as a deeply meaningful call to renewed service. Addressing guests, she urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divisions and embrace harmony. “The Bible tells us in Psalm 133, verses 1 to 3, that it is pleasant to dwell together in unity, for there is where God commanded blessings,” she said. Through her Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady donated ₦50 million to empower 1,000 petty traders in Warri, further reinforcing her commitment to grassroots economic support. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who attended the ceremony, praised her compassion and consistent engagement with the state, noting her three visits to Delta and her efforts in women’s empowerment. “She has a large heart, and those visits where she flagged off the women’s petty traders’ empowerment and the launch of the Free to Shine campaign encouraged me to make up my mind. May God continue to empower you to continue to put smiles on the faces of more Nigerians,” he said. The Olu of Warri commended the First Lady for her exemplary leadership and urged citizens to put past grievances aside in the interest of peace and progress. “We are proud of who you are and who you have become. Our women know how to take very good care of their husbands. Thank you for being a very good example to our girls and women,” he stated. The event drew prominent figures, including former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, top government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Senator Tinubu has previously received multiple traditional honours, including Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua from the Ooni of Ife in December 2025, Iya Oba of Ikorodu in August 2025, Sarauniyar Yaki (Warrior Queen) by the Akko Emirate in October 2025, and Ugosimba 1 of Enugu in June 2025. She also holds the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). On the international stage, she was recently praised by United States President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in February 2026, who described her as a “very respected woman” and acknowledged her dual role as Nigeria’s First Lady and ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu was also honoured in May 2025 by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council with the title Dike Si Mba Anambra, meaning “Hero from Outside” or “Mighty Warrior,” in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the state.
