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The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has honoured Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with the traditional Benin coral beads known as Ikele, in recognition of her goodwill towards the traditional institution.
The honour, which makes her the first Nigerian First Lady to receive the traditional beads, was conferred during her visit to the palace of the Benin monarch in Benin City on Thursday.
The First Lady was accompanied to the palace by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and their counterparts’ wives from Kogi, Kwara, Zamfara and Cross River states, as well as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mrs Tinubu is the third prominent Nigerian woman to receive the honour.
The other recipients are a retired Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, and former Zonal Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Benin Network Centre, Mrs Pauline Igbanor.
In an address delivered on behalf of the monarch by his eldest daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu-Ewuare, Oba Ewuare II reflected on his reign, describing it as a period of service, renewal and sustained efforts to preserve Benin cultural heritage.
“The palace remained committed to strengthening traditional institutions, promoting peace and unity, and advancing the welfare of the people,” he stated.
The monarch also commended the First Lady for her representation of Nigeria on the international stage, particularly her recent recognition by United States President Donald Trump.
He prayed for divine wisdom and strength for President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to discharge their responsibilities effectively, while seeking God’s blessings and the support of the ancestors for the nation’s leadership.
Responding, Mrs Tinubu expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions.
She also announced plans to work with rural women through her Renewed Hope Initiative, an intervention programme focused on improving the welfare and economic opportunities of vulnerable groups.
The First Lady highlighted some of the Federal Government’s social and economic empowerment programmes, including grants targeted at rural women, elderly citizens, vulnerable Nigerians and persons living with disabilities.
She said her visit to Edo for the commissioning of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses acquired by the state government.
Mrs Tinubu also conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill message to the Benin monarch as he marked the 10th anniversary of his coronation.
She noted, “The President asked her to convey his appreciation for the monarch’s support and wish him well on the milestone.”
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