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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Osodieme” during a state visit to Imo State, where she expressed gratitude to traditional rulers for the honour.
The title, which translates to “One Who Does Like Her Husband” or “She Does Like Her Husband,” was bestowed upon the First Lady at a gathering of traditional rulers from the South-East and South-West, including the Oni of Ife and the Obi of Onitsha.
“Today is really a great day in Imo State. I’ve been coming to Imo State several times; I can’t even count. But today is quite a humbling day for me,” Tinubu said.
“The title that I was given today, I believe that it is with the approval of all of you. From what you have seen me do in public, and also secretly.”
The first lady recalled that when she first visited the state, only a few traditional rulers were present, noting that the large turnout at Wednesday’s event reflected the progress made.
“Because I remember the first time we came here, there were very few Ezes that were present. But today, I see all of you in your numbers, and I appreciate all of you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
She said the improvements in security had made travel to the region easier, adding, “I remember the first time we came, we were even scared to come because of the sit-at-home. And we see how light is beginning to shine all over Nigeria.”
Tinubu said she had hit the ground running since the administration began and thanked God for giving her the strength to continue.
“I believe that if you haven’t seen some, you wouldn’t be seated here. Because I know that you are not people who flatter anyone,” she said.
“We made promises, and you can see that since we started, that I hit the ground running. God has given me the wherewithal to continue.”
She urged the traditional rulers to continue supporting the administration, saying, “Nigeria belongs to us. The good of this nation will benefit all of us.”
She prayed for peace in the South-East and for the success of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“God will make your reign to be peaceful, and the Southeast will know peace. We are beginning to see it,” she said.
Tinubu said the programme, made possible through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, empowers 500 women in each of the five South-East states — Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
She added that the Imo State Government had provided 2,000 additional empowerment items, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in the state to 2,500.
The First Lady said she had decided to add N100,000 to each of the beneficiaries, totalling N250 million.
“Because of what the governor has done, I’ve decided to add a hundred thousand naira to each of the beneficiaries, making 250 million,” she said.
Tinubu said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusivity, economic growth and sustainable development for all Nigerians, particularly women’s economic empowerment.
“Recognising the critical role women play in nation-building, this programme aligns with the renewed agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises inclusivity, economic growth and sustainable development for all Nigerians, particularly women’s economic empowerment,” she said.
She encouraged beneficiaries to use the resources judiciously to grow their businesses.
“Let these items serve as a foundation for creating a better life for yourselves and your families,” Tinubu said.
