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By Jethro Ibileke
The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has lauded First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage.
The revered monarch, who also called for collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the Oba Ewuare II Foundation, spoke on Thursday when Mrs Tinubu paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Benin City.
The visit was part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oba and the First Lady’s official visit to Edo State to commission CNG buses and empower 5,000 women.
In an address delivered by his daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu Ewuare, the Oba said he was proud of the First Lady’s international engagements, including the acknowledgement she recently received from US President Donald Trump.
He said such recognition was not only an honour to her but also a pride to the entire nation, as it boosts Nigeria’s image internationally.
The Oba urged Mrs Tinubu to partner with his Foundation to drive programmes targeted at women, children, families and vulnerable persons.
According to him, the Oba Ewuare II Foundation was set up to uphold Edo cultural values and dignity while intervening in critical areas of human development.
He listed its focus areas to include scholarships for indigent students, promotion of Edo language, vocational and skills acquisition training, and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
He noted that a partnership would help scale up these interventions and address the plight of vulnerable groups, stressing that empowering women and youths was key to building stable families and a secured future.
The monarch reiterated the readiness of the Benin Palace to collaborate with government and credible institutions to advance peace, unity and development.
In a symbolic gesture, Oba Ewuare II presented the First Lady with a Benin Coral Bead, which he said represents honour and goodwill.
He offered prayers for her success and safe trip.
Responding, Senator Tinubu said she was in Edo on the invitation of Governor Monday Okpebholo to commission the state’s newly acquired CNG buses.
She said her Renewed Hope Initiative would continue to champion the cause of women and the vulnerable.
The First Lady said: “I am deeply honoured to be here and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Your Royal Majesty on the throne. I wish you continued good health, long life, prosperity, joy, peace, and happiness.
“Serving in public office comes with significant responsibilities, but when God gives an assignment, He also provides the strength to fulfil it.
“Having served in the legislature for 12 years, I understand lawmaking, but the executive has the opportunity to impact lives directly.
“Our goal is to lay strong foundations that will create lasting change, improve living conditions, reduce transportation costs through initiatives such as CNG buses, and promote sustainable development that will benefit generations to come.
“I am delighted to return to this special palace, which holds a meaningful place in my heart, and I pray for continued progress, unity, and prosperity for all.”
English (US) ·