Hon. Dr. Hope George JP, Senior Aide to Governor of Delta State, Joins His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, to Welcome Nigeria’s First Lady to Warri
By Wilson Macaulay
A prominent political figure and illustrious son of Warri Kingdom, Hon. Dr. Hope George, JP, Senior Aide to the Governor of Delta State, has joined His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, to accord a grand and memorable welcome to the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her proposed visit to Warri on Thursday 26th February 2026.
The high-profile visit, which has generated excitement across Warri Kingdom and the wider Niger Delta region, is widely regarded as historic, given the First Lady’s maternal roots in the Itsekiri nation of Warri Kingdom. Her visit is therefore seen not only as an official engagement but also as a symbolic homecoming that reflects deep cultural and ancestral ties with the Itsekiri people.
Hon. Dr. Hope George, a respected political leader and influential stakeholder in Warri South politics, is participating in the royal reception in support of the revered Monarch to ensure that the First Lady’s visit is marked by dignity, splendour, and cultural significance. His involvement underscores the unity of political leadership and traditional authority in celebrating the First Lady’s historic engagement with her maternal homeland.
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Sources within Warri Kingdom disclosed that elaborate arrangements have been made by the palace of the Olu of Warri to receive Senator Oluremi Tinubu in accordance with the rich cultural traditions of the Itsekiri people. The visit is expected to feature traditional rites, cultural displays, and high-level interactions with community leaders, political stakeholders, and Palace chiefs.
The Ogiame Atuwatse III personal hosting of the First Lady reflects the strong bond between the Warri Monarchy and the Nigerian state, as well as the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in national cohesion and cultural diplomacy.
Observers note that the monarch’s leadership has continued to strengthen the global visibility of Warri Kingdom, promote cultural heritage, and foster partnerships that advance development and unity within the Niger Delta.
Hon. Dr. Hope George Will be on ground at the reception in the palace to honor the First Lady. This embrace is viewed by political watchers as highly significant. Known for his grassroots influence and strong political network in Warri South, Hon Dr Hope George is widely described as a political juggernaut whose contributions have shaped governance and political mobilization within the area.
As a senior aide aligned with the developmental vision of the Delta State Government, his decision to join the royal welcome reflects his commitment to strengthening collaboration between government institutions and traditional authorities.
Political analysts say his willingness to participate in the First Lady Visit also highlight the importance of Warri Kingdom in the broader political and socio-economic landscape of Delta State and the Niger Delta region at large.
Hon Dr Hope George stated that
The First Lady’s visit is expected to reinforce cultural identity and national unity, particularly in recognizing her maternal Itsekiri heritage. He described the visit as a moment of pride for the people of Warri, noting that it will further cement the historical and cultural relevance of the kingdom within Nigeria’s national narrative.
Residents and stakeholders across Warri Kingdom have expressed enthusiasm over the visit, emphasizing that it will strengthen relationships between the Federal Government and the people of the region while promoting cultural preservation and social development.
The visit is anticipated to deliver significant social and political impact, including stronger federal engagement with the region, enhanced recognition of traditional institutions, and renewed commitment to development initiatives that will benefit the Niger Delta people.
For Warri Kingdom, the support efforts of Hon Dr Hope George in joining Ogiame Atuwatse III in welcoming the First Lady represent a powerful display of unity, leadership, and cultural pride. The event is expected to stand as a landmark moment in the kingdom’s contemporary history and a testament to its enduring relevance in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
As preparations continue, anticipation remains high that the visit of Senator Oluremi Tinubu will not only be memorable but will also further strengthen the bonds between her ancestral roots and the people of Warri Kingdom.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 23RD 2026)
