Oba of Benin honours First Lady with royal coral beads

Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday inaugurated 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to improve transportation in Edo State.

Mrs Tinubu also launched a N1 billion economic empowerment programme for 5,000 beneficiaries to strengthen small businesses in the state.

Speaking, Tinubu said both initiatives of Governor Monday Okpebholo demonstrated his love for Edo people.

While noting that the empowerment initiative would promote economic opportunities for women, youths and vulnerable groups in the state, the First Lady added: “I am glad to be in Edo today for the commissioning of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the benefit of the people,” she said.

She commended the Edo State Government for introducing the initiatives, describing them as important steps towards improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth.

She said the state government is empowering 5,000 beneficiaries with N200,000 each to strengthen their livelihoods, support small businesses and promote financial independence.

“I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,” she said.

Earlier, Okpebholo described her visit as a demonstration of care, compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people.”

MEANWHILE, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has honoured the First Lady with the prestigious Benin traditional coral beads, known as ‘Ikele’.

With the honour, Mrs Tinubu becomes the first Nigerian First Lady to be decorated with the royal beads, a symbol of warm welcome and appreciation for her goodwill towards the Benin throne.

She was decorated yesterday at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City during a courtesy visit to traditional rulers drawn from the three senatorial districts of Edo State.

Mrs Tinubu is the third prominent Nigerian woman to receive the Ikele. The bead had previously been bestowed on retired Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, and former Zonal Director, NTA Benin Network Centre, Mrs Pauline Igbanor.