Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the traditional title of Utukpa-Oritse of the Warri Kingdom in recognition of her public service and humanitarian contributions.
The conferment took place on Thursday during a ceremony in Warri, Delta State, where she was received by the monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse. III.
According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady used the occasion to emphasise the importance of national unity and social cohesion.
The title Utukpa-Oritse, also known as Ugbone, meaning “Light of God,” reflects the kingdom’s recognition of Senator Tinubu’s contributions to women’s empowerment and social welfare.
The First Lady, whose maternal roots trace to Warri, described the honour as deeply symbolic and a reaffirmation of her commitment to service.
Speaking during the event, she urged Nigerians to embrace unity irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political differences.
“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.
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She assured residents of continued government support and commended the efforts of the state administration, noting that the governor had been doing “a good job so far in the state”.
As part of her outreach, the First Lady, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, donated ₦50 million to support 1,000 women petty traders in the kingdom.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who was among the dignitaries that attended the event, described the First Lady as compassionate and consistent in her engagement with the state.
Oborevwori said that she had visited Delta on three occasions.
“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,” he said.
“May God continue to empower you to continue to put smiles on the faces of more Nigerians.”
In his remarks, the Olu of Warri urged citizens to let go of past grievances to foster peace and development, stating that the kingdom was proud of the First Lady.
“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 noted.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, members of the state government, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
Senator Tinubu has received honours and traditional titles from different parts of Nigeria.
In December 2025, the Ooni of Ife gave her the title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua, a title once held by the late HID Awolowo.
She was also named 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 has also received national honours. She is a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), one of Nigeria’s top awards.
Internationally, she was recently praised by United States President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in February 2026
Trump called her a “very respected woman” and highlighted that she is both Nigeria’s First Lady and an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu also received a traditional title in May 2025.
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