By Simeon OSAJIE
The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom has commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for projecting the country’s image positively on the international stage.
The monarch also called for a strategic partnership between the Office of the First Lady and the Oba Ewuare II Foundation to promote the welfare of women, children, families and other vulnerable members of society.
Oba Ewuare II made the commendation while receiving the First Lady at the Benin Palace during her visit to Edo State to participate in activities marking the 10th anniversary of his coronation.
In his welcome address, read by his first daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Ewuare, the monarch expressed pride in the First Lady’s international engagements and her efforts to showcase Nigeria to the global community.
“I welcome you all back home. I will always love you as my father did. We are proud of you as the First Lady of Nigeria, particularly because of the way you showcase Nigeria abroad. We are so proud of you,” he said.
The traditional ruler also highlighted the recognition and commendation reportedly received by the First Lady from United States President Donald Trump, describing it as a source of pride for Nigeria.
He noted that the recognition reflected positively on the country’s international image and underscored the importance of representing Nigeria with dignity and distinction on the global stage.
The monarch subsequently urged Senator Tinubu to consider collaborating with the Oba Ewuare II Foundation to strengthen initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women, children, young people and vulnerable communities.
He explained that the foundation was established to preserve the cultural values and dignity of the Edo people while advancing their welfare through practical programmes in education, empowerment and social development.
According to him, the foundation’s interventions include scholarships for children and young people, the promotion of Edo language education, vocational training, skills acquisition and the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
The Benin monarch expressed optimism that a partnership with the Office of the First Lady would expand the reach of these programmes and provide additional support for vulnerable populations across the country.
“Empowering women, protecting children and providing young people with access to education and economic opportunities are essential to building stronger families and securing the nation’s future,” the monarch said.
Oba Ewuare II reaffirmed the commitment of the Benin traditional institution to working with government and other responsible organisations to advance peace, justice, unity and national development.
As part of the reception, the monarch presented Senator Tinubu with traditional Benin coral beads as a mark of honour, goodwill and appreciation for her visit to the palace.
He also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and strength for the First Lady in the discharge of her responsibilities, while wishing her and members of her entourage a safe journey to their next destination.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu expressed delight at visiting the Benin Palace and acknowledged the presence of dignitaries who gathered for the occasion.
She explained that her visit to Edo State was facilitated by the state governor and included the commissioning of several projects, among them 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
The First Lady also conveyed the greetings of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Benin monarch.
She described the timing of her visit, which coincided with the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary, as divinely ordained and prayed for more fruitful years for the traditional ruler.
“My husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sends his greetings. This visit is divinely ordained by God, as it coincides with the monarch’s 10th anniversary. I pray to God for more fruitful years,” she said.