ENUGU, Nigeria – In a heartwarming display of Igbo culture and royal hospitality, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was conferred with the revered chieftaincy title of Ugosimba 1 of Enugu State during a historic ceremony held by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council on Tuesday, as part of her two-day working visit to the South East.
The investiture, which took place in the serene capital of Enugu, highlighted the deep-rooted tradition of the Igbo people in honouring distinguished personalities whose public service and humanitarian impact have transcended regional boundaries. “Ugosimba” loosely translates to “the precious daughter who radiates beauty and strength,” a name the royal fathers deemed fitting for the First Lady.
Presiding over the conferment was the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, who described Senator Tinubu as a paragon of service, compassion, and national unity. According to him, the First Lady’s devotion to midwives, nurses, and vulnerable groups across Nigeria has not gone unnoticed.
“Our First Lady served three terms in the Senate and was honored with the national title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Nobody could say she was silent in the parliament,” Igwe Asadu said. “But more importantly, we honour the humanitarian side of her-clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and caring for the sick. As a nurse myself, I appreciate your concern for health workers. This title is our token of gratitude.”
Visibly touched by the gesture, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her deep appreciation to the Government and people of Enugu State, describing the experience as deeply humbling and spiritually uplifting. She praised the traditional institution for preserving the rich Igbo culture and values of honour, peace, and dignity.
“Today is indeed a great honour to me and to my family. I love your state-it is such a very peaceful state with a serene ambience. I felt peace in my spirit the moment I arrived here,” she said to thunderous applause from dignitaries and royal fathers.
The First Lady, whose visit included inspection of social welfare programs, reaffirmed her belief in Nigeria’s unity through diversity, stressing that honouring traditional heritage strengthens national identity. She added that the title was not just personal but symbolic of the bond between the presidency and the people of Enugu State.
“It is not that I have not received titles before, but this one is very special. I believe it is divinely ordained. As you have honoured me today, Enugu State will continue to experience goodwill. This moment will remain etched in my heart forever,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu also acknowledged that the honour was a tribute to her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and their entire family. She pledged to remain a friend of Enugu and a promoter of peace, cultural pride, and inclusive development in the South East.
The ceremony was further enriched by Igbo traditional music, dance, and displays of royal regalia-demonstrating Enugu’s legendary hospitality and cultural grace. For the people of Enugu, the visit by Nigeria’s First Lady was more than symbolic; it was a celebration of unity, respect, and the timeless warmth of Igbo heritage. GMTNewsng
