Wellington Okirika Hails Remi Tinubu’s Warri visit, Urges Niger Delta Unity, Development Focus
By Tessy Ogbemi
A prominent Niger Delta leader and Bolowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief (Dr.) Wellington O. Okirika (CON), popularly known as Mr. 13% Derivation Fund, has commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her recent visit to Warri, Delta State, describing it as a “homecoming” that carries great promise for the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Okirika made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Friday, where he described the First Lady’s visit as timely and reassuring to the people of the region.
According to him, the visit demonstrated genuine identification with the Niger Delta people and was widely welcomed and celebrated across Delta State without ethnic, religious or political colouration.
“We thank you for identifying with your Niger Delta people. We are happy with your visit, which was celebrated across the state without ethnic sentiments or division. Indeed, it was a true homecoming,” Okirika said.
The traditional leader noted that the First Lady’s presence in the state had rekindled hope among residents and reinforced their sense of belonging within the Nigerian federation.
He urged Niger Deltans to seize the moment by embracing unity beyond ethnic and religious divides, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved through collective purpose and peaceful engagement.
“The people of the Niger Delta must embrace unity and focus on initiatives and ventures that will attract development to the region. Unity remains our strongest asset,” he added.
Okirika also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing sons and daughters of the Niger Delta into key positions in his administration, describing the gesture as a step toward inclusive governance and national integration.
He called for continued engagement between the Federal Government and stakeholders in the Niger Delta to address long-standing developmental challenges and unlock the region’s full potential.
