Awka, Anambra — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described Ndigbo as “very nice” and hospitable people, saying she was impressed by the warm reception she received during her one-day working visit to Anambra State on Thursday.
Tinubu made the remarks while addressing traditional rulers, government officials and residents in Awka.
She was in the state to launch the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East geopolitical zone, commission an ICT centre and support empowerment initiatives.
“Igbos are very nice people. My best friend in secondary school was an Igbo girl. In high school and tertiary institution, we were all Igbo because they said I look like an Igbo girl,” the First Lady said.
She recalled that people often spoke the Igbo language to her in her younger days, assuming she was from the South-East, until she corrected them. Tinubu added that Anambra holds a special place in her heart and thanked the people for their hospitality.
The First Lady was conferred with the traditional title of Ugo Eze Anambra (meaning “the glory of the king” or “Royal Eagle”) by traditional rulers representing the 179 communities in the state.
The honour was presented by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi, at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in recognition of her compassionate work nationwide.
Responding to the title, Tinubu said: “I feel deeply honoured by the conferment of a chieftaincy title by the royal fathers of this state. Igbo are very nice people.”
She emphasised national unity, stating that the gathering was not a political campaign but an opportunity for Nigerians to come together. “We are not here to campaign but we gathered here as Nigerians. I will come again for campaign. Any place you find yourselves, try to know your brothers across Nigeria,” she said.
During the visit, Tinubu launched the National Community Food Bank for the South-East at the Old Government House in Amawbia. She also commissioned a TETFund ICT Experience Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, and supported a statewide empowerment programme led by Anambra First Lady Dr Nonye Soludo. She announced cash grants of ₦100,000 each for thousands of beneficiaries, contributing to a support package of about ₦500 million.
Tinubu was warmly received on arrival at the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his wife and other state officials. The event was attended by first ladies from several states, traditional rulers and community groups.
The First Lady’s comments came as she completed the zonal rollout of the food bank initiative across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, underscoring her focus on food security, women’s empowerment and national cohesion.
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